Chad, a landlocked country in North-Central Africa, is renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Home to landmarks like Lake Chad, Zakouma National Park, and the Tibesti Mountains, Chad offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure. The country's geography ranges from vast deserts in the north to fertile savannas in the south.

Chadian culture is a vibrant mix of over 140 ethnic groups, reflected in its traditional music, art, and cuisine featuring dishes like mbata and daraba. Known for its warm hospitality and rich literary tradition, Chad presents a captivating destination that combines stunning landscapes with a deep cultural tapestry, despite facing significant political and economic challenges.

Documents

Driving

Currency

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Chad.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Chad.

Visa Requirements

Visa-exempt countries: No countries are fully visa-exempt for Chad. All travelers require a visa unless otherwise specified by diplomatic agreement.
Visa-required countries: Travelers from all nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Chad, either through an embassy, high commission, or the e-Visa system.

Special Entry Provisions

No specific provisions exist for holders of Schengen, US, or UK visas or residence permits to enter Chad without a visa; a Chad-specific visa is required.
Travelers must have confirmed onward or return tickets, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

ID Card Entry

No countries are permitted to enter Chad using only a national ID card. A passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (extendable with approval). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year.
Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 30 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Official Chad e-Visa application portal: https://www.immigration-chad.org/evisa
Visa regime information: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.td/en/visa-information
Chad Immigration Services: https://www.immigration-chad.org/

Additional Considerations

Length of stay: Visa durations vary; tourist stays are typically capped at 30 days unless extended.
Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Chadian embassy or high commission.
COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.

Driving in Chad

Current Toll Roads

As of 2025, Chad has no official toll roads. Major routes like the N’Djamena-Abéché road are publicly funded, but tolls may be introduced on key routes in the future due to infrastructure needs.

Toll Rates and Payment

Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Chad Road Authority.
Payment Methods:
- Cash: Central African CFA Franc (XAF) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
- Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Chad

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is limited.
Speed limits:
- Urban areas: 40 km/h
- Rural roads: 60 km/h
- Highways: 80 km/h
Road conditions: Extremely poor outside major cities like N’Djamena; unpaved, damaged, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (June to September). Armed conflict and banditry also pose risks.
International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a Chadian driver’s license.

Important Considerations

Vignette System: Chad has no vignette system, but road taxes or checkpoints may apply—check locally.
Road Safety: Roads are highly hazardous due to poor maintenance, armed bandits, rebels, and unpredictable driving habits. Avoid all non-essential travel outside major cities, especially in the Lake Chad region and border areas.
GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural areas; keep an updated physical map and a reliable communication device like a satellite phone.
Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (service may be limited, especially in rural areas and conflict zones).

Useful Links

Chad Road Authority: https://www.mpw-chad.gov.td/en/roads (Ministry of Public Works).
Ministry of Transport: https://www.mot-chad.gov.td/
E-Chad Services Portal: https://www.gouv.td/en/services

Chad Currency

The official currency of Chad is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).

Key Information

Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 XAF
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 XAF
Symbol: CFA

Currency Exchange

Exchange services available at banks, N’Djamena International Airport, and major hotels in N’Djamena.
ATMs are extremely limited and only available in N’Djamena for direct XAF withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards may not be accepted due to instability).

Payment Methods

Cash is preferred and often the only option, especially outside urban areas.
Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to a few major hotels and banks in N’Djamena.

Travel Tips

Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use may be unreliable.
Carry sufficient cash for all purchases, as electronic transactions are scarce.
Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging, but cash is the primary method.
For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Central African States website: https://www.beac.int/en/exchange-rates

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Chad

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Chad, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

Drugs: Severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs, including life imprisonment or execution. No tolerance for small amounts.
Alcohol & Smoking:
- Public intoxication is illegal and punishable by fines or detention.
- Smoking banned in public buildings and on public transport.
Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic issues, especially related to the ongoing conflict and Boko Haram activity in the Lake Chad region.
LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to 2 years in prison. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Chad.
Photography: Prohibited near government buildings, military sites, checkpoints, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, as it may be perceived as a security threat.

Duty-Free Limits

Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, firearms, endangered species products.
Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

Submit grievances to the Chad Tourism Office or local police stations (if safe and accessible).

Beach Access

No specific legal mandate for public beach access, but areas along Lake Chad or rivers are generally open to the public where applicable and safe.

Key Resources

Chad Tourism Office: https://www.tourism-chad.org/ (Tourist rights & complaints, if available).

Chad Travel Safety

Chad is not generally safe for travellers due to ongoing conflict, high crime rates, and instability, but some areas may be accessible with extreme caution and local guidance. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Chad.

Safety Overview

Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) and violent crime (e.g., armed robbery, kidnapping, and banditry) are widespread, especially in N’Djamena and rural areas. Violent crime against tourists is extremely common due to ongoing conflict, Boko Haram activity, and rebel groups, particularly in the Lake Chad region and border areas.
Solo/Female Travelers: Highly unsafe; avoid traveling alone due to security risks, gender-based violence, and conflict zones. Local guidance and armed security are essential.

Road Safety

Driving is extremely risky due to poor road conditions, armed bandits, rebels, and checkpoints on major routes.
Avoid all night driving outside major cities due to unlit roads, bandits, and rebel activity.
Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory, but enforcement is non-existent in many areas.

Health Risks

Food/Water Safety:
- Tap water is unsafe; use bottled or purified water.
- Eat well-cooked food to avoid diarrhea, cholera, or typhoid.
Vaccinations:
- Required: Yellow fever (for all travelers over 1 year old).
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, malaria prophylaxis, and COVID-19.
Insect-Borne Diseases: Malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and African sleeping sickness are widespread; use repellent, bed nets, and prophylactic medication.
Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 3,425 meters (Emi Koussi).

Medical Facilities

Hospitals: Extremely limited; private facilities like the Hôpital Général de Référence in N’Djamena offer basic care, but rural areas lack any advanced care. Medical evacuation is often necessary.
Pharmacies: Available in N’Djamena; stock essential medications, but supplies can be unreliable.
Insurance: Ensure coverage includes comprehensive medical evacuation, as local facilities are inadequate.

Emergency Contacts

General Emergency: 112 (patchy service, especially in rural areas and conflict zones).
Police: 17 | Ambulance: 18 | Fire: 19.
Tourist Assistance: Contact the French Embassy in N’Djamena (+235 22 51 62 11) or local authorities (if safe).