Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to the northern provinces of Chad:
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the Lake Chad region.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of all of Chad’s other borders.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nSupport for British nationals is severely limited in Chad with assistance provided remotely from British High Commission Yaoundé. In-person assistance is not available.
\n\nIf there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.
\n\nDo not rely on the UK government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so. Have your own plans on how you would leave the country, make sure you keep all travel documentation up to date and monitor the local situation.
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Chad’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Chad set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chadian Embassy in Belgium or the Chadian Embassy in France, which does not have a website:
\n\n\n65 Rue des Belles Feuilles, 75116, Paris
Email: ambatchad-paris@libertysurf.fr
Telephone: +33 (0)1 45 53 36 75
Fax: +33 (0)1 45 53 16 09\n
To enter Chad, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Chad.
\n\nTo apply for a visa contact the Chadian Embassy in Belgium.
\n\nOr contact the Chadian Embassy in France, which does not have a website:
\n\n\n65 Rue des Belles Feuilles, 75116, Paris
Email: ambatchad-paris@libertysurf.fr
Telephone: +33 (0)1 45 53 36 75
Fax: +33 (0)1 45 53 16 09\n
If you stay in Chad more than 72 hours, you must register with the police. The immigration officer will tell you to go to the Commissariat Central (police headquarters) on Avenue General Kerim Nassour (formerly Boulevard de Strasbourg). You must bring a passport photograph.
\n\nTo enter Chad, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Chad guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Chad. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Chad.
\n\nThere 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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Chad.
\nTerrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Avoid all large gatherings, including:
\n\nBe extra cautious during elections, festivities, and religious and public holidays.
\n\nThe terrorist groups Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram remain active in the Lake Chad region. In an attack in 2022, Boko Haram killed at least 30 Chadian soldiers near Baga Sola, Lac Province. A state of emergency is in place in the Lac and Kanem provinces with Chadian security forces conducting military operations. In October 2024, at least 40 soldiers were killed in an attack by Boko Haram on a Chadian military base in Barkaram, Lake Chad region.
\n\nThere is a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Lake Chad Basin and the border areas with Cameroon, Sudan and the Central African Republic.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThere is also a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Sahel region, which includes Chad, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Over the last 10 years, terrorist groups in the Sahel have kidnapped western nationals, including tourists, non-governmental organisation (NGO) workers and diplomats, and are still holding several hostages. Kidnappers have killed some hostages, including several British nationals.
\n\nTerrorist groups active in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region include Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), Islamic State Greater Sahara (ISGS), Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Murabitoun, Ansar Dine and Boko Haram. These groups can carry out attacks and kidnappings over long distances. Boko Haram and ISWA also take hostages from neighbouring Cameroon, northern Nigeria and the Diffa region of Niger. Kidnapping for ransom is the main source of finance for JNIM. Criminal gangs also carry out kidnappings for terrorist groups in return for financial rewards.
\n\nYou should always stay alert, 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. Make sure you have carefully considered the threat and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThere is a continuing risk of instability in Chad, particularly in its border regions and during major political events. Chad has completed its political transition, with legislative elections concluding at the end of 2024.
\n\nIn February 2024, several people were killed or injured in armed clashes between supporters of the PSF (Socialist Party without Borders) and government forces in Chad’s capital. The leader of the PSF, Yaya Dillo, was amongst those killed.
\n\nPublic demonstrations, including anti-government protests, are common in Chad. Crowds can gather quickly and may become violent. In 2022, security forces fired live ammunition during a clash with protestors, and civilians were killed and injured.
\n\nDemonstrations have targeted foreign, national and local government facilities, resulting in damage. Monitor the local news to help you avoid such gatherings. If a crowd gathers near you, leave the area immediately.
\n\nWhile celebratory gunfire is illegal in Chad, it can occur during celebrations, including during weddings and some political events. Celebratory gunfire led to civilian deaths and injuries in May 2024 after the announcement of provisional election results. In the event of celebratory gunfire, take cover on the lower levels of buildings and away from windows.
\n\nIn 2021, an armed convoy belonging to the rebel group Le Front pour l’Alternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT) crossed into Chad from Libya and fought government forces. President Idriss Deby Itno was killed, and a transitional military council was established to govern Chad. The UK government advised British nationals to leave Chad. The British Embassy in N’Djamena closed temporarily.
\n\nIn January 2025, a fatal shooting took place near the Presidential Palace in N’Djamena. Remain vigilant, stay away from the area at night, and use alternative routes where possible.
\n\nThere is a high risk of carjacking on roads outside N’Djamena, including during the daytime.
\n\nArmed robbery is common in some residential areas of N’Djamena, particularly from cars. Robbers sometimes target foreign nationals because they’re considered wealthier.
\n\nStay alert and be particularly cautious about street crime. Do not carry large sums of money, jewellery or other valuables. Avoid isolated or less developed areas of towns and do not go out alone or at night.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk, do not walk and consider using pre-arranged secure cars to get around N’Djamena. Keep car doors locked and windows closed.
\n\nRespect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure you do not offend local cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious areas.
\n\nAlways carry a certified copy of your passport. If you cannot show ID, the police could detain you. You could also face delays if you have to leave the country. If you live in Chad, always carry your residence permit.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nPenalties for drug use and possession are severe and usually include a prison sentence. Conditions in local prisons are harsh.
\n\nIt is illegal to photograph military sites, government buildings or airports without a permit.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal 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. Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted by Chadian society.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Chad, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou must convert your UK driving licence to a Chadian one to drive in Chad.
\n\nRoad travel can be dangerous due to road conditions and the standard of driving. Accidents involving motorbikes are common. Crowds quickly gather around the scene of an accident and, while rarely violent, can be intimidating. If you’re involved in an accident, try to contact the police or other local authority immediately. Phone: 2020 (police) or 1212 (fire and ambulance).
\n\nDo not travel by road after dark due to the risk of crime and poor road conditions. Military guards may think you’re a security risk if you drive near government buildings at night.
\n\nTravel in convoy, keep doors locked and carry spare fuel and supplies. There are often fuel shortages.
\n\nPolice checkpoints are common. Officers may ask you to show your passport, driving licence and vehicle registration documents.
\n\nTake great care on the road in front of the Presidential Palace in N’Djamena where there have been recent shootings including fatalities.
\n\nTo travel outside N’Djamena, you must get authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior, which is normally granted without difficulty after a few days. Many businesses arrange escorts when their western staff travel outside the capital for any reason.
\n\nBefore you consider any travel outside the capital, take professional security advice. You should:
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nRoads are poor and often impassable during the rainy season from July to October, especially in the south. Heavy rains can cause major flooding in many areas, particularly in the south and east. Bring food and clean water with you.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Chad. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the northern provinces of Chad:
\n\nThere are many landmines near the Chad-Libya border in these provinces. The northern provinces are also unsafe due to the presence of rebel groups and contested gold mines.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou due to the risk of terrorism. See Terrorism in Chad.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the Lake Chad region. There is a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Lake Chad region. See Terrorism in Chad.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of all of Chad’s other borders.
\n\nThe Chad-Sudan border is closed to travellers, with limited humanitarian exceptions. The Government of Chad closed the border on 23 February 2026 following repeated cross-border incidents linked to the conflict in Sudan. Since late 2025, there has been increased insecurity along the eastern border, including armed clashes and reports of aerial attacks near towns such as Tiné.
\n\nThe Central African Republic is unstable and the border area is highly insecure, with limited government presence and active armed groups. In 2021, armed groups reportedly entered south-western Chad from the Central African Republic before Chadian forces repelled them. Chadian rebel groups remain active and could launch attacks in Chad without warning.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena.
\n\nIn 2021 and 2022 protesters and security forces clashed violently in N’Djamena and southern Chad. A number of people were killed.
\n\nThere is a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Sahel region, which includes Chad, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. See Terrorism in Chad.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 1212 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Chad, including cholera.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Chad. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nYou should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
\n\nAccording 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.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities in Chad are poor. Even in N’Djamena hospitals are stretched 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.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Chad where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance and fire: 1212
\n\nPolice: 2020
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n