Do not travel to Chad for any reason due to risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, inadequate health infrastructure, kidnapping, and landmines.
Advisory Summary
Outside of N’Djamena, the U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chad. U.S. government employees working in Chad need special authorization to travel outside of the capital due to safety risks. Embassy N’Djamena has implemented in-city restrictions for U.S. government employees, to include limits on areas acceptable for night driving and requirements for mandatory armored vehicle use.
Crime
Both violent and petty crime are a real danger in Chad. Violent crimes include muggings, purse snatching, armed robbery, home invasion, carjacking, and sexual assault. Common petty crime includes pickpocketing. Both visitors and residents face these threats.
Limited resources and inadequate law enforcement training hinder police response to serious crime in most areas.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Chad. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorist groups have targeted:
- Religious venues
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Police stations
- Transportation hubs
- Markets
- Areas visited by tourists, including national parks
These attacks have resulted in the deaths of Chadians as well as foreign visitors. Americans should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.
Unrest
Protests can happen without warning. They often develop around special events or political issues like elections. When protests, strikes, and demonstrations escalate, security services have responded with force, deploying batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunfire to disperse crowds.
Health
Medical services in Chad are extremely limited. Access to routine and emergency medical treatment is often unavailable. There is limited access to medicines, including antibiotics. All medical services, from treatment for a minor health issue to one requiring medical evacuation, are at your expense. If you purchase additional medical insurance, be sure to keep records of all medical services paid for and provided.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom is common in Chad. Criminal groups and terrorist organizations target both locals and foreign visitors.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance from prior and ongoing conflicts exist throughout Chad. Areas of greatest risk are:
- Northern Chad (Tibesti, Borkou, Ennedi-Est, and Ennedi-Ouest provinces).
- Sila province in eastern Chad.
- Moyen-Chari province in southern Chad.
Not all landmine areas are clearly marked or easy to recognize. Stay on main roads and well-traveled areas.
For U.S. citizens in Chad:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your designated emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas .
- Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime .
- Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad .
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Prepare a will and end of life instructions. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or prepare a power of attorney.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Refer to our list of medical providers in Chad.
- Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
- Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Chad. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Chad.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Chad.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you’ll confirm that you are safe (text or call). Specify how often you will do this.
- Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage or kidnapped, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers or kidnappers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .
- Review the Country Security Report for Chad.
- Whether you are a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist .
- Purchasing travel insurance before you travel is highly recommended. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena
Round Point Chagoua
+235 6885 1065
NdjamenaACS@state.gov
After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +235 6885 1065
State Department – Consular Affairs – 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
