Chad travel guide

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the northern provinces of Chad (Borkou, Ennedi, Tibesti)
• eastern Kanem province, including the town of Nokou
• the Lake Chad region
• within 30 km of all Chad’s other border areas

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena.

There continues to be potential for instability in Chad, particularly in its border regions and in the run-up to and during major political events, such as during Chad’s ongoing political transition and ahead of elections, due to take place before the end of 2024. See Safety and security

British Nationals in Chad requiring consular assistance should phone +237 650 46 06 52 (between 8h00 and 1600) or +44 20 7136 6857. Consular officers are available 24/7 on this number to assist with your enquiries. The British Embassy in N’Djamena does not provide consular services. Consular services are provided remotely from the British High Commission in Cameroon.

Keep your passport, and those of immediate family members, up to date, along with any visas that you may require; a replacement emergency travel document may take time to issue, which could make travelling more complicated.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Chad. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. There is a threat of retaliatory attacks due to Chad’s involvement in the regional fight to counter Boko Haram. There is a heightened threat of kidnap in Chad. See Terrorism

The number of reports of car-jackings on roads outside N’Djamena has increased, including during daylight hours. See Local travel

Heavy rains during the rainy season (July-October) can result in major flooding in many areas, particularly in the south and east. You should ensure you have adequate supplies of food and clean water. See Road Travel.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Chad on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Chad.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Healthcare in Chad

For contact details for doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

View Health for further details on healthcare in Chad.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Political situation

There continues to be potential for instability in Chad, particularly in its border regions and in the run-up to and during major political events, such as during Chad’s ongoing political transition and ahead of elections, due to take place before the end of 2024.

Public demonstrations including anti-government protests are common in Chad. You should avoid all political rallies and gatherings, demonstrations and protests. Crowds can gather quickly and may become violent. In October 2022, there were clashes between protesters and security forces, with reports of live ammunition being used by security forces and a number of civilian fatalities and casualties.

Foreign, national and local government facilities have been targeted and damaged in previous demonstrations. You should monitor the local news to help you avoid such gatherings. If you become aware of a crowd gathering where you are, you should leave the area immediately.

In April 2021, an armed convoy belonging to the rebel group “Le front pour l’alternance et la concorde au Tchad” (FACT) crossed into north-western Chad from Libya and engaged in fighting with government forces. Then President Idriss Deby Itno was killed and a Transitional Military Council was established to govern Chad. All British nationals were advised to leave the country due to the increased risk of instability. The British Embassy in N’Djamena closed temporarily, and reopened in May 2021.

In April-May 2021 and October 2022 there were violent clashes between protesters and security forces in N’Djamena and southern Chad. A number of people were killed.

In May 2021, there were reports of armed groups entering south-western Chad from the Central African Republic before being repelled by Chadian forces. Chadian rebel groups remain active and could launch attacks in Chad without warning.

Foreign, national and local government facilities have been targeted and damaged in previous demonstrations. You should monitor the local news to help you avoid such gatherings. If you become aware of a crowd gathering where you are, you should leave the area immediately.

Crime

The number of reports of car-jackings on roads outside N’Djamena has increased, including during daylight hours. You should use a police or military escort when driving outside the capital, and carry working communications equipment.

Armed robberies, particularly from cars, in some residential areas of N’Djamena are common. Foreigners are sometimes targeted.

Be vigilant and take particular care in the capital. Consider travelling by car and not by foot, especially if you are alone. Keep doors locked and windows closed. Do not carry large sums of money, jewellery, or other valuables. Avoid isolated or less developed areas of towns and do not travel alone or at night.

Local travel

Before considering any travel outside the capital, take professional security advice. You should follow your employer’s security advice and make sure the correct Chadian authorities are aware of your journey, you have the right permits in place if needed, and you hold comprehensive travel insurance.

The border with Sudan is subject to closure at short notice. The border between Chad and Central African Republic has been closed and instability in neighbouring Central African Republic remains concerning. In May 2021, there were reports of armed groups entering south-western Chad from the Central African Republic before being repelled by Chadian forces.

The area bordering Libya is heavily land-mined. The northern regions of Borkou, Ennedi and Tibesti remain unsafe.

Road travel

Road travel can be dangerous due to the state of the roads and quality of driving. Accidents involving motorbikes are particularly common. Crowds can quickly gather around the scene of an accident and, whilst rarely violent, can be intimidating. If you’re involved in an accident, try to make contact with the police or other local authority immediately.

Fuel shortages can occur frequently.

For travel outside the capital, you will need authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior, which is normally granted without difficulty after a few days. Roads are poor and often impassable during the rainy season (July-October), especially in the south. Heavy rains during the rainy season (July-October) can result in major flooding in many areas, particularly in the south and east. You should ensure you have adequate supplies of food and clean water.

You should travel in convoy, keep doors locked and carry spare fuel and supplies. Police checkpoints are common: you may be asked to show your passport, driving licence and vehicle registration documents. Do not travel by road after dark.

Take care when passing along the road in front of the Presidential Palace in N’Djamena. Do not stop in front of the Palace or drive close to the guards. Do not use this road at night. In three separate incidents in March 2019, 2 motorists were killed by Palace guards, and a motorcyclist shot.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Chad.

Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning. Places frequented by foreigners, including diplomatic premises, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, stadiums, concert halls, shopping areas, markets, national infrastructure, airports and other transport hubs, places of worship (especially churches), national parks, businesses with western interests and foreign, national and local government facilities may also be targets of attack.

You should be vigilant, be alert to announcements, monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities. Avoid all large gatherings, including music festivals, shows, concerts, sporting events and any public marches or demonstrations. You should exercise extra caution during election periods, festivities, and religious and public holiday periods.

There have been numerous attacks by armed groups in the Lake Chad region since 2016. The terrorist group Boko Haram remains active in this region. In an attack in November 2022, Boko Haram reportedly killed at least 30 Chadian soldiers near Baga Sola, Lac province. Military operations are ongoing and a state of emergency remains in place.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Kidnap

Lake Chad Basin and the border areas with the Far North Region of Cameroon, Sudan and the Central African Republic. British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) maintain an intent and capability to conduct kidnaps in Chad, and have also taken hostages from neighbouring Cameroon, northern Nigeria and the Diffa region of Niger. If you’re working or travelling in areas where there is a Boko Haram or ISWA presence, especially around the Lake Chad Basin, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping.

You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, especially when travelling and in crowded public places, including camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and insecure spaces such as places of worship, markets, shopping areas, hotels, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and transport hubs. You should make sure you have carefully considered the threat and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place.

The long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

The terrorist threat in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin

There is a high threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region. A number of western nationals including tourists, NGO workers and diplomats have been kidnapped in the Sahel over the last ten years, and several are still being held. Some, including several British nationals, have been killed by their captors. Those engaged in humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors are viewed as legitimate targets. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.

There are a number of terrorist groups active in the region. These include Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), Islamic State Greater Sahara (ISGS), Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Murabitoun, Ansar Dine and Boko Haram. These groups are capable of carrying out attacks and kidnaps over long distances. Kidnapping for ransom is the primary source of finance for Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM). Criminal gangs also carry out kidnapping for terrorist groups in return for financial rewards.

Read more about the threat from terrorism in the Sahel region.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal,

There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend local cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See Travelling during Ramadan

Identification

You should carry identification at all times (either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport). Failure to produce ID can lead to detention by the police, or delays should you have to leave the country.

Drugs

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence. Conditions in local prisons are harsh.

LGBT

Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Chadian society. Same-sex sexual activity is a criminal offence in Chad, with penalties of imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 2 years and a fine of between 50,000 and 500,000 CFA francs. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Photography

Photographing of military sites, government buildings and airports is prohibited. Other photography needs a government permit.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Chad set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Chad’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

All travellers should familiarise themselves with the entry rules for Chad before travel.

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Chad.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you are visiting Chad, your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive.

If you are a resident in Chad, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

British nationals need a visa to visit Chad. To apply for a visa contact the Chadian Embassy in Belgium at 52 Boulevard Lambermont, 1030, Brussels, Telephone: +32 2 215 1975, Fax: +32 2 216 3526, or the Chadian Embassy in France at 65 rue des Belles Feuilles, 75116, Paris, Telephone: +33 (0)1 45 53 36 75, Fax: +33 (0)1 45 53 16 09.

If your visa is valid for longer than a short visit, the immigration officer on arrival will ask you to register at the Commissariat Central (police headquarters) on Avenue General Kerim Nassour (formerly Boulevard de Strasbourg) within 3 days. You will need to provide a passport photograph.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

A yellow fever certificate is required for travel to Chad and may be requested by airlines prior to travel to and upon arrival in Chad.

When you are in Chad

Keep your passport, and those of immediate family members, up to date, along with any visas that you may require; a replacement emergency travel document may take time to issue, which could make travelling more complicated.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or brought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, check this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Medical treatment

Medical facilities in Chad are poor. Hospitals in N’Djamena are stretched at the best of times and sometimes affected by strikes. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Health risks

Malaria and water-borne diseases are common. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards.

There have previously been outbreaks of Chikungunya in Abéché. Check the Chikungunya factsheet on the TravelHealthPro website for more information and follow the advice on avoiding mosquito bites

According to UNAIDS, in 2018, the number of adults aged 15 or over in Chad living with HIV was estimated to be around 120,000; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Foreign travel checklist

Check our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should check the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Check how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or cannot offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you cannot find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.