Chad is a vast landlocked country in Central Africa offering some of Africa's most remote and spectacular landscapes. From the wildlife-rich Zakouma National Park to the otherworldly rock formations of the UNESCO-listed Ennedi Massif, Chad rewards adventurous travelers with authentic experiences far from tourist crowds.
Chad is considered a high-risk destination due to ongoing armed conflict in border regions, terrorism threats (particularly from Boko Haram near Lake Chad and armed groups in the east and north), and poor medical infrastructure. N'Djamena is relatively stable but requires standard urban precautions. Most Western governments advise against travel to border regions and recommend heightened caution throughout the country.
Current safety advisory
High
Most Western governments (US, UK, France, Australia) advise against all travel to areas near the borders with Sudan, Central African Republic, Libya, and Niger, and the Lake Chad region. They recommend exercising a high degree of caution throughout Chad, including N'Djamena. Register with your embassy upon arrival.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 3 — Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Chad due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. Do not travel to the border regions with Sudan, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, and the Lake Chad region.
Level 3 — Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Advises against all travel to border areas and all but essential travel to the rest of Chad. Specific threat from terrorist groups including Boko Haram in Lake Chad Basin area.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid all travel to border regions and Lake Chad area
Stay in secure accommodations in N'Djamena
Use trusted guides and tour operators for remote areas
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Register with your embassy upon arrival
Travel only during daylight hours
Keep copies of passport and important documents
Carry a hard copy of your visa and travel permit at all times — police checkpoints are frequent and document checks are routine
Dress conservatively, especially in Muslim areas; women should cover shoulders and knees in public markets and mosques
Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid raw salads and uncooked street food — waterborne illness is common
Consult a travel medicine clinic at least 8 weeks before arrival for malaria prophylaxis, yellow fever vaccination (required), and meningitis jabs
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Police Checkpoint Bribery
Police at roadside checkpoints may demand unofficial payments (bakchich) citing minor documentation issues or invented violations.
How to avoid: Carry all documents (passport, visa, entry stamp) in accessible order. Politely refuse unofficial payments and ask for official receipts. Most checkpoints accept firm, calm refusal.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxi drivers at the airport and tourist areas quote inflated prices to first-time visitors unfamiliar with local rates.
How to avoid: Agree on the fare before entering any taxi. Airport taxi to city center should be 8,000-15,000 XAF ($14-27) — reject initial quotes of $50-80.
Fake Tour Guides
Unofficial guides approach tourists near the Grand Marché and National Museum offering guiding services, then charge excessive fees or take visitors to shops for commission.
How to avoid: Book guides through your hotel or established operators. Agree on price and services in advance and get it in writing.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: Yellow fever (certificate required for entry). Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Meningitis, Rabies, Polio booster, routine vaccinations. Malaria prophylaxis essential.
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Drink only bottled water (500-1,000 XAF per 1.5L bottle). Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Chad is challenging and not recommended for inexperienced travelers. In N'Djamena, solo visitors can move safely during daylight within the diplomatic quarter and hotel zones with normal precautions. Solo travel outside the capital, especially to Ennedi or Tibesti, requires an organized expedition — never travel alone in remote areas. Always inform your hotel of your plans and expected return times.
Female travellers
Female travelers should exercise heightened caution in Chad. Dress very conservatively throughout the country — cover shoulders, arms, and knees in all public areas, and consider a headscarf in northern Muslim regions. Avoid traveling alone at night. The hotel zones in N'Djamena are generally safe during the day. Female travelers are strongly advised to have a trusted male companion or organized group for any travel outside N'Djamena. Sexual harassment is possible in crowded markets — confident, firm responses work best.
Families
Chad is not recommended as a family destination for children under 12 due to extreme heat, limited medical facilities, health risks (malaria, yellow fever, waterborne illness), and security concerns. Families with older children (12+) can safely visit N'Djamena with strict precautions: stay in international hotels with pools, use private transport, avoid street food, ensure all vaccinations are current, and carry comprehensive medical kit. Zakouma safari accepts children 12+ and provides excellent supervised wildlife experiences.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are criminalized in Chad under both civil and customary law, with penalties including imprisonment. There is no visible LGBTQ community or safe spaces in the country. LGBTQ travelers should exercise complete discretion and avoid any public display of affection. Discretion is strongly advised at all times including within hotels.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 17
- Medical
- 2251-4242
- Embassy
- Tourist Police