Chad

If, despite our advice, you travel to Chad, you should remain vigilant. The security situation throughout Chad remains volatile, with an ongoing risk of violent conflict and civil unrest in all parts of the country. Movement restrictions could be implemented at short notice. 

Fighting between government forces and armed groups can occur anywhere without warning.

The security situation along Chad’s borders can deteriorate. Armed groups are active in border areas. 

Instability in neighbouring countries may close borders suddenly. Chad's border with Nigeria, Sudan, Central African Republic and Libya is closed.

Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any land route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point. All travel options are at your own risk. 

If the security situation deteriorates rapidly, activate your security arrangements and consider leaving by commercial means if it's safe to do so.

Terrorist attacks are a significant risk in Chad, including the Lake Chad Basin and along border areas. They could happen anywhere and at any time. 

Armed groups are active across Chad. Terrorist groups from neighbouring countries could also launch attacks. There's a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in or around religious sites and during religious festivals.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

For more information on common targets for terrorists and what to do if there’s a terrorist attack, read our Terrorism page.

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe. 

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

Kidnappers target foreigners, aid and humanitarian workers. 

There has been an increase in kidnappings near the Chad-Cameroon-Central African Republic tri-country border.

If despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide assistance in these destinations is extremely limited.

You’re responsible for your own safety. You can find more information on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping here: Kidnapping.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.

Demonstrations may happen as a result of domestic or international events or political developments in the region.

Violent clashes have previously occurred between protesters and security forces. Stay away from large crowds, political rallies, demonstrations and protests as they can turn violent. Follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Serious crime is increasing across Chad, including in N'Djamena. Incidents include:

• armed robbery
• kidnapping
• carjacking
• murder

Criminals may specifically target foreigners.

Petty crime is common in Chad. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes occur in market and commercial areas.

Local security forces, or people posing as them, may try to extort money from travellers through fake fines or intimidation.

To stay safe from crime:

• avoid carrying 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 and at night

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber safety

Severe weather can affect your overseas travel. Flooding is a risk in Chad.

Read our advice on what to do if a natural disaster occurs.

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Insect borne diseases are common in Chad, including:

• Yellow fever
• Malaria
• filariasis
• African sleeping sickness

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria. Get medical advice if you develop symptoms.

Other health risks  

• HIV/AIDS
• cholera
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• rabies

To stay safe boil drinking water or drink bottled water with sealed lids and stay away from contact with dogs and other mammals

If despite our advice you travel to Chad, ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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 a medical evacuation to N'Djamena, travel by air if possible. Travel throughout Chad by road is dangerous.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a location with better facilities. Medical evacuations are very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations. The Australian Government won't pay these costs.

Drugs

Penalties for using, possessing or trafficking drugs are severe. You can be jailed for a long time.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Chad is mainly a Muslim country. Use your common sense and be discreet in how you dress and behave. Burqas and other face coverings are banned. 

Police checks are common. You must provide identity documents when asked to do so. Foreigners have been arrested for not complying.

You need a government permit to take any type of photo. Regardless of permits, it’s illegal to photograph government sites, including buildings assets and personnel. 

Same-sex relationships are illegal. You could face imprisonment and a fine.  

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Chad recognises dual nationality. If you are a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you are arrested or detained. Always travel on your Australian passport.

Military service is mandatory for both men and women. 

More information:

• Dual nationals

Respect local religions and social traditions to avoid offending locals.

Religious festivals

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Chad. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

See our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas  

If despite our advice you are travelling to Chad, you need to get a visa before arrival. 

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.

Border measures

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

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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.

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

Satellite phones are illegal in Chad.

Road travel

All travel throughout Chad, including by road, is dangerous. Due to the security situation and armed active groups operating. 

Carjackings on roads outside N’Djamena are increasing, even in daylight hours. Foreigners are sometimes targeted.

The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. All travel options are at your own risk. Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any land route. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.

See ‘Safety’

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.

Air travel

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 1212.

Medical emergencies

Call 2251 4242 in N'Djamena or go straight to the hospital.

Police

Call 117 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.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Chad. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help to Australians in Chad is extremely limited. 

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
Facebook: L'Australie en France
X: AusAmbFR

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