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Middle Africa

ChadTravel guide

Explore Chad visa rulesCommon scams in Chad

Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa, with desert landscapes, wildlife and more than 200 ethnic groups. Many governments advise against non-essential travel because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping.

Why go

  1. The Ennedi Massif has sandstone formations and rock paintings.

  2. The Lakes of Ounianga are 18 ancient desert lakes.

  3. Zakouma National Park has thriving wildlife and safari lodges.

  4. Gerewol is a week-long festival with dancing, held in late September.

Getting there

By air

  • Air France has daily flights from Paris to N'Djamena.
  • Other listed connections include Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc.
  • The source also lists flights connecting Khartoum with Sudan Airways, Cairo with Egypt Air and Douala with Camair-co.

By land

  • There are no usable rail links.
  • Cameroon crossings include Kousseri near N'Djamena and crossings near Bongor and Lere.
  • Most border crossings are very difficult; Sudan and Libya are described as unviable options. Crossings with Niger and Cameroon are described as relatively straightforward.

Customs

  • There are no restrictions on bringing foreign currencies into Chad.
  • The source states that proof of yellow fever and COVID vaccination is mandatory for entry.

Getting around

  • Taxis and motorcycle taxis

    N'Djamena has both car taxis and motorcycle taxis. Some towns, including Moundou and Sarh, may have only motorcycle taxis, called clandos. Rickshaws are another option, especially in the east.

  • Intercity buses

    Oustou Express runs buses between N'Djamena and several major towns. Listed destinations include Moundou, Sarh, Abéché and Mongo.

  • Driving

    Drive carefully and keep speeds down, including on paved roads through villages. The N'Djamena–Abéché road has toll stations every 80 kilometres. The stated charge is 500 CFA francs per car at each station. Avoid driving at night because of road bandits.

  • Charter flights

    Charter flights serve Zakouma National Park and Faya-Largeau Airport for trips to Ennedi. These flights are used by more expensive tours. Tchadia Air was placed into liquidation in 2022.

What to see and do

  • Ennedi Massif

    See sandstone formations shaped by wind and temperature, along with rock paintings. It is a World Heritage Site.

  • Guelta d'Archei

    This rare water source in Ennedi is home to West African crocodiles and attracts camel caravans.

  • Lakes of Ounianga

    These 18 ancient lakes have an unusual water system. They are a World Heritage Site.

  • Zakouma National Park

    Its floodplains, rivers and marshes support West and Central African wildlife. Black rhinos were reintroduced in 2018.

  • Oasis of Faya

    It is the largest oasis in northern Chad.

  • Tibesti Mountains

    This mountain range in the far north includes the Emi Koussi volcano and is home to the Toubou people.

Food and drink

  • Grilled lamb and camel

    These popular meats can be found across the country.

  • Fish

    Fish is common in N'Djamena and southern Chad.

  • La bouille

    A thin breakfast porridge made with millet, peanut butter and lemons.

  • La boule

    A staple made from millet, sorghum or corn, served with different sauces.

  • Bottled water

    Choose recognised brands from shops and check that the seal is intact. Some street vendors refill old bottles with unfiltered water.

  • Soft drinks

    These are generally safe to drink. Popular brands include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and the fruit-flavoured Top.

Money

Central African CFA franc (FCFA; currency code XAF)

  • Euros and US dollars are often accepted for payment.
  • The currency has a fixed rate of 655.957 CFA francs to €1.
  • Chad is expensive compared with much of Africa, especially for accommodation and transport.

Typical costs

  • A soft drink usually costs 300–500 CFA francs outside places popular with foreign residents.
  • Housing offered by international aid organisations or churches costs around 10,000 CFA francs per night.
  • Each toll station on the N'Djamena–Abéché road charges 500 CFA francs per car.

Language

  • Arabic
  • French
  • Chadian Arabic, widely used for communication between communities
  • More than 100 indigenous languages

Staying safe

  • Many governments advise against non-essential travel because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping. Some advise against travel within 30 kilometres of every international border and to Saharan Chad.
  • The Lake Chad region and other border areas are considered the most dangerous. Risks include armed conflict, jihadist activity and minefields.
  • Instability can increase around major political events.
  • N'Djamena is relatively safer, but petty street crime and corrupt officials remain concerns.
2 common scams in Chad, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Ask before photographing people, as many are reluctant to be photographed.
  • Use only your right hand when eating with Muslims or when they serve you food.
  • During Ramadan, respect the daytime fast and expect shorter working hours and restaurant closures.

Don't

  • Do not photograph anything that could have military or government importance; there is a general ban.
  • Do not eat or drink in public during Ramadan daylight hours. This is considered very impolite, including for non-Muslims.
  • Do not discuss the Chadian-Libyan conflict.

Staying healthy

  • Do not drink unfiltered water or tap water. Use recognised bottled-water brands and check the seals.
  • Eat freshly prepared food that is well cooked and still hot.
  • Choose restaurants recommended by friends or local people you trust.
  • Wash your hands often; hand sanitiser can be useful because meals are often eaten by hand.

Phone and internet

  • Airtel and Moov SIM cards are widely sold on the streets. A SIM card connects your phone to a mobile network.
  • You can add credit for calls and mobile internet.
  • Airalo, easySim and Holafly offer electronic SIM cards that can be bought before arrival. These are usually for internet use only, and your phone must support them.
  • Stable wireless internet connections are scarce, so mobile service is the easiest way to connect.

Where to stay

  • N'Djamena has a range of hotels, including the Radisson Blu Hotel.
  • Outside the capital, accommodation is scarce and rooms may be basic or unclean. The source describes no accommodation options in the desert.
  • International aid organisations and churches sometimes offer relatively clean, affordable housing for around 10,000 CFA francs per night.
  • Zakouma National Park has the expensive Tinga Camp and the much more expensive Camp Nomade. Camp Nomade is by invitation only.

Outdoor adventures in Chad

Chad has desert lakes, sandstone landscapes and national parks with rich wildlife. Outdoor highlights include Zakouma, the Ennedi Massif and the volcano Emi Koussi. Many governments advise against non-essential travel because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping; some advise against all travel to Saharan Chad and areas near international borders.

  • Zakouma National Park safari and birdwatching

    Safari

    Visit for a safari or birdwatching. Transport and booking details are not specified.

  • Ennedi Massif desert exploration

    More to doSaharan Chad

    Explore the sandstone landscape and rock paintings. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • Some governments advise against travel to Saharan Chad.

  • Lakes of Ounianga

    More to doSaharan Chad

    Visit the desert lakes. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • Some governments advise against travel to Saharan Chad.
    • Mosquitoes may occur around the oases.

  • Emi Koussi volcano exploration

    More to doTibesti Mountains, Saharan Chad

    Use an experienced tour guide. The volcano is about 80 km across, and a navigation mistake can add hours to your journey.

    • Cost: Free.
    • An experienced guide is recommended because navigation mistakes can cause long delays.
    • Some governments advise against travel to Saharan Chad.

  • Guelta d'Archei wildlife watching

    WildlifeEnnedi Massif, Saharan Chad

    Visit this rare pocket of desert water in the Ennedi. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • Some governments advise against travel to Saharan Chad.

  • Aouk National Park safari

    Safari

    Visit on a safari excursion. Operators, departure points and booking details are not specified.

  • Manda National Park wildlife watching

    Wildlife

    Visit for mammals and birds. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

  • Siniaka-Minia National Park wildlife watching

    Wildlife

    Visit for wildlife watching. Transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

  • Sena Oura National Park

    Wildlife

    Visitor access, transport and guide arrangements are not specified.

Airports, metros and trains in Chad

Airports with scheduled flights

  • NDJN'Djamena International AirportN'DjamenaMain international airport

People and safety in Chad

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mixed.

  • Muslim58%
  • Christian41%
  • No religion3%
  • Folk religions1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 2 years in prison.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #165 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

43% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 17 of 198 countries can visit Chad easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required17
  • eVisa136
  • Visa required45

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa15 of 53 countries
  • Asia2 of 50 countries
  • Europe0 of 46 countries
  • Americas0 of 35 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries

Questions

Is Chad safe for a first visit?

Many governments advise against non-essential travel because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping. Border areas and the Lake Chad region are especially dangerous.

When is the rainy season?

It runs from May to October in the south and June to September in the Sahel. Heavy rain can cause flooding and damage roads and bridges.

What languages are spoken?

Arabic and French are the main languages. Chadian Arabic is widely used between communities, and more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken.

What money should I bring?

The local currency is the Central African CFA franc. Euros and US dollars are often accepted, and there are no restrictions on bringing foreign currency into Chad.

Can I travel between towns by bus?

Oustou Express connects N'Djamena with towns including Moundou, Sarh, Abéché and Mongo.

Can I drink the tap water?

Do not drink tap water or unfiltered water. Buy recognised bottled-water brands from shops and check that the seals are intact.

Will I find hotels outside N'Djamena?

Options are limited and may be basic or unclean. Some international aid organisations and churches offer housing, while Zakouma has two expensive safari lodges.

Can I use my phone for internet?

Mobile internet is available mainly in N'Djamena and a few large towns. Outside the capital, you need a Chadian SIM card and should expect occasional service.

Can I take photographs freely?

Ask before photographing people. Do not photograph anything that could have military or government importance.

How can I attend Gerewol?

The festival takes place in southwestern Chad in late September and lasts a week. Visitors without links to the community need an organised small-group tour.

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