Tchad

Översikt

Capital: N'djamena (pop. 1.592 million)
Population: 21,003,705 (2025 est.)
Religions: Muslim, Protestant, Roman Catholic, animist, other Christian
Languages: French , Arabic, Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects
Time Zone: UTC+1
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +235
Electrical plug(s): Type C, Type D, Type E and Type F

Pengar

The local currency in Chad is Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (XAF). As of 6 October 2026 100 XAF is equal to 0.17 USD. In addition to the local currency, EUR and USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at banks. travellers should generally avoid trying to change Pounds Sterling.

Travellers should be prepared to use credit or debit card to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are not widely available.

Only MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club are accepted by N’djamena’s hotels. Banking hours in Chad are Monday to Saturday 0700-1300hrs, except for Fridays when early closing is in operation and banks open from 0700-1030hrs. Travellers are required to declare upon entry if carrying amounts over 5 million CFA and only a maximum of 5 million CFA are allowed upon exit.

Service charges are not usually included in restaurants and tips of 10% for waiters are acceptable. Taxi fares should be rounded up if the service is good.

El

The power supply in Chad is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C, D, E and F. Due to the unreliability of power supplies you should consider taking surge protection equipment and adequate battery supplies for emergency usage.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Chad. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.

Nationals of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon can enter Chad with a valid ID for up to 90 days.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Chad: Foreign nationals from select countries can enter Chad visa-free for up to 90 days.

e-Visas

E-visa: Foreign nationals who wish to enter Chad for tourism or business purposes must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa).

The issuance of visas to United States (US) nationals was suspended until further notice, after the United States (US) government announced that most Chadian nationals will be prohibited from entering the US as of 9 June 2025.

Lokal resor

Overview

The main airport is N'Djaména International Airport (NDJ/FTTJ) in N'Djaména. Transport infrastructure is generally poor across the country. Roads are mostly unsurfaced and impassable during the rainy season. The country lacks a basic operational train or bus network

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Chad's main international airport, N'Djaména International Airport (NDJ/FTTJ), is dual-use, with civilian and military installations on opposite sides of the single runway. The airport has a good level of security and offers connections to several African and European cities. Air France, ASKY Airlines, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines operate flights into Chad.

Borders and Entry

Border closures:

• Reportedly, the border between the country's Lac region and Nigeria's Borno state was closed amid fears that alleged United States (US) military plans in Nigeria would prompt militants in northeast Nigeria to flee into Chadian territory.

• Chadian authorities closed the Chad–Sudan border as of 18 March, following a deadly drone strike in Tine. The decision followed intensified fighting between the Sudanese army and Joint Force allies against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) around Tine and areas north of El Geneina in Sudan. Sudanese officials extended the opening of the Adré-Maragibir border crossing between Chad's Ouaddaï region and Sudan's West Darfur state for delivering humanitarian aid through at least 31 December.

• On 19 July 2024, local media announced that officials from Libya and Chad had agreed to reopen their shared border. This border has faced multiple closures and interruptions over the years, mainly due to political and security concerns. However, it was not immediately clear when the reopening would occur.

Entry bans

• On 5 June 2025, the government announced that visas will no longer be issued to United States (US) nationals until further notice, after the US imposed an entry ban on Chadian nationals.

Health-related surveillance measures: Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry points, effective until further notice, to prevent the entry of the disease.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Chad. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Chad might face legal and social difficulties.

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

Road Travel

Traffic in Chad moves on the right. The speed limit is 60 kph (37 mph) in urban areas and 110 kph (68 mph) in rural areas. The legal threshold for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.8 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. Apart from a handful of paved roads in N'Djaména, roads in Chad are in poor condition and are often dangerous in the absence of any emergency roadside services. At night, streets are unlit and pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and livestock become roadway hazards.

Overland travel after dark outside of major cities is discouraged for different reasons. Roads are often impassable during the rainy season (between July and October), especially in the country's south. Heavy rains usually cause severe flooding. There are unmapped and undocumented minefields along the borders with both Libya and Sudan. Reports indicate an increase in the number of coupeur de routes, or highway banditry incidents, across the country. Police checkpoints are common. It is recommended to drive in convoy, keep doors locked and bring enough fuel for your journey. There are often fuel shortages.

For travel to all areas outside of N'Djaména, authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior is required.

Rail Travel

There is no operational rail network in Chad.

Public Transport

Chad lacks a comprehensive public transport network. Both public transport and taxis are not recommended for safety reasons. The best solution is private travel through rental agencies.

Buses: There is no operational bus network in Chad.

Taxis: Taxis are common in N'Djaména, though there have been reported incidents of extortion of passengers. Outside of the capital, fleets of clandos (motorcycle taxis) are often available.

Minibuses: Trucks and mini-buses are not well maintained. Travellers should opt for other alternatives for intercity travel.

Vehicle Hire: The city has limited car-hire facilities. Driving in Chad requires an International Driving Permit, and authorisation is needed for travel beyond the N'Djaména city limits. Private travel through rental agencies is preferred due to security concerns.