Chad can truly be an adventurer’s paradise when it is safe to visit the country, but it is considered a high risk area as violent crimes, such as armed robbery, carjacking, and muggings, have been reported. There has been a major increase in these crimes since 2018.
Be aware that there are unmapped and undocumented minefields along the borders with both Libya and Sudan. There is a high escalation of terrorist attacks which give little or no warning. They may target foreigners, security forces and the local people.
The rainy season is from May to October in the south and from June to September in central Chad. Seasonal flooding can hinder overland travel and reduce the delivery of essential services. Roads can become obstructed and bridges may be washed away, hence watch the weather forecasts for the area you plan to visit.
Do not blindly travel to the following areas: within 30 km of all international borders, the region of Lac, West of Mao in the region of Kanem, the area of Sila, Wadi Fira, Ennedi and Tibesti, and the region of Ouaddaï and Borkou.
There is a threat of terrorism all over the country, including in the capital N’Djamena. The terrorist group Boko Haram repeatedly bases large-scale attacks in areas of northern Nigeria on the border of Chad. Currently military manoeuvres are targeting Boko Haram in areas around Lake Chad and there is a risk violence spilling over. Security across the country has been reinforced and police check points and vehicle checks are routine.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and may be directed at locations known to be frequented by foreign travellers. Tourists are advised to be security conscious at all times, particularly in public areas.
There is a threat of kidnapping against foreigners in Chad, mainly in the Lake Chad region, remote areas and in the east of the country. Violent civil unrest has occurred throughout the country. The security situation remains unpredictable and the potential for further violence remains.
It is highly recommended to monitor the media and other local sources for information about new safety or security risks to sidestep an increasing level of violent crime in the country including carjacking, armed robberies and murder.
Armed gangs may be active along southern and eastern borders and there are many refugees and internally displaced people in eastern Chad, displaced by conflict in Sudan and the Central African Republic.
It is highly recommend you avoid travelling at night and to isolated areas. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching also occurs in markets and commercial areas, so be vigilant in places like that.
Do not show jewellery, laptops, cell phones or valuables and dress down out in the public.
Do not resist if you become a victim of a robbery. Comply with the criminals or the violence can escalate quicker than you can imagine.
Due to incidences of crime, it is not recommended to walk in the capital city of N’Djamena, even during the day. If travel outside N’Djamena is necessary, a permit issued by the Ministry of Interior is required. The permit may take several days to be issued.
Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are always secure. Dress conservatively, it is a Muslim country so great care should be taken especially by women.
Always avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.
Demonstrations are a regular occurrence in the country. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn into an extremely violent situation quickly. This can also cause disruptions in traffic. Â Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
Currently there are no working train or bus services in Chad. Trucks and minibuses are often not properly maintained and may be dangerous to use; they are not recommended for any intercity travel.
Road conditions can be extremely dangerous. Roads are often badly looked after and are mostly gravel roads, even in the capital N’Djamena. Streets are poorly lit and road signs are often missing.
Excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits, bad maintenance of vehicles, roaming wildlife and livestock, cyclists and pedestrians pose constant risks. Do not drive between cities at night due to all the above.
Petrol is not always available in major cities and is non-existent or extremely scarce in rural areas. Do not drive yourself, but rather get a local driver as you can become a victim of mob violence if an accident occurs.
Always keep windows closed and doors locked. When you see a roadblock, stop and cooperate with police or military officials. Always have proper identification on your person. Â Always keep a certified copy of your identification, since failing to do so can lead to imprisonment and expulsion from the country.
You should travel in a convoy outside N’Djamena, travel during daylight hours only and carry additional fuel, a spare tyre and provisions to last for some time.
Visitors are required to have a government permit for all photography. It is prohibited to photograph airports, military establishments and government buildings, so beware that film/memory cards and cameras may be confiscated without notice.
The vast majority of the population in Chad are Muslim. Use your common sense and dress and behave accordingly. Â Respect religious and social traditions not to offend the local people.
During the month of Ramadan be careful about drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2020, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around April 23.
Although the laws of Chad don’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated at all. Same sex couples visiting the country should exercise extreme discretion in public and when making hotel bookings.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences. Do not offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.
The following items are allowed duty free into Chad for persons 18 years of age and over: 400 cigarettes (or cigarillos) or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco (women are only permitted to import cigarettes only). Three bottles of wine and one bottle of spirits.
As most countries do not have embassies in Chad, the loss of a passport could land you in a tricky situation. Before travelling, find out if your country has an embassy there or where the closest one is. Ensure you travel with a reputable tour operator who should be able to assist you in directing you to what to do. Still report it to the local police station and obtain a copy of the reported stolen or lost passport.
Medical facilities are extremely limited outside of N’Djamena. Their facilities are also swamped with cases, so if you get seriously ill, the best option is a medical evacuation.
Make sure you have travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Visitors will be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in the country. You should also consider the following vaccinations before traveling: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Meningococcus, Rabies, Influenza and Malaria.
Make sure your booster shots for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and Tetanus-Diptheria are up to date.
The threat to your health by meningitis, malaria, cholera and yellow fever makes Chad simply not the safest place to go.
Especially during the wet season, malaria can be a major problem in Chad. Take antimalarial medications with you, along with insect repellent and mosquito netting, as many hotels do not have the latter.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite and when this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream. Symptoms can be flu-like or cause shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe. Other symptoms include a high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, muscle pain and bloody stools.
Travellers need to get a yellow fever vaccination before arriving in Chad. Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to malaria; ranging from flu-like chills and fever to server hepatitis and jaundice. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, the disease is life-threatening.
Chad is an endemic country for cholera. Periodic cases and outbreaks are fairly common. The symptoms of Cholera are diarrhoea which comes on suddenly and can quickly cause dangerous fluid loss. Diarrheal due to cholera often has a pale, milky appearance that looks like milky water. Vomiting occurs especially in the early stages of cholera and can last for hours.
Symptoms of cholera include dehydration fatigue, sunken eyes, irritability, a dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry and wrinkled skin that’s sluggish to bounce back when pinched into a fold, low blood pressure, little to no urination, low blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat.
Muslims find it offensive to eat with the left hand as that is used for toilet facilities. If eating with or being served by Muslims in Chad, eat with your right hand only.
There is an array of meat dishes available and foreigners agree that it is delicious. Lamb and camel meat are common and tasty. Food is usually eaten without utensils and having hand sanitiser at hand, may be a good precaution.
Tap water and ice should be avoided. Rather drink bottled water and beverages. Ensure the bottle is sealed, as some street vendors may take old bottles and refill them with unfiltered water.
Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to contamination.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Chad, so be careful about touching them. Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) should be aware and not put them at risk for animal bites unnecessarily.
Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn. Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones.
Move into a cool area or room and elevate your feet and legs. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist.
The number of adults aged 15 or over in Chad living with HIV was estimated to be around 120,000 in 2015.  The prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.3 percent of the adult population. The disease is spread through sexual contact or shared blood or contaminated medical equipment. Avoid the risk by avoiding new sexual encounters while on holiday. If you cannot abstain, condoms can provide some protection.
Women should not travel alone to Chad. Travelling alone should be avoided at all costs, and even taking taxis or walking on the streets alone during the day is not advisable unless you are accompanied.
MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Chad We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Chad who make safety a priority.