Safety and security

Practical advice

• Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
• Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Security

The security situation remains volatile with a heightened risk of violent conflict and civil unrest.

Any Irish citizens currently in Chad are strongly advised, to exercise extra vigilance and caution, and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.

There is a high risk of terrorism in Chad. An attack could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. There is also a heightened threat of kidnap in Chad.

A state of emergency remains in place for the Lake Chad region. There is an active insurgency ongoing in and around Lake Chad, including within Chadian borders.

In April 2021, rebels entered north-western Chad from Libya before being repelled by Chadian forces. The President of Chad was killed in the fighting.

N’Djamena

Incidents of robbery, carjacking at gunpoint, and murder have been reported throughout the country including in N’Djamena.

Kidnapping

While there have been no recent reports of kidnapping for ransom, regional trends suggest that this remains a potential threat.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Photographing of military sites, government buildings and airports is prohibited. Other photography needs a government permit.

Religion and Culture

Chad is a predominantly Muslim country in which Islamic law, customs and dress are generally observed. When travelling in Chad, take care not to offend local culture or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals. Be conscious of your dress and behaviour if you intend to visit places of worship.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. Guide books, local hoteliers and tour guides can be good sources of information for how to behave and dress respectfully.

LGBT

As of 2017, same-sex sexual activity is a criminal offence in Chad. Those who break this law can face imprisonment of up to two years and a fines of up to 500,000 CFA francs.

It is probably best to avoid all public displays of affection regardless of your sexual orientation.

Photography

Photographing of airports, government buildings and military sites is prohibited and all other photography requires a permit.

Personal Identification

Ensure that you carry identification at all times as failure to produce identification can led to detention by the police.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Chad are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Satellite Phones

Satellite phone are illegal in Chad.

Health

Health services in Chad are limited and emergency services do not exist.

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Water

Avoid swimming or paddling in fresh water due to the risk of Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis).

Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth and avoid ice unless you are sure that it was made from bottled water.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

A Yellow Fever vaccination cert is a pre-entry requirement. Consult your GP as regards other vaccinations and malaria.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Chad. Please contact the closest Chadian Embassy (France or Belgium) for further information.

Passports should be valid for at least 6  months from date of entry and have at least 1 blank page. It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Chad and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad you should contact the Irish Embassy in Nigeria . We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

• Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
• If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.

Climate

Chad has a hot, tropical climate with a May-October rainy season, mostly in the south.