Sudan & Tchad visas

[sebch]

Hi all,

The quest for visas has started in order to drive off mid-february. Algeria is Ok as well as Niger, but from there, I have a few questions.

Tchad: I read in the "Africa on a shoestring" (Lonely planet) that you can get the visa in Niamey (" for a hefty 50'000 CFa"). From switzerland, I'd need to go or send to Paris anyway, so I'm considering getting it in Niger since it will save time berfore departure. Only thing is: has this Niamey possibility changed since the guide was edited (2000)? Are the visas still issued on the spot there?

Sudan: I really don't feel like being stuck for 3 wweks in N'Djamena waiting for Khartoum's good wil to travel back to their chadian embasy... So I really want this visa stamped in my passport before leaving. BUT, here in Switzerland, the sudansese embassy asks for a 600 USD per person deposit when you say you'll be entering by car. Is this at all normal ? Should I go this way or are they just bullshitting me? Are there other places en route to get this visa before N'djamena without being stuck for weeks?

Thanks for your advice! Séb

[Toby2]

Niamey did do it on the same day earlier in the year. - go fill out the details in the morning, come back at 2.00 to pick up. Think it was about 15000CFA but not sure. Sudan - we went to Ndjamena and got it on the spot - sat there for about 2 hours whilst they did it. (They wanted to see Carnet so had to go and get that). Obviously a gamble though because have to go there to see what turn around one is getting - could quite easily have to sit and wait for 3 weeks. Lots of other travellers where heading to Abuja in Nigeria to get it there as they have a more well known 24 hour service - don't know if this is still happening. 3rd way which the overland trucks do is they apply in another country along the way, they were all using Morrocco. The details are sent of to Khartoum to get processed and they agree to pick up further along the route, think most used Nigeria. The Sudanese didn't need to send the passport, just the details and then take the passport in to hopefuly have the completed visa put in at the end location. Forget what we paid but only something like US$20 per visa.

[hed]

SEb,

I will be in Niamey before the end of the year trying to do exactly what you want to do, planning to cross through Chad Sudan early in the new year. I will post here on my success or not.

Cheers,

Heye