Chad

Terror attacks are a significant risk in Chad. They could happen anywhere and at any time. In the past, attacks have occurred in the capital of N'Djamena.

Attacks could target foreigners or foreign interests, such as:

• hotels, restaurants and bars
• places of worship
• markets and other shopping areas

In particular, to protect yourself from terrorism:

• when planning your travel, consider areas known to be terrorist targets and the level of security they provide
• if there's a terror attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to do so
• avoid the affected area in the aftermath of an attack because of the risk of secondary attacks

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorist hotspots

The Lake Chad region is one of the world’s most protracted conflict and crisis environments.

Armed groups are active in many parts of Chad. Regional terrorist groups could also launch attacks.

Fighting between government forces and armed groups can also occur anywhere without warning.

Chad's border with Sudan is currently closed until further notice. The border between Chad and Central African Republic has been closed. There is instability in neighbouring Central African Republic. In May 2021, there were reports of armed groups entering south-western Chad from the Central African Republic before being repelled by Chadian forces. Civil unrest in Southern Chad has also resulted in deaths.

The area bordering Libya is heavily land-mined. The northern regions of Borkou, Ennedi and Tibesti remain unsafe.

Armed groups are active along the borders with:

• Libya
• Sudan
• Nigeria (around the lake Chad Basin)
• the Central African Republic

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is a risk in remote areas of Africa's Sahel region, which includes Chad. Foreigners, including Australians, have been victims.

Kidnappers may target foreigners, including humanitarian workers. 

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:

• get professional security advice
• vary your daily routines
• avoid places popular with foreigners
• avoid unnecessary travel in remote areas
• arrange personal security measures

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism
• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests

If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad, remain vigilant. The security situation in Chad remains volatile with an ongoing risk of violent conflict and civil unrest in all parts of the country. Movement restrictions could be implemented at short notice. In the event of a rapid deterioration in security, activate your security arrangements and consider leaving by commercial means if it's safe to do so.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid large crowds, gatherings, political rallies, demonstrations and protests. 

Violent clashes have occurred between protesters and security forces. 

The Lake Chad region remains volatile. The north has seen violent conflict. The south-west has also been affected by armed groups. The east of the country remain prone to violence. Violent clashes between security forces and protestors occurred in N'Djamena and Southern Chad in 2021 and 2022, resulting in deaths. 

There are many displaced people throughout Chad.

If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad:

• take precautions to ensure your safety
• avoid all conflict zones, large gatherings, protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for unrest or conflict
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Serious crime is increasing across Chad, including in N'Djamena. Incidents include:

• armed robbery
• kidnapping
• carjacking
• murder

Some crimes specifically target foreigners.

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and other petty crime occurs in market and commercial areas.

The risk of crime increases at night, but it also common during the daytime.

Local security forces, or people posing as them, may try to extort money from travellers through:

• fake fines
• intimidation

If you travel to Chad despite our advice, to protect yourself from petty crime:

• avoid having large amounts of cash
• always keep car windows and doors locked, even when moving
• secure your hotel room against intruders, even when you're in it
• avoid walking on the street in N'Djamena, even for short distances
• avoid travel around N'Djamena at night

Cyber Security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

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. Widespread floors in 2022 impacted 18 of Chad's 23 Provinces.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad and you're visiting an area recently affected by severe weather or natural disaster:

• confirm your plans with your employer, tour operator or airline
• check conditions with your employer, local tour operators and hotels

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

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.

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:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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 or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

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:

• filariasis
• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes
• consider taking medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions before you do anything that puts you at risk of infection.

Waterborne, foodborne and infectious diseases are common. These include:

• cholera
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• rabies
• COVID-19

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked foo, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

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:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

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:

• medical facilities are very limited
• medications are in short supply
• hygiene standards are poor

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 to a location with better facilities. Medical evacuations are very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations.

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.

Drugs

Penalties for using, possessing or trafficking drugs are severe. Offenders can expect long jail sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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:

• military zones, assets and personnel
• police assets and personnel
• airports
• government buildings

In Chad, it's illegal to:

• participate in same-sex activities
• buy or sell precious gems without a licence
• export precious gems without permission

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Chad recognises dual nationality. If you are a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you are arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Respect local religions and social traditions to avoid offending locals.

Same-sex relationships aren't widely accepted in Chad.

Avoid public displays of affection regardless of your sexual orientation.

Religious festivals

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.

Visas

You need to obtain a visa to visit Chad prior to arrival. 

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

Border measures

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 must provide a valid certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter the country.
For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers, a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test is required before arrival in Chad. This test must be within 96 hours before arrival.

A face mask is required in some circumstances.

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:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Land borders

The border with Sudan is closed until further notice. 

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.

Borders may close without warning. 

We recommend against travel to either CAR or Libya.

More information:

• Sudan
• Central African Republic travel advice
• Libya travel advice

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

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 are only accepted by:

• a few hotels in N'Djamena
• Air France

Bring enough cash to meet your needs.

Landmines

Extensive minefields are present along the borders with:

• Libya
• Sudan
• Central African Republic

If you travel to these areas despite our advice, don't stray off marked tracks.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications outside of N'Djamena are unreliable.

Satellite phones are illegal in Chad.

Road travel

Road travel in Chad is dangerous due to:

• carjacking and robbery from cars
• armed groups
• bandits
• driving hazards

Hazards include:

• poor street lighting
• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• high speeds
• dust storms
• crowding on roads, including with pedestrians, animals and non-motorised vehicles

Traffic incidents can provoke an aggressive or violent response from locals.

Carjackings on roads outside N’Djamena are increasing, even in daylight hours.

There have been reports of armed robberies, particularly from cars, in some residential areas of N’Djamena. Foreigners are sometimes targeted.

Avoid travelling by foot at all times in N’Djamena. People have reported assaults, even in daylight hours.

Flooding can occur. This can make some roads impassable, especially during the rainy season from June to September.

If you're travelling outside N'Djamena, you:

• need authorisation from the Ministry of Interior
• must travel by 4WD only

Quality of fuel purchased in rural areas may be poor.

Despite our advice, if you intend to drive in Chad:

• check local security and road conditions
• seek local advice on possible routes
• make sure you have enough travel insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• make contingency plans
• adopt appropriate personal and vehicle security measures

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis and public transport

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:

• avoid local taxis
• avoid public transport
• hire a car and driver from a reputable company

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 18.

Medical emergencies

Call 2251 4242 in N'Djamena or go straight to the hospital.

Police

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.

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. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help to Australians in Chad is extremely limited. 

For consular help, you can contact the Australian Embassy in Paris.

Australian Embassy, 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
Facebook: L'Australie en France
Twitter: AusAmbFR

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia