23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 18.
Call 2251 4242 in N'Djamena or go straight to the hospital.
Call 17, or go to the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Chad.
Do not travel to Chad due to:
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terror attacks are a significant risk in Chad. They could happen anywhere and at any time.
Chad is fighting against the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram. Boko Haram may retaliate against Chad.
A state of emergency is in force in the Lake Chad area. This is due to the risk of attacks by Boko Haram.
Armed groups are active in many parts of Chad. Regional terrorist groups could also launch attacks.
Attacks could target Westerners or Western interests, such as:
Kidnapping is a risk in remote areas of Africa's Sahel region, which includes Chad.
Kidnappers may target humanitarian workers.
Regional terrorist groups have:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad:
In particular, to protect yourself from terrorism:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
On 20 April, the Chadian army announced the death of President Idriss Déby, following violent armed confrontations with rebels. This was followed by 14 days of national mourning.
On 21 April, the Chadian government announced that the Hassan Djamous International Airport and Chad land borders have been reopened.
The security situation remains volatile with a heightened risk of violent conflict and civil unrest in all parts of the country. Chadian officials could tighten movement restrictions if the security situation deteriorates further. Remain vigilant, activate your security arrangements and consider leaving by commercial means if it's safe to do so.
Events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid crowds, demonstrations or protests.
Fighting between government forces and armed groups can occur anywhere without warning.
The north has seen violent conflict since the national election on 11 April. The east of the country remains prone to violence.
Armed groups are active along the borders with:
There is a large number of displaced people throughout Chad.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad:
More information:
Serious crime is increasing across Chad, including in N'Djamena. Incidents include:
Some crimes target Westerners.
Pickpocketing and other petty crime occurs in market and commercial areas.
The risk of crime increases at night.
Local security forces, or people posing as them, may try to extort money from travellers through:
If you travel to Chad despite our advice, to protect yourself from petty crime:
Severe weather can affect your overseas travel.
The rainy season occurs from May to October in southern Chad, and from June to September in central Chad. Floods are a risk during the rainy season. There is little rain in northern Chad.
If a natural disaster occurs:
If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad and you're visiting an area recently affected by severe weather or natural disaster:
More information:
You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Chad.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars upfront for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Chad. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Chad. Follow the advice of local authorities.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Yellow fever is widespread in Chad. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria is widespread at all times of year.
Other diseases spread by insects also occur. These include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions before you do anything that puts you at risk of infection.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious sometimes outbreaks occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
The standard of medical facilities in Chad varies.
In N'Djamena, there's a private hospital of international standard. Cash payment in advance of treatment is generally requested.
Outside of N'Djamena:
You may need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you.
If you need medical evacuation to N'Djamena, travel by air if possible.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated from N'Djamena to a location with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation is expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for using or possessing drugs are severe.
More information:
Local laws reflect the fact that Chad is mainly a Muslim country. Use your common sense and be discreet in how you dress and behave.
Police checks are common. It's illegal to fail to produce identity documents when requested.
Burqas and other face coverings are banned. This is a measure to combat terrorism.
You need a government permit to take any type of photo. Even if you have a permit, you can't take photos of:
In Chad, it's illegal to:
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Chad recognises dual nationality. If you are a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you are arrested or detained.
More information:
Respect local religions and social traditions to avoid offending locals.
Same-sex relationships aren't widely accepted in Chad.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Chad. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Limited commercial flights into and from the airport of N’Djamena have resumed. Check with your airline for further updates.
If you travel to Chad despite our advice, you'll need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Chad. You'll also need to surrender your passport and quarantine at home for 7 days. You'll need to take another COVID-19 test on your 7th day of quarantine. Your passport will be returned when you show a receipt of your COVID-19 test.
The Government has declared a health emergency and new measures have been introduced.
You must wear a face mask when outdoors.
Attendance at funerals is limited to a maximum of 3 family members. Access to mortuaries is restricted.
If you're remaining in Chad:
You'll need a visa to visit Chad.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Chad for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
The Chadian embassy accredited to Australia is in Beijing, China.
Embassy of Chad in Beijing
Tayuan Diplomatic Building
No. 1 Xin Dong Lu
Beijing, China
Phone: +86 10 8532 3822
Email: ambatchad.beijing@yahoo.fr
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Chad. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Borders may close without warning.
In May 2014, authorities closed the border between Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) until further notice. Only returning Chadian citizens can cross.
In 2017, the border with Libya also closed except for one crossing point.
We recommend against travel to either CAR or Libya.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The currency of Chad is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF). Euros and US dollars are also accepted.
Declare all local and foreign currency more than XAF10,000 on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
ATMs are limited.
Credit cards and other electronic ways to access cash are usually not accepted.
Credit cards and traveller's cheques are only accepted by:
Bring enough cash to meet your needs.
Extensive minefields are present along the borders with:
If you travel to these areas despite our advice, don't stray off marked tracks.
Telecommunications outside of N'Djamena are unreliable.
To communicate with others if you're travelling outside of this area:
Road travel in Chad is dangerous due to:
Hazards include:
Traffic incidents can provoke an aggressive or violent response from locals.
Carjackings on roads outside N’Djamena are increasing, even in daylight hours.
Flooding can occur. This can make some roads impassable, especially during the rainy season from June to September.
Avoid travelling by foot at all times in N’Djamena. People are reporting assaults, even in daylight hours.
If you're travelling outside N'Djamena, you:
Quality of fuel purchased in rural areas may be poor.
Despite our advice, if you intend to drive in Chad:
More information:
Taxis can be unreliable and in poor condition.
Public transport isn't secure and can be unreliable.
If you want to travel by road without driving:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Chad's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, you should contact your:
Call 18.
Call 2251 4242 in N'Djamena or go straight to the hospital.
Call 17, or go to the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Chad.
For consular help, you can contact the Australian Embassy in Paris.
4 rue Jean Rey
Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 40 59 33 00
Email: consular.paris@dfat.gov.au
Website: france.embassy.gov.au
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.