Is Chad Safe to Visit? Essential Safety Guide for Indian Travelers

Located in central Africa, Chad offers vast desert landscapes, diverse wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences.

But with ongoing security concerns, many Indian travelers ask: Is Chad safe to visit? This comprehensive guide provides crucial safety information to help you make informed decisions about traveling to Chad in 2025.

Understanding the Current Safety Situation

The reality is stark: Chad faces significant security challenges, making it a high-risk destination.

The crime rate in Chad remains alarmingly high, with armed robbery, carjacking, and violent assaults occurring regularly, even in the capital, N’Djamena.

Government travel advisories from multiple countries explicitly warn against travel to Chad due to these serious safety concerns.

According to Numbeo’s Crime Index:

Crime Index Score	Safety Scale Rating
63.80 (high crime)	36.2 (low safety)

Compared to Morocco, which has a Crime Index of 47.7, Chad is significantly less safe for travelers.

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Essential Safety Guidelines for Travelers

If you must travel to Chad despite the risks, following strict safety tips for travelers in Chad becomes essential. Here are critical measures to consider:

Respect Local Customs and Norms

Chad is a predominantly Muslim country where conservative values prevail. To avoid unwanted attention:

• Dress modestly, especially women, covering shoulders and knees

• Ask permission before photographing people or sensitive locations

• Avoid discussing political matters or criticizing the government

• Respect religious practices, particularly during Ramadan

• Learn basic French or Arabic greetings to show respect

Respecting these cultural norms won’t guarantee safety, but it helps prevent avoidable conflicts with locals or authorities.

Navigate Traffic and Transport Safely

Road travel in Chad presents serious dangers:

• Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to rent a car and legally drive in Chad.

• Both local rental agencies and road authorities expect you to present your home country license along with an IDP, especially if your license isn’t in French or Latin script.

• Know the road rules:

  • Drive on the right-hand side

  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants

  • No phone use while driving

  • Helmets are required for motorcyclists

• Avoid driving at night: Rural roads are unlit and dangerous due to poor infrastructure and security risks.

• Drive defensively: Roads are often poorly maintained, and drivers may be unpredictable. Reduce speed and stay alert.

• Pack essentials: Keep a spare tire, extra water, and emergency supplies in the vehicle.

Women’s Safety in Chad

Female travelers face heightened risks in Chad. Women’s safety concerns in Chad include sexual harassment, assault, and limited support systems.

The country’s patriarchal social structure means women travelers may encounter discriminatory treatment or unwanted attention.

Chad does not have a publicly known, dedicated women’s helpline like many other countries. In emergencies, the best route is to contact:

• Local police: dial 17

• General emergency services: dial 1212

• Dress modestly to respect local customs. Chad is predominantly Muslim.

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in remote or poorly lit areas.

• Use only reputable or pre-arranged vehicles, and never let unknown individuals into your car.

• Steer clear of protests or large gatherings, which can escalate quickly.

• Be cautious about interacting with strangers, and stay alert to unwanted attention.

• Share your itinerary with trusted contacts, including vehicle routes and expected arrival times.

• Trust your instincts; at the first sign of discomfort, remove yourself and seek help.

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Common Scams in Chad

Travelers in Chad should stay alert to common scams targeting foreigners. Being aware of these tactics helps with how to stay safe in Chad as a tourist:

• Fake Police or Military Officials: Individuals in fake uniforms may demand to see your ID or claim you’re violating a law, then ask for bribes to “resolve” the issue.

• Currency Exchange Scams: Street money changers may give you counterfeit notes or shortchange you during fast, confusing transactions.

• “Helpful” Strangers at ATMs: A friendly local may offer to help you use the ATM, but instead memorizes your PIN or distracts you to swap cards or steal cash.

• Taxi Overcharging: Some taxi drivers charge tourists several times the normal fare, especially at airports or hotels.

• Fake Charity or School Fundraisers: Scammers may approach you asking for donations for schools, orphanages, or hospitals, but the cause is fabricated.

Areas to Avoid in Chad

Understanding which areas to avoid in Chad is critical for anyone considering travel to this country. Several regions present extreme dangers:

• Lake Chad region: Do not travel; extremely high risk from terrorist groups

• Border zones: Avoid within 30 km of Cameroon, CAR, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan

• Northern provinces (Borkou, Tibesti, Ennedi): UK FCDO advises against all travel.

• N’Djamena at night or on foot, and highways after dark, due to high armed crime.

Local Helpline Numbers to Keep in Mind

Access to emergency services in Chad is minimal compared to what Indian travelers might expect. The emergency numbers in the Chad system lack the reliability and coverage found in many other countries.

Key emergency numbers in Chad to save before traveling:

• Police Emergency: No universal number – contact your embassy for current local police contacts

• Medical Emergency: No reliable central dispatch system

• Fire Services: Limited availability outside N’Djamena

• Embassy of India in Chad: +235 6674 3332

The practical reality is that emergency numbers in Chad may not function as expected. Response times can be extremely slow, and services may be unavailable altogether in rural areas or during periods of unrest.

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Health and Hygiene in Chad

Health and hygiene in Chad present significant challenges for travelers. The country has limited medical facilities, poor sanitation standards, and a high prevalence of infectious diseases.

Health and hygiene concerns in Chad include:

• Waterborne diseases: Cholera, typhoid, and bacterial diarrhea are common

• Vector-borne diseases: Malaria is endemic throughout the country

• Food safety: Limited refrigeration and sanitation in food preparation

• Medical care: Few facilities meet international standards, with shortages of medication and equipment

• Extreme heat: Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, presenting dehydration and heat stroke risks

To manage these health and hygiene risks in Chad, Indian travelers should:

• Receive all recommended vaccinations well before travel

• Take malaria prophylaxis as prescribed by a travel medicine specialist

• Drink only bottled or properly treated water

• Avoid raw foods and street vendors

• Carry a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, antimalarials, and oral rehydration salts

How to Stay Safe in Chad as a Tourist?

• Register with your embassy: Let your embassy know your travel plans in case of emergencies.

• Avoid border regions: Especially near Libya, Sudan, and the Central African Republic, due to high insecurity.

• Stay in secure accommodations: Choose hotels with a security presence and avoid walking outside after dark.

• Travel with a local guide: Especially in rural or unfamiliar areas, local knowledge is crucial.

• Use reputable transport: Avoid overcrowded buses or unofficial taxis.

• Respect local customs: Dress modestly, avoid sensitive political discussions, and always ask before taking photos.

• Stay updated on security news: Monitor local media and international travel advisories.

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FAQs

1. Is Chad safe to visit right now?

No, Chad is not considered safe for tourists in 2025. Multiple governments advise against travel due to terrorism, violent crime, kidnapping risks, and civil unrest. Even the capital, N’Djamena, experiences significant security incidents.

2. What is the crime rate in Chad?

The crime rate in Chad is high and continues to increase. Armed robbery, carjacking, assault, and kidnapping occur regularly. Violent crimes targeting foreigners happen frequently, even in previously safer areas.

3. What are the health and hygiene standards in Chad?

Health and hygiene in Chad fall well below international standards. Medical facilities are extremely limited, with few qualified practitioners and frequent medication shortages. Water and food safety present serious health risks.

4. Is Chad safe for solo travelers?

No, solo travel safety in Chad cannot be assured. The combination of security threats, limited emergency services, and communication challenges makes solo travel extremely risky and strongly discouraged.

5. How safe is Chad for women tourists?

Women’s safety in Chad is a major concern. Women face heightened risks, including harassment and assault. The lack of support services and conservative social attitudes create additional challenges for female travelers.

6. What are the emergency numbers in Chad?

Emergency numbers in Chad are limited and often unreliable. There is no universal emergency number similar to 911/112. Travelers should contact their embassy for current local emergency contacts.

7. How can I stay safe while traveling in Chad as a tourist?

How to stay safe in Chad as a tourist requires extreme caution: register with your embassy, hire security-conscious guides, avoid night travel, dress conservatively, and maintain low visibility. Even with these precautions, significant risks remain.

8. Which areas should I avoid in Chad?

Is Chad safe to visit? Travel to Chad requires serious caution. Key areas to avoid include the entire Lake Chad region, all border areas, southern provinces experiencing intercommunal violence, and most regions outside the capital, N’Djamena.