Chad

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.

Terrorist group hotspots

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:

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

Kidnapping is a risk in remote areas of Africa's Sahel region, which includes Chad.

Kidnappers may target humanitarian workers.

Regional terrorist groups have:

• kidnapped people for ransom
• attacked western interests in nearby countries

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:

• seek professional security advice
• use effective personal security measures
• be alert to possible threats at all times
• report any suspicious items or activities to police
• monitor the media and other sources for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously and follow instructions

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.

More information:

• Terrorism
• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests

Anti-government demonstrations occur in Chad. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. 

Security in Chad is volatile. Fighting between government forces and armed groups can occur anywhere without warning.

The east of the country is a particular hotspot for violence.

Armed groups are active along the borders with:

• Libya
• Sudan
• the Central African Republic

There is a large number of displaced people throughout Chad.

If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad:

• avoid all large gatherings, protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for possible 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 target Westerners.

Petty crime

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:

• 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

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:

• 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 tour operator or airline
• check conditions with 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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medications

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 other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• cholera
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• rabies

Serious sometimes outbreaks occur.

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 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.

Drugs

Penalties for using or possessing drugs are severe.

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
• military assets
• military or police personnel
• airports
• government buildings

In Chad, it's illegal to:

• perform some sexual acts between members of the same sex
• 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.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Respect local religions and social traditions to avoid offending locals.

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

Religious festivals

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan  will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

To be respectful during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking and smoking:

• in public
• around people who are fasting

Visa conditions

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

Yellow fever vaccination

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 (PDF 74KB)

Land borders

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:

• 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.

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:

• 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.

To communicate with others if you're travelling outside of this area:

• use a satellite phone
• register your satellite phone with local authorities

Road travel

Road travel in Chad is dangerous due to:

• 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.

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:

• 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.

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.

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

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