Security travel advice for Chad

How Safe is Chad?

Threat level: High
There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping and bombing attacks. This threat represents a particular risk to foreign travellers from western nations – these are thought to be high priority targets for terrorists. The travel advice for Chad is that it is highly advised not to travel to any areas that are within 30km of the border with Libya, Nigeria, Niger and the Central African Republic.

There is currently a state of emergency for the Lake Chad region.

It is advised that anyone visiting Chad have adequate security measures in place, including a Close Protection officer. If you are travelling to Chad for business purposes it is your employer’s duty of care to ensure the right security measures are in place for your visit.

COVID-19 Situation in Chad

Due to the sanitary situation around the world, Chad has established entry rules to avoid contamination from overseas. Travellers must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and must quarantine at home for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test on the seventh day. To avoid contracting the disease, wear a face mask, sanitise your hands regularly, maintain social distancing and avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Recent Security Risk Events
A suicide bomb attack in the North-Eastern Diguel district of N’Djamena killed 11 people in 2016. You should be extra vigilant in built up areas. There have also been suicide bomb attacks in the Grand Marché area of the city. Foreign nationals are primary targets for terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and Al Shabaab.

In January 2016 up to 56 people were injured in a twin bomb attack in the Guie Region of Chad. Two members of the terrorist organisation Boko Haram detonated suicide vests in two nearby locations.

Armed banditry and car hijackings are common in many of Chad’s rural areas especially in the area bordering Libya, the northern regions of Borkou, Ennedi and Tibesti. These areas are also known to be dense with landmines. You should seek advice from the local police before travelling to areas you are unfamiliar with.

There have been a number of kidnappings in eastern Chad involving aid workers. If you are working for an NGO you should ensure that adequate measures are in place to protect your safety and security is maintained to a high standard.

Security Risks
It is advised not to carry large sums of cash on you or have expensive jewellery on display in busy tourist areas, as pick pocketing is a major problem in most major cities. It is advised not to travel into poor areas of cities, especially at night.

There have been some isolated incidents in the past of angry mobs attacking foreign nationals after knocking people off motorbikes. If you are involved in an accident you should contact the local police and stay in your car if possible.

Chad has experienced some political instability in the past. Certain political demonstrations have turned violent and resulted in multiple causalities. You should avoid any large gatherings and monitor the local media when possible to avoid getting caught up in any political demonstrations.

Chad's International Relations

Chad still has close relations with France, the country’s former colonial power. It generally enjoys good relations with its neighbouring African countries and is a member of the African Financial Community. Many European countries and the United States have provided aid for Chad in the past, strengthening ties between the countries.

It has varying and shaky relations with neighbours Libya and Sudan, most recently involved in an intermittent proxy war with Sudan. Besides from these, relations with other nations are strong.

Travelling around Chad

For travel outside the capital, you will need authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior which can sometimes take several days to process. Heavy rain can result in major flooding and landlines, the rainy season runs from July to October. Many roads can only be passed with four wheel drive.

Usually you cannot hire a car without a driver. The licence policy in Chad is very relaxed and you can drive with most EU, US and UK licenses.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency Services in the Central African Republic

Police emergency:17
Fire emergency:18
Medical emergency: 22514242

Chad Overview

Capital: N'Djamena
Official languages: French and Arabic
Religion: Islam and Christianity
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)

Consular information for Chad

U.S. Embassy N'Djamena
B.P. 413,
N'Djamena,
Chad
Telephone: +235 2251-70-09
Email: PublicAffairs-Ndjamena@State.gov
The British government does not have an Embassy in Chad. All Consular work is carried out by the British High Commission Yaounde, Cameroon.
British High Commission Yaounde (closest)
Avenue Winston Churchill,
Yaounde,
Centre Region,
547,
Cameroon
Telephone: +237 222 22 07 96
Emrgency Telephone: +237 222 22 33 47
Email: bhc.yaounde@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for the Central African Republic

Most foreign nationals including British and American citizens will need to apply for a visa before arriving in Chad. This can be done through the closest Chadian Embassy and should be arranged far in advance to departure. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is also required to enter the country.

Health Care and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Chad are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is recommended for most travellers to also get a Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations.

If you are coming from a country where there is a risk of Yellow Fever, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will have to provide a certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination. There is some risk of the disease in the country; check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Medical facilities in Chad are poor and serious medical emergencies may require you to be evacuated to South Africa. You should ensure that you have medical insurance that covers the cost of evacuation.

Malaria and waterborne diseases such as cholera are common through Chad especially during the rainy season. It is recommended you take malaria preventative medication and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.