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Chad

Overview of Chad

Sunset in N'Djamena
Photo credit: Ben Allen
Chad is very far off the beaten track for tourists, with its flare-ups of political conflict and lack of infrastructure presenting challenges to would-be visitors. The country has much to offer, though, from the natural wonders of Lake Chad and the Sahara Desert to the intriguing tribal cultures that thrive throughout the country.

People have lived in the Chadian basin since around 700 BC and the region is still home to over 200 different ethnic groups. French and Arabic are the official languages, while Islam is the most widely practiced religion.

Most visitors merely pass through the capital, N'Djemena, but the nearby village of Gaoui is worth visiting for its selection of traditional pottery and architecture. The palm-fringed oases of the Sahara Desert (home to breathtaking rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings), the savannah region and the wetland around Lake Chad make for strikingly different wildlife adventures, and showcase some of Africa's most iconic landscapes. Animal lovers can certainly look forward to seeing the continent's most representative species, such as lions, leopards, giraffes, wildebeest and herds of elephants. Indeed, Zakouma National Park is one of the best game reserves in central Africa.

As a poor and often unstable country, Chad is a demanding destination, but adventurous travellers are sure to enjoy it.

map of Chad


Key Facts

Language:
French and Arabic are the official languages of Chad. English is not widely spoken.
Passport/Visa:

Passengers with a pre-organised Entry Authorisation letter issued by Chad's authorities can obtain a visa on arrival. Along with a valid passport, visitors arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk require a vaccination and proof of onward travel. Visitors planning to travel outside of N'Djamena may need a permit.

As immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources, it is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after their intended date of departure.

Currency:

The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the official currency of Chad (along with five other central African countries). It is divided into 100 smaller units called centimes.

Chad is a cash economy and credit cards are seldom accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at a few banks and hotels in the capital city, but the process is expensive, time consuming and unreliable. There are also very few reliable ATMs in Chad.

Electricity:
Electrical outlets in Chad usually supply electricity at 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round or flat pins are standard.

Travel to Chad

Overview

Chad has some truly remarkable natural attractions and great potential as a safari destination, with places such as Lake Chad, the Ennedi Plateau and Zakouma National Park within its borders. Animal lovers who've longed to escape to Africa can keep company with some of the continent's most iconic species, including elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos, and the local culture is rich and remains largely unchanged by time. Gaoui village is a good first stop for culture seekers, as it's a tremendous repository of traditional crafts and architecture. The Sahara Desert is a must for anyone interested in seeing Chad's prehistoric cave paintings.

Travellers should note that parts of the country are dangerous and poor infrastructure makes Chad difficult to navigate. Even so, anyone who wants to get off the beaten track in Africa will be delighted with its charms.

Climate in Chad

Chad has three distinct climate zones. The south is in the equatorial rain belt and has a tropical climate, with temperatures that can climb to 104°F (40°C) and a lot of rainfall. The central region, including N'Djamena and Lake Chad, is arid and can get swelteringly hot, and temperatures can sometimes exceed 113°F (45°C). The Sahara Desert dominates the north, where days are extremely hot and nights are brutally cold.

A tropical weather system known as the intertropical front crosses Chad from south to north every year. It ushers in the wet season and lasts from May to October in the south, and from June to September in the central region, coinciding with the hottest time of the year. The north gets very little rain.

The best time to visit Chad is in winter and spring (between November and May), when it's cooler and there's hardly any rainfall. During these months, average temperatures are comfortable and range between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C). During the rainy season, it's often extremely difficult to traverse the country's roads, very few of which are tarred. Game viewing is best done during the dry season, as animals are generally more visible.

Health Notes when travelling to Chad

Malaria is fairly common in Chad so all visitors should take precautions. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and meningococcus, and visitors arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk will need a vaccination.

Travellers should also be up to date on vaccinations for tetanus-diphtheria, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and polio. Those who may be at risk of receiving animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination. HIV Aids is more prevalent than in the U.S., and visitors are advised to take precautions where necessary.

Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance as medical facilities in Chad are extremely limited and serious conditions are likely to require evacuation.

Medicines are also in short supply. Visitors should bring any medication they need with them in its original packaging, along with a signed and dated note from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why they need it. Travellers should drink only bottled, filtered, boiled or chemically treated water.

Safety Notes when travelling to Chad

Reports show that the number of car-jackings on roads outside N'Djemena has increased, including during daylight hours, and armed robberies are common in some residential areas. Foreigners are sometimes targeted. Travellers should avoid isolated or less developed areas, travelling alone at night, and carrying large sums of money, jewellery or other valuables.

There are around 600 000 refugees in the east, south, and Lake (western) regions respectively, with banditry and violent crime posing problems in these parts of the country. The area bordering Libya has many landmines; the northern regions of Borkou, Ennedi and Tibesti are still unsafe.

Customs in Chad

Chad is a predominantly Muslim country. Visitors should respect local laws, customs and traditions, and ensure that their actions don't offend other cultures or beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Same-sex sexual activity is a criminal offence, with penalties that range from three months to two years in prison and a fine of between 50,000 and 500,000 CFA francs; photographing military sites, government buildings and airports is prohibited.

Duty Free in Chad

Visitors can import 400 cigarettes, 125 cigars and 500g of tobacco (women may only import cigarettes), three bottles of wine and one bottle of spirits.

Doing Business in Chad

Chadians appreciate 'getting know' potential partners before launching into concrete discussions, so meetings usually begin with polite questions about family health and personal wellbeing. Foreigners should be patient and persistent, and women should dress conservatively to satisfy cultural sensitivities. Chadians ordinarily wear business or traditional attire in professional settings. Some knowledge of French is vital as visitors may struggle to find professional translators.

Communication in Chad

The international access code is +235 and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Mobile phone coverage is good to variable around N'Djamena and the southwest and patchy to non-existent in other regions. Internet access is limited, especially outside the capital, where speeds are slow and connection is difficult to establish.

Tipping in Chad

Service charges aren't usually included in restaurants and tips of about 10 percent are appreciated. Taxi fares should be rounded up if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

Passengers with a pre-organised Entry Authorisation letter issued by Chad's authorities can obtain a visa on arrival. Along with a valid passport, visitors arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk require a vaccination and proof of onward travel. Visitors planning to travel outside of N'Djamena may need a permit.

As immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources, it is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after their intended date of departure.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Chad.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Chad.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Chad.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Chad.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Chad.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Chad.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Chad.

Chad Embassies

In the United States:

Chad Embassy, Washington DC. Tel: (202) 462 4009.

In Canada:

Chad Consulate, Ottawa. Tel: (613) 236 4861.

In the United Kingdom:

Embassy of Chad, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for the UK): +32 2216 3526

Foreign Embassies in Chad

American Embassy

US Embassy, N'Djamena. Tel: (235) 2251 70 09.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Khartoum (also responsible for Chad). Tel: (249) 156 550 500.

British Embassy

UK Honorary Consul, N'Djamena. Tel: (235) 9054 64 47.

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, N'Djamena. Tel: (235) 2252 4006.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Chad

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Chad, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Chad.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Chad. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated eat_drink

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Cholera

CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to the Am Timan, Goz Beida, or Koukou Districts of Chad. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Chad located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Polio

If you will be doing work in Chad that might put you in contact with someone who has polio (for example, in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings), you may need a polio vaccine before your trip. (There have been cases of polio in neighboring Nigeria, and there is a risk of cross-border transmission.)

  • If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
  • If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
get_vaccinated eat_drink hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Chad, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Chad
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Chad, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older visiting areas south of the Sahara Desert (see map showing yellow fever vaccine recommendations in Africa).

Country entry requirement: The government of Chad requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Chad. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Chad, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Chad.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Chad. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Cholera

CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to the Am Timan, Goz Beida, or Koukou Districts of Chad. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Chad located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated eat_drink hygiene
Polio

If you will be doing work in Chad that might put you in contact with someone who has polio (for example, in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings), you may need a polio vaccine before your trip. (There have been cases of polio in neighboring Nigeria, and there is a risk of cross-border transmission.)

  • If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
  • If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Chad, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Chad
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated avoid_insects
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Chad, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older visiting areas south of the Sahara Desert (see map showing yellow fever vaccine recommendations in Africa).

Country entry requirement: The government of Chad requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Chad. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Note: Zika is a risk in Chad. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Chad. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).

 

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Chad, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Chad. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Note: Zika is a risk in Chad. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Chad include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Chad. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Chad’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Chad. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Chad may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Chad, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Chad for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in Chad. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

  • Polio in Nigeria July 21, 2017 The Nigerian Ministry of Health has reported several cases of poliovirus in the state of Borno in northeastern Nigeria. CDC recommends that all travelers to Nigeria be fully vaccinated against polio. Because of the risk of cross-border transmission, CDC recommends a one-time booster dose of polio vaccine for fully vaccinated adults traveling to Niger, Cameroon, or Chad to work in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings.

Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

  • Cholera in Chad October 20, 2017 The Ministry of Health of Chad has reported a cholera outbreak in Koukou and Goz Beida Districts in Sila Region and Am Timan District in Salamat Region in the southeast of the country.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the official currency of Chad (along with five other central African countries). It is divided into 100 smaller units called centimes.

Chad is a cash economy and credit cards are seldom accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at a few banks and hotels in the capital city, but the process is expensive, time consuming and unreliable. There are also very few reliable ATMs in Chad.

N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
N'Djamena International Airport

Location: N Djamena The airport is located two miles (4km) away from N'Djamena.

map of N'Djamena International Airport

Time: Local time is GMT +1.

Getting to the city: Travellers heading into the city will always find taxis outside the airport. It's best to agree on a fare before setting off. Some hotels provide free airport shuttles for guests.

Car rental: Avis has car hire facilities at the airport.

Airport Taxis: The taxi rank is located directly opposite the terminal, close to the parking lot.

Facilities: The airport has simple shops, bathrooms and seating areas. Passengers should note, however, that these facilities are extremely basic. They should bring their own food and water if they're expecting a long wait.

Parking: The parking lot is located across the road from the airport terminal.

Overview of the Attractions in Chad

Chad has some truly remarkable natural attractions and great potential as a safari destination, with places such as Lake Chad, the Ennedi Plateau and Zakouma National Park within its borders. Animal lovers who've longed to escape to Africa can keep company with some of the continent's most iconic species, including elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos, and the local culture is rich and remains largely unchanged by time. Gaoui village is a good first stop for culture seekers, as it's a tremendous repository of traditional crafts and architecture. The Sahara Desert is a must for anyone interested in seeing Chad's prehistoric cave paintings.

Travellers should note that parts of the country are dangerous and poor infrastructure makes Chad difficult to navigate. Even so, anyone who wants to get off the beaten track in Africa will be delighted with its charms.

N'Djamena

Chad's capital is a heady jumble of bazaars and mud houses, as well as modern and colonial buildings, where the sight of farmers cultivating the riverbanks gives the urban sprawl an unexpected rural charm. The destination is situated on the Chari River and faces Kousseri in northern Cameroon on the opposite bank, with a bridge connecting the two cities. Sightseers can visit a cathedral, several mosques, and the Chad National Museum, and the Central Market (Grand Marche) offers decent shopping.

map of N'Djamena

Zakouma National Park

Nestled within the vast Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve and wedged between Sarh and Am Timan in the south of Chad, Zakouma National Park is one of the most remarkable wildlife strongholds remaining in Central Africa. Though civil war and extensive poaching have ravaged the park's wildlife population, the European Union has for many years been collaborating with the Chadian government to restock and conserve animal populations. Today, the reserve is one of Central Africa's great success stories, and is home to some of the continent's most iconic wildlife species. Its flat, semi-arid terrain is perfect for game viewing.

map of Zakouma National Park

Ennedi

Located in the middle of the Sahara Desert, Chad's Ennedi Plateau is a magnificent mix of lakes, golden sand, mysterious canyons and bizarre rock formations. The region's prehistoric rock paintings and natural sandstone arches will delight visitors, as will the animals that water at its pools and rivers. Travellers should look out for the nearly extinct desert crocodile in particular. The small airport in Fada, the region's capital, is the best bet for reaching the plateau. Otherwise, banditry and a lack of infrastructure make navigating the area difficult.

map of Ennedi

Gaoui

Gaoui is a charming village just outside the capital, N'Djamena, and is a good excursion for travellers who want to explore beyond the city but can't venture far. Photographers usually enjoy the village's traditional pottery and architecture, while art lovers can expect to view many wonderful pieces at the small local museum. Gaoui was once a settlement of the ancient Sao civilization, which is thought to have originated in the Nile Valley and reached Lake Chad around the sixth century BC. The Sao culture is alive and well in local folklore, and Gaoui's people continue the pottery tradition.

map of Gaoui

Public Holidays in Chad

  2020 2021
End of the Second World War Wed. May 8 Wed. May 8
New Year's Day Mon. January 1 Mon. January 1
Easter Monday Sat. April 13 Fri. April 5
Labour Day Wed. May 1 Wed. May 1
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) Fri. May 24 Mon. May 13
Independence Day Sun. August 11 Sun. August 11
Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) Wed. July 31 Sat. July 20
Republic Day Thu. November 28 Thu. November 28
Christmas Day Wed. December 25 Wed. December 25

News about Chad

Ennedi Massif: Africa's Remote Geological Wonder
My eyes lifted up towards a rocky ledge carved into a sandstone cliff in the heart of Chad's Ennedi Massif. I saw a face, then, as my eyes adjusted to the gloam, another appeared. Painted in bright ochre and white, men were riding camels and giant cows danced over the
BBC Travel
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Couple Shows How They Choose Their Vacation Destination In Viral TikTok
This trip-planning method is TikTok-approved. “We each pick three places," nurse and TikToker Eva Machado explained in a September post of she and her husband's planning process. "One has to be within six hours of driving from our house, one has to
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday October 18, 2022
Trump administration extends border closures to Canada, Mexico until June 22
Travelers looking to make a trip to Canada or Mexico will have to wait another 30 days as the Department of Homeland Security extended border closures to curb COVID-19 infections. Chad Wolf, the acting Secretary of Homeland Security, announced Tuesday that the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land border closure has been extended until June 22. "The President has made it clear that we must
USA Today
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Three Men Drove From NYC to LA in Under 28 Hours — and Didn’t Get Pulled Over
Traveling as fast as they could, three men claim they broke the cross-country driving record, making it from New York City to Los Angeles in only 27 hours and 25 minutes. The three men, Arne Toman, Douglas Tabbutt, and Berkeley Chadwick, told CNN they raced across the country in what is called the “Cannonball Run,” beating the previous record by more than an hour. They reportedly drove an average speed of 103
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday December 10, 2019
Climbing and diving on Kalymnos: an Aegean islands adventure continues
I’m sitting on the shady patio of the Paradisio cafe in Vlychadia, overlooking an azure bay. My wet swimming kit is drying on the fence. “I should explain the breakfast,” says Stethis, who has been my guide on an epic morning of hiking
The Guardian
Monday August 05, 2019
The Hilton Effect: The Hotel Looks Back on Its Trillion-Dollar Global Impact
A few weeks ago, I stowed away on Norwegian Air’s Fill A Plane campaign, where they transformed their brand-new Boeing 737 Max passenger plane into a cargo jet and filled it to the brim with supplies bound for a UNICEF outpost in Chad. After a long flight from Copenhagen to N’Djamena, we unloaded the plane. While the 13 tons of supplies—2,000 water purifiers, 1,000 doses of antibiotics, 35,000 packs of rehydration salts, and more—were headed to the
Fast Company
Wednesday October 17, 2018
10 Great Minnesota Attractions for Super Bowl Visitors
Maybe it took football to bring tens of thousands of fans to Minnesota in the middle of winter, but retired Minnesota Viking linebacker Chad Greenway says Super Bowl visitors will be surprised by all the Twin Cities has to offer
USA Today
Thursday February 01, 2018
13 Amazing Things You Didn't Know About Chad
There are niche travel destinations, there are far-out travel destinations, and there are travel destinations which are so beyond the obvious that you have to seek them on a map to check if they really exist. Chad is one of those places
Telegraph (London)
Friday August 11, 2017
Finding My Florida
Long before hanging chads and headlines like “Lakeland Woman Treats 6-Foot Gator Like a Baby,” my splintered family shared a unifying dream: Florida, where true happiness was to be found among palm trees and miles of beaches. It was where everything would be O.K. It was our promised land