Chad

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).

Travel Tips

• Roads: Rent a 4x4 with armed security for rural travel; confirm insurance coverage and avoid public transport.
• Hiking: Avoid all hiking due to security risks and lack of infrastructure.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or conflict-related issues.
• Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor dust levels during dry seasons (November to May).

Key Links

• CDC Chad Health Guidelines: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/chad
• Chad Road Authority: https://www.mpw-chad.gov.td/en/roads
• E-Chad Services Portal: https://www.gouv.td/en/services