Chad

Avoid Travel

The Republic of Chad is located in central Africa bordering Libya, Central African Republic, Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The northern two-thirds of Chad is in the Sahara Desert. The government is a republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government. The population is about 11.4 million people.

Chad has a rich culture with a diverse population, diverse religions, and about 200 ethnic groups. However, the ethnic and regional conflict has prevented this country from thriving. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, there has been political instability, conflict between the government and rebel groups, and ethnic tension.

The country is rich in natural resources, such as gold, uranium and oil and has recently acquired status as an oil-exporting country. However, Chad remains a poor country with little infrastructure. Chad has been rated as the world’s most corrupt country.

Tourism has yet to be developed in Chad. At this time, there is a lack of infrastructure for travellers, including very few paved roads, and travel is not safe in this country.

Currency	XAF: Central African CFA franc
Language	Arabic; French
Capital	N’Djamena
Recent Alerts	3
Latest Alert	July 20, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Chad (20 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Chad. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Chad through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Chad.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Chad, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever In areas south of the Sahara Desert, travellers are at risk for yellow fever.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Chad. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Meningitis Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Chad. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks occur in Chad. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Chad. Travellers to Chad are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in Chad and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Malaria All areas of Chad are at high risk for malaria.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever may occur in Chad.
Sleeping Sickness (Type 1) African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”) occurs in Chad. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.
African Tick Bite Fever There is an increased risk of this disease in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Chad.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or over going to areas south of the Sahara Desert. Not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas within the Sahara Desert.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are also at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Meningitis Vaccine Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Chad.

Anti-malarial Drugs Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Safety and Security in Chad

Emergency Numbers

2020 Operators may only speak French and Arabic

+235 225 17728

+235 225 21211

Emergency services are very limited and may be unresponsive.

Personal Safety

Avoid all travel to Chad due to lawlessness, the threat of kidnapping, the presence of rebel groups, and terrorism.

Petty crime, such as purse snatching, pickpocketing, and theft occurs in Chad. Pay close attention to your personal security. Keep all valuables secured and out of sight. Theft from hotel rooms does occur. Do not walk after dark. Violent crime does occur, including murder, robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, etc.

Road travel is very dangerous. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up when driving. Road conditions are poor and only main roads are paved. Drivers may not follow the rules of the road. Vehicles may be poorly maintained and may not have headlights. Be sure to carry any needed supplies, including water and fuel. Armed robbery can occur on roads. Do not travel after dark and always travel with a convoy of vehicles. There is no public transportation in Chad.

Do not photograph military or government establishments.

Although homosexuality is legal in Chad, same-sex behaviour is not socially accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress and behaviour conservatively to respect religious customs.

Travel to all border areas is considered dangerous due to the activities of armed groups, the presence of land mines and the high risk of crime and violence.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime does occur in Chad. Terrorism is a threat in this region of Africa in retaliation for the French military intervention in Mali.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and protests occur frequently in Chad. Avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations, as the situation can turn violent without warning.

Get A Free Account!

Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

Plan A Trip

Updated: July 20, 2021