[Travel](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/) › [Guides](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/) › [Chad](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/) # Guide to Chad To visit Chad, check entry requirements, connectivity and this guide’s local references. Chad extends from Sahelian landscapes to the lakes of Ounianga and the formations of Ennedi. Its geographical scale and security context require any visit to be treated as a carefully assessed expedition. [Places in Chad · 3 catalog places →](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/chad/) ## Visa for your trip Your passport countrySelect countryAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAntigua & BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBhutanBoliviaBosnia & HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaColombiaComorosCongo - BrazzavilleCongo - KinshasaCosta RicaCôte d’IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFijiFinlandFranceGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGrenadaGuatemalaGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHondurasHong Kong SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacao SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmar (Burma)NamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNorth KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSamoaSan MarinoSão Tomé & PríncipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSt. Kitts & NevisSt. LuciaSt. Vincent & GrenadinesSudanSurinameSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTongaTrinidad & TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVatican CityVenezuelaVietnamYemenZambiaZimbabweChoose the passport you travel with. The lookup adapts automatically. Conditions and other situationsShort tourist stays with an ordinary passport. Residence, other visas, stay length and transit can change the requirement. Check with the authority before booking or travelling. [Destination source](https://evisa.td/) · [Check itinerary with IATA](https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm) Enable JavaScript to adapt this lookup to your passport. You can also check the destination source. ## eSIM and connectivity Compare Saily and Airalo plans. Check destination coverage and phone compatibility on the provider’s website. [Saily ↗](https://tripguroo.com/api/affiliate/go/esim?source=guide&lang=en)[Airalo ↗](https://tripguroo.com/api/affiliate/go/esim-airalo?source=guide&lang=en) Affiliate links: we may earn a commission on purchases. ## Currency and payments Central African CFA Franc (XAF) ## Embassy Missions are filtered by your passport country. Confirm services, opening hours and appointments with the mission. View 29 missions and contacts ### [Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, N'Djamena](https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/missions/UAE-Missions-Abroad/UAE-Missions-Abroad-Details?countryId=22f48d74-4d8e-4736-821c-b3714b85b09f) N'Djamena N'Djamena, Sabangali Cornich Road near Hilton[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81303433) ### [embassy of Burkina Faso in Chad](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111544567) N'Djamena Boulevard du Président Ngarta Tambalbaye, Ndjaména[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111544567) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134390388) N'Djamena Rue du Vingt Six Aout, N'Djamena[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134390388) ### [embassy of Ivory Coast in Chad](https://www.tchad.diplomatie.gouv.ci/) N'Djamena http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/f33bf898eb3034c3e0aac8f7e4ad6301[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112874235) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134366890) N'Djamena Rue des Poids Lourds, N'Djamena Tchad[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134366890) ### [embassy of the People's Republic of China, N'Djamena](http://td.china-embassy.gov.cn/) N'Djamena Rue Colonel Barh Sinine Karda, N'Djamena[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116049464) ### [Embassy of Germany, N'Djamena](https://ndjamena.diplo.de/) N'Djamena [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59273683) ### [Embassy of Algeria, N'Djamena](https://embndjamena.mfa.gov.dz/) N'Djamena Rue de Paris, N’Djamena, BP 178[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100268090) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367085) N'Djamena [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367085) ### [Spain Embassy in Chad](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/yaunde/es/Embajada/tambien-somos-tu-embajada-en/Paginas/Chad.aspx) N'Djamena 150 Avenue Général Kerim Nassour, N'Djamena[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134378461) ### [Embassy of France, N'Djamena](https://td.ambafrance.org/) N'Djamena Rue l’Adjudant-chef Zouala Agoyna[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2841689) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134386010) N'Djamena [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134386010) ### [British Embassy N'Djamena](https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-ndjamena) N'Djamena BP 968 – Gate 259, 1002 Avenue du Général Kerim Nassour, N'Djamena[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134374355) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134569936) N'Djamena Rue Parcha Millezi 2, Section 2N'DjamenaTchad[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134569936) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134567177) N'Djamena 42GM+6CQ Quartier Aéroport, Rue 1039, N'Djamena[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134567177) ### [India Embassy in Chad](https://eoindjamena.gov.in/) N'Djamena Hille Rogue,2eme Arrondissement, 0178 Rue 3604, N’Djamena, Tchad[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367309) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134386197) N'Djamena Boulevard Djimnaye Gaou, N'Djamena, Chad[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134386197) ### [embassy of Morocco in Chad](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121770243) N'Djamena rue général Kérim Nassour, Porte351[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121770243) ### [N'Djamena](https://ndjamena.foreignaffairs.gov.ng/) N'Djamena Avenue du Général Charles De Gaulle, N'djamena[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367296) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134386837) N'Djamena Avenue Dr Jacques Baroum, N'Djamena[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134386837) ### [embassy of Russia in Chad](https://tchad.mid.ru/) N'Djamena avenue Colonel Nelde Rigobert[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109925236) ### [Embassy of Saudi Arabia, N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54857237) N'Djamena Clip Mat De Chateo 40th Street[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54857237) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367341) N'Djamena [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367341) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367744) N'Djamena [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134367744) ### [Embassy of Turkey, N'Djamena](https://encemine-be.mfa.gov.tr/) N'Djamena Rue de Marseille[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110907703) ### [embassy of the United States in Chad](https://td.usembassy.gov/) N'Djamena Rond-point de Chagoua[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105580968) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134373718) N'Djamena Avenue Sahoulba Gontchomé, N'djaména[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134373718) ### [Apostolic Nunciature to Chad](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28752876) N'Djamena [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28752876) ### [N'Djamena](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134366980) N'Djamena Avenue Gaounrang, N'djaména Tchad[Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134366980) ## Highlights ### [Lakes of Ounianga](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/unesco-1400/) UNESCO natural World Heritage, inscribed in 2012. ### [Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/unesco-1475/) UNESCO mixed World Heritage, inscribed in 2016. ### [N'Djamena](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-yamena/) Markets and cultural heritage on the banks of the Chari River. ## Complete guide · chapter reading [Introduction](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-0) · [Regions](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-1) · [Cities](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-2) · [Other destinations](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-3) · [Understand](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-4) · [Talk](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-5) · [Get in](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-6) · [Get around](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-7) · [See](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-8) · [Do](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-9) · [Buy](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-10) · [Eat](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-11) · [Drink](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-12) · [Sleep](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-13) · [Stay safe](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-14) · [Stay healthy](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-15) · [Respect](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-16) · [Connect](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/chad/#full-chapter-17) ## Introduction Many governments advise against all non-essential travel to Chad due to high levels of crime, jihadist activity, terrorism, civil unrest, and the high risk of kidnapping. Some governments recommend that you do not travel to areas within 30 km mi of all of Chad's international borders. Some governments recommend that you do not travel to Saharan Chad. 2026-07-17 Chad (Arabic: تشاد, French: Tchad) is a landlocked country situated in the centre of Africa. Chad is home to more than 200 different ethnic groups (making it one of the most diverse countries in the world) and there are national parks, desert lakes, sand dunes, canyons and camel caravans that will interest the daring and adventurous. ## Regions The northern part of the country, which is also the driest. The location of the capital, this region is the central part of Chad. In the south (Soudanian) part of Chad, the climate is wetter. ## Cities — the national capital and largest city — the country's second-largest city — capital of Ouaddai province and historical capital of the Wadai Empire — largest city in the north of the country ## Other destinations Aouk National Park — home to a huge and impressive mix of mammals and birds, and a popular place for safari excursions Manda National Park — home to large mammals and a diverse bird population Sena Oura National Park — forms a biosphere corridor along with the Bouba Ndjida National Park of Siniaka-Minia National Park — home to greater kudu, lions, and the reintroduced African buffalo — home to half of the world's population of Kordofan giraffe, a critically endangered subspecies, and a birding paradise with nearly 400 species having been recorded ## Understand History For more than 2,000 years, the Chadian Basin has been inhabited by agricultural and sedentary peoples. The earliest of these were the legendary Sao, known from artefacts and oral histories. The Sao fell to the Kanem Empire, the first and longest-lasting of the empires that developed in Chad's Sahelian strip by the end of the 1st millennium AD. The power of Kanem and its successors was based on control of the trans-Saharan trade routes that passed through the region. Up until the late 19th century, two Muslim kingdoms emerged in the region, including the Sultanate of Bagirmi and the Wadai Empire. French colonial expansion led to the creation of the Territoire Militaire des Pays et Protectorats du Tchad in 1900. By 1920, France had secured full control of the colony and incorporated it as part of French Equatorial Africa. The French primarily viewed the colony as an unimportant source of untrained labour and raw cotton. The colonial administration in Chad was critically understaffed and had to rely on the dregs of the French civil service. Fifteen thousand Chadian soldiers fought for Free France during World War II and after the war ended, granted Chad the status of overseas territory and its inhabitants the right to elect representatives to both the French National Assembly and a Chadian assembly. Chad was granted independence on 11 August 1960 with François Tombalbaye, as its first president. Two years later, Tombalbaye banned opposition parties and established a one-party system. In 1965 Muslims began a civil war. Tombalbaye was overthrown and killed in 1975, but the insurgency continued. In 1979 the rebel factions conquered the capital, and all central authority in the country collapsed. The disintegration of Chad caused the collapse of France's position in the country, and a civil war in which the (unsuccessfully) became involved. A semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution, and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which sporadically flares up despite several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In 2005 new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and have made probing attacks into eastern Chad. In 2005, President Idriss Deby won a referendum to remove constitutional term limits. There were coup attempts in 2008 and 2013. Deby died in April 2021, the nation's National Assembly and government were dissolved and national leadership was replaced with a transitional military council. Although the country is wealthy in natural resources, widespread corruption and political instability mean that only a small segment of the population receives the wealth. Since the 2000s, oil has become the country's largest industry, even superseding the traditional cotton industry. It is believed that the country has one of the largest oil deposits in the world. Climate Each year a tropical weather system known as the inter-tropical front crosses Chad from south to north, bringing a wet season that lasts from May to October in the south, and from June to September in the . Culture Chad's cultural landscape represents a millennia of human adaptation in the country's transitional hot environment. Its mosaic is defined by a melting pot of tribal cultures, languages, and overlapping Islamic and indigenous traditions, earning its reputation of being the Babel Tower of the World. Landscape The country's landscape comprises broad, arid plains in the centre, desert in the north, mountains in the northwest, and lowlands in the south. Lowest point: Djourab Depression (160 m/525 ft). Highest point: Emi Koussi (3,415 m/11,204 ft). The dominant physical structure is a wide basin bounded to the north, east and south by mountain ranges such as the Ennedi Plateau in the north-east. , after which the country is named, is the remains of an immense lake that occupied 330,000 km² of the Chadian Basin 7,000 years ago. Although in the 21st century it covers only 17,806 km², and its surface area is subject to heavy seasonal fluctuations, the lake is Africa's second largest wetland. ## Talk Also in this library: · · The main languages of Chad are and . Few Chadians other than the educated and well-travelled speak literary Arabic; however, a dialect of Arabic known as "" is much more widely spoken and is the closest thing the country has to a trade language. Chadian Arabic is significantly different from literary Arabic, but similar to the dialects of and . Literary Arabic speakers can typically understand Chadian Arabic but the reverse is not true. Over one hundred indigenous languages are also spoken. ## Get in Entry requirements In response to Trump's travel ban, visa insurance is suspended to American citizens. Current visas are still honored until their expiration. Dual nationals can still visit Chad as long as they hold valid documents. 2025-09-07 Everyone, except citizens of , , , , , , , , , and , needs a visa to enter the country. Chadian visas are expensive; the Chadian embassy in Brussels charges 70 EUR for one-month visas and the Chadian embassy in charges 150 USD for one-month visas. As a general rule, the longer you intend to stay, the more expensive the visa will be. All visitors are required to register themselves with the police within 72 hours after arrival. Bring along your passport and two passport-sized photos with you. Any good travel company may assist with the process, especially if you're not proficient in either , , or both. There is a 'tourist tax' of 5,000 CFA per person per site (Guelta d'Archei for example is one, nearby Terkei mountain as well, as are Ounianga Kebir and Ounianga Serir). Visa application requirements Chad does not have an extensive diplomatic network around the world. You may need to travel to another country to apply for any kind of Chadian visa. Although visa requirements vary from diplomatic mission to diplomatic mission, you're typically asked to submit the following to apply for a Chadian visa: A copy of your passport (must be valid). A passport-sized photograph. A copy of an invitation letter. Round-trip tickets to Chad. A completed visa application. An incomplete visa application will be rejected, so get everything you need. An e-visa is in theory available from December 2024. Some people report that the necessary confirmation email is not received by Hotmail/Gmail type addresses. A search for the web address should find the correct site which is https://evisa.td/. However, as of October 2025 the payment engine does not work. Try to avoid companies offering to provide visa services. You will end up paying more than €1,000 for a service where you do most of the work. By plane Air France has daily flights from to . Ethiopia Airlines flies to , Turkish airlines to , Royal Air Maroc to , Sudan Airways to , Egypt Air to , and Camair-co to . By train There are no usable rail links. By car Roads are in disrepair and are typically unpaved. There is a paved road which runs from Massakory in the north through on to Guelendeng, , Kelo, Moundou, Doba, Koumra, Sarh, and Kyabe. The other main paved road is between N'Djamena and , 700km to the east. These are the best roads in the country, but still there are numerous potholes and as it runs through the centre of a number of small villages, drivers should exercise caution and moderate speeds even while on the main road. The road between N'Djamena and Abeche is a toll road, with toll stations every 80km where a fixed rate of 500 CFA per car has to be paid. There are several border crossings with , most notably via Kousseri near N'Djamena and near the towns of Bongor and Lere. Be very careful, drive defensively, and don't stop unless absolutely necessary. Do not drive at night, as coupeurs de route (road bandits) are common. They are a particular concern along the two roads leading out of Guelendeng, towards Ba-Illi (where expats were attacked in two separate incidents in 2005, resulting in the death of one Catholic nun) and towards Bongor. By bus ## Get around In N'Djamena there are both vehicle taxis and motorcycle taxis. In some major towns, such as Moundou and Sarh, there might be only "clandos" - motorcycle taxis - or rickshaws (more towards the east of the country) for getting around town. In October 2018, a domestic Chadian airline was launched, Tchadia Air. It was placed into liquidation in 2022. Charter flights exist to Zakouma NP and Faya-Largeau Airport (for Ennedi), and are used by the more upmarket tours around Chad. Tours Due to the inaccessibility of most of the country, any substantial visit will be by an organised tour. Local companies such as [SVS](https://www.svstchad.com/) , [Tchad Evasion](https://www.tchadevasion.com/) , [Eyte Voyages](https://www.eytevoyages.com/)and Guéra Touristique offer itineraries for private groups and fixed date group tours. Their tours and/or their capabilities are also resold via the more adventurous US/UK/European tour operators. ## See Chad is the quintessential destination to experience the Sahara desert: its ecosystem, but also its past and present forms of human habitation. The Ennedi Massif is a picturesque sandstone bulwark in the middle of the Sahara, which was formed by erosion from wind and temperature. The area is also known for its rock paintings. The Guelta d'Archei is one of the rare pockets of water in the Ennedi, inhabited by the West African crocodile and frequented by camel caravans. The Lakes of Ounianga are a group of 18 ancient lakes with a unique hydrological system. Both the Ennedi Massif and the Lakes of Ounianga are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since the takeover by the NGO African Parks in 2010, Zakouma National Park[Official website](http://www.zakouma.com/) [View location on map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=10.847778&mlon=19.647778#map=16/10.847778/19.647778) has developed itself into a prime destination for safari connoisseurs. Poaching has been virtually eliminated and wildlife numbers are thriving. Part of the Sudan-Guinea Savannah vegetation zone, Zakouma’s floodplains, rivers, marshes and pans are a sanctuary for West and Central African wildlife. After reintroduction of the Black Rhino in 2018, it also is a ‘Big Five Park’. Football is the most popular sport in Chad with Les Sao being the international tournament. The Chadian national team have never qualified in the World Cup or the African Cup of Nations. However, home matches are only played at the Idriss Mahamat Ouya Stadium. Other sites of interest: Oasis of Faya - the largest oasis in northern Chad. Tibesti Mountains - a mountain range in the far north, with the volcano of Emi Koussi and the domain of the Toubou people Lake Chad - large border lake, covered by a hundred islands and islets of which many are inhabited. Guéra Region - a central Chadian region home to a high ethnic diversity and beautiful mountain ranges ## Do Gerewol is a week-long festival, held yearly in late September in the southwest of Chad. The men of the nomadic Woodabe tribe, herding their cattle around Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, congregate to dress up and dance in order to attract a new wife. The festival locations are impossible to find independently, so as a foreigner without links to the community the only way to experience it will be as part of an organized small group tour.Festival of Nomadic Cultures National Museum N’Djamena ## Buy Money The currency of the country is the Central African CFA franc, denoted FCFA (ISO currency code: XAF). It's also used by five other Central African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of €1 = 655.957 CFA francs. There are no restrictions on bringing foreign currencies into Chad. Euros and US dollars are often accepted in payment. Chad is an expensive place compared to much of Africa, especially regarding accommodation and transport. Outside of the places frequented by expats, a soft drink will cost between 300 and 500 CFA. ATMs There are [Ecobank ATMs](https://www.ecobank.com/td/personal-banking/contact-us/locator) in Chad where you can withdraw cash with a Mastercard or Visa card. ## Eat Meat dishes are very popular in Chad, and foreigners speak highly of the meat. Grilled lamb and camel meat are common and tasty and can be found all over the country. In N’Djamena and southern parts of the country fish is also quite common and very tasty. “La bouille” is a very common Chadian almost liquid porridge made from millet, peanut butter and lemons that is served as breakfast. “La boule” is a fufu-like millet/sorghum or corn based food served with different sauces and serves as the daily food of most Chadians. Food is usually eaten without utensils, and hand sanitizer may be a good precaution. Muslims find it offensive to eat with the left hand. If eating with or being served by Muslims in Chad, eat with your right hand only. Follow common health travel guidelines concerning raw fruit and cooking requirements to avoid disease. During Ramadan most restaurants in the northern and central parts of Chad are closed and eating and drinking in public is not accepted. ## Drink In general, do not drink unfiltered water in Chad. Typhoid and other disease carriers are often present in unfiltered water. Bottled water should be safe, but make sure the bottle is properly sealed, as some street vendors will take old bottles and refill them with unfiltered water. Soft drinks are popular in Chad and are generally safe to drink. Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Top (a fruity soft drink) are the most popular. Hot drinks should usually be safe to drink since the water has been boiled. Tea, coffee, and hot milk are very popular. Chad is a secular country, but the north and center are predominantly Muslim. It is therefore sometimes difficult (and not well regarded) to find and consume alcohol outside of the cities. It's no problem in the south and in N'Djamena. ## Sleep Years ago few hotels existed in Chad, but now hosts a myriad of almost affordable options plus the Radisson Blu Hotel. Outside of the capital few hotels or accommodation options exist – in the desert these are non-existent. In many other part of the country hotel rooms might be basic and not very clean. Often international NGOs or churches offer affordable and relatively clean housing and might therefore be the better option. Prices range around 10000CFA per night. Zakouma NP has 2 safari lodges: the expensive Tinga Camp and the uber-expensive Camp Nomade (by invitation only). ## Stay safe 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. The Lake Chad region (threat of Boko Haram jihadists) and the other border areas are considered the most dangerous due to potential for armed conflict and minefields. N'Djamena is relatively safe, although one should be wary of petty street crime and corrupt police/officials who will strictly enforce the 'no photography'-rule. Most border crossings are extremely difficult ( and not being viable options) although the border crossings with and are relatively painless. Floodings are another risk factor: during the rainy season (roughly June - September) heavy rain on the dry ground repeatedly leads to flooding and landslides and as a result to damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and even loss of lives. Crime Also in this library: If you are the victim of a crime in Chad, do not expect to be taken seriously; the Chadian justice system is horribly inefficient, lacks accountability, corrupt, and is susceptible to political interference. Ordinary Chadians largely avoid the court system. If you've been accused of a crime in Chad, your fate depends largely on your political connections or your ability to pay bribes. Government officials, high-profile individuals (VIPs), and those with political connections generally enjoy impunity in Chad. Keep that in mind. Corruption Also in this library: Chad is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Bribery, cronyism, and nepotism are not uncommon. Do not expect any kind of reliable assistance from Chadian law enforcement authorities and do not expect them to solve your problems; it is a known fact that they routinely abuse their powers and get away with it. ## Stay healthy Officially, Chad has the worst tap water quality in the world. Drink brands you recognize from stores. Eat at restaurants recommended to you by friends and locals you trust. Eat food that has been freshly prepared and cooked well. If you are eating local dishes, make sure the food was freshly prepared, cooked well, and still warm from the grill or cooking pot. Wash your hands often. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date before visiting Chad. Proof of Yellow fever and Covid vaccinations are mandatory to enter the country. The country is in the African Meningitis Belt. Malaria is the country's deadliest disease. The capital N'Djamena and the South in general lie in the high risk zone for mosquitos. The drier northern region (including Ennedi) sees fewer of them, though they may occur in oases such as Ounianga. ## Respect There are 200 distinct ethnic groups. In the north and center: Arabs, Gorane (Toubou, Daza, Kreda), Zaghawa, Kanembou, Ouaddai, Baguirmi, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Hausa, Boulala, and Maba, most of whom are Muslim; in the south: Sara (Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye), Moundang, Moussei, Massa, most of whom are Christian or animist; about 1,000 French citizens live in Chad. Do not discuss the Chadian-Libyan conflict; Chadians living in Libya have been tortured and murdered. As in other Sahel countries, natives are reluctant to be photographed, so always ask. Also there is a general ban on photography for anything that might be of any military or governmental importance. ## Connect The rate of internet use is low – 10% of the population as of 2020 but steadily increasing. Mobile telecommunication is the easiest way to connect while travelling. You can buy SIM cards of one of the bigger telecommunication enterprises (Airtel & Moov) almost everywhere on the streets. Recharging Minutes to call or MB for internet connection is pretty simple and the way to go, since there is not many places that offer stable Wifi connections. 3G/4G coverage is limited to N'Djamena and a few other large towns. Receiving data outside of N'Djamena is only possible with a Chadian SIM and just now and then in the bigger towns (and outside of peak hours). 2G coverage is much more extensive. A number of eSIM providers have products for Chad. Look at Airalo, easySim, Holafly and others. These are usually data only but you can buy before arrival and be up and running as soon as you arrive. Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible. Social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp have been intermittently blocked since March 2018 and then are only accessible via VPN. Text by Wikivoyage contributors. Article edition: 2026-09-29T05:57:06Z · [Source and revision](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5374014) · [Authors and history](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Chad&action=history) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) ## Local food ### Boule Firm millet or sorghum dough. ### Daraba Okra and vegetable sauce or stew. ### Beignets Small fried dough pastries. ## Local drinks ### Karkanji Red hibiscus infusion that may include spices. Alcohol-free ### Bili-bili Traditional grain beer documented in N’Djamena’s social life. Contains alcohol Plan your itinerary ### Prior assessment Review advised-against areas and border conditions before booking a Saharan route. ### Expedition Ennedi and Ounianga require an operator, permissions and water and communication planning; they are not city excursions from N’Djamena. ### Rock art Keep away from paintings and engravings and collect no fragments; follow local guides’ interpretation and rules. ### Saharan Chad The northern part of the country, which is also the driest. ### Sahelian Chad The location of the capital, this region is the central part of Chad. ### Soudanian Chad In the south (Soudanian) part of Chad, the climate is wetter. Local reading and routesCheck Chad’s current risk map and authorizations before considering an expedition; access cannot be assumed. ### [Aouzou](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Aouzou) ### [Fada](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Fada) ### [Faya](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Faya) ### [Ennedi Plateau](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ennedi_Plateau) a sandstone plateau in the east of Saharan Chad, impossibly remote, but very beautiful. The natural and cultural landscape of the Ennedi Massif has been inscribed as ### [Tibesti Mountains](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tibesti_Mountains) a volcanic mountain range that spans from northern Chad to southern Libya. Suicidally remote, but insanely mindblowing. ### [Lakes of Ounianga](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lakes_of_Ounianga) a mass series of complex lakes in the extreme desert setting. ### [N'Djamena](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-yamena/) ### [Abéché](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ab%C3%A9ch%C3%A9) ### [Bol](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bol_(Chad)) ### [Gaoui](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Gaoui) ### [Mao](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Mao_(Chad)) ### [Massenya](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Sahelian_Chad#Other_destinations) the historical capital of the Kingdom of Baguirmi and is the main residence of the mbang or sultan ### [Ouara](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Sahelian_Chad#Other_destinations) Former capital of the Ouaddai Empire, there are still a ruined palace, mosque and city wall. ### [Bongor](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bongor) ### [Doba](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Soudanian_Chad#Other_destinations) ### [Moundou](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Moundou) the country's second largest city and the cultural centre of the - N'Gambaye people ### [Sahr](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Sahr) this major transportation hub is home of the Sarh National Museum ### [Aouk National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Soudanian_Chad#Other_destinations) home to a huge and impressive mix of mammals and birds, and a popular place for safari excursions ### [Manda National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Soudanian_Chad#Other_destinations) home to large mammals and a diverse bird population ### [Siniaka-Minia National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Soudanian_Chad#Other_destinations) home to greater kudu, lions, and the reintroduced African buffalo ### [Zakouma National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Zakouma_National_Park) home to half of the world's population of Kordofan giraffe, a critically endangered subspecies, and a birding paradise with nearly 400 species having been recorded ### [Sena Oura National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Chad#Other_destinations) forms a biosphere corridor along with the Bouba Ndjida National Park of Cameroon ### [Oasis of Faya](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Chad#See) ### [Lake Chad](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Chad#See) ## Sources [Recetas documentadas en Chad](https://www.tchad.org/research/cook.html) · [Aviso de viaje](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chad) · [World Travel Guide: gastronomía](https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/chad/food-and-drink/) · [Estudio sobre bili-bili en Yamena](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154326000906)Wikivoyage contributors; selection, abridgement, translation and regional planning by TRIPGUROO · CC BY-SA 4.0 [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) · [Wikivoyage · Chad](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5374014) [Guides by topic](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/?view=topics)