There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Chad Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Chad – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C
Type C:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Central African CFA Franc (BEAC) (XAF) £1 ≈ FCFA 784 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 1/5
Cashless payments are not widely accepted in Chad, especially outside major cities. Cash remains the preferred method of payment.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service in restaurants and hotels, typically around 5-10%. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not common in Chad, and excessive drinking in public spaces may be frowned upon. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces such as restaurants, shops, and public transport. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 17 (Police), 18 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Chad is known for its beautiful deserts, the Zakouma National Park, and its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Chad, Chad
Most governments advise against travel to large parts of Chad because of security risks, especially border areas and Lake Chad; permits and armed escorts are often required
Climate varies by region: Sahara north (Ennedi, Tibesti) best November to February, Sahel and the south have rains June to September
Zakouma National Park is open roughly November to April, with best wildlife viewing as it gets hotter and drier
Don't miss
- 🌊 Visit the Lakes of Ounianga, Sahara’s UNESCO site
- 🚤 Take a boat trip along the Chari River in Douguia
- 🎨 Explore the ancient rock art of Ennedi Plateau
- 🐊 See wild crocodiles at Guelta d’Archei canyon
- 🦁 Safari through Zakouma National Park’s wildlife
- 🌄 Climb the iconic Arco de Aloba’s natural arch
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Chad?
What makes Chad truly special is its extraordinary geographical diversity and authentic cultural experiences. The country offers three distinct climate zones within its borders, creating dramatically different landscapes and ecosystems. In the north, the Saharan region features spectacular desert scenery with mountains, rock formations and occasional oases. The central Sahel region provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly during the brief wet season when the landscape transforms. The southern tropical zone offers more lush environments with tall grasses and deciduous trees.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Independence Day
-
Gerewol Festival
-
N'Djamena International Film Festival
-
Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha)
-
End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr)
-
Mouloud (Prophet's Birthday)
-
Guelta d'Archei Camel Festival
-
New Year's Celebrations
-
Easter Celebrations
-
Republic Day
Knowledge before you go
- Do not travel due to terrorism and kidnapping risks.
- Avoid Lake Chad, borders and northern deserts entirely; high threat from armed groups.
- In N’Djamena, use secure transport only; never drive at night or outside convoys.
- Prepare for checkpoints demanding bribes; carry spare fuel as shortages are frequent nationwide.
How to travel to Chad
Most international visitors arrive in Chad through N'Djamena International Airport, which has connections to several African cities and Paris. Airlines serving Chad include Air France, Ethiopian Airlines and regional carriers. Visas are required for most nationalities and should be arranged in advance. Overland entry is possible from neighboring countries, though border procedures can be complicated and security situations can change rapidly. The most common land border crossings are from Cameroon and Niger, but current security situations should be checked before planning an overland journey.
Access summary
- N'Djamena: Fly to N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ) from regional African hubs.
- Zakouma National Park: Domestic charter/seasonal flights or long guided overland trips.
- Former flag carriers Toumaï Air Tchad and Tchadia Airlines; currently no major alliance airline.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Chad
Accommodation in Chad ranges from international-standard hotels in N'Djamena to basic guesthouses in provincial towns and tented camps in wildlife areas. The capital offers the widest selection, including business hotels catering to NGOs and government officials. Outside N'Djamena, facilities become more basic with limited amenities. For wildlife viewing in places like Zakouma National Park, specialized camps provide basic but comfortable facilities. Desert expeditions typically involve camping, with equipment usually provided by tour operators.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Chad
Getting around Chad requires patience, flexibility and typically a 4x4 vehicle due to limited infrastructure. In N'Djamena, taxis and motorcycle taxis are available for local transportation. For intercity travel, shared taxis and buses connect major towns, though comfort levels can be basic and schedules unpredictable. Road conditions vary significantly, with many routes becoming difficult or impassable during the rainy season. For exploring remote areas like the Ennedi Range or Tibesti Mountains, hiring a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver/guide is essential. These expeditions typically need to be arranged in advance through tour operators who can handle logistics, permits and supplies for desert travel.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Chad are around 71% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to XAF) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Exercise increased caution in Chad due to crime, terrorism and minefields in some border regions. The security situation can change rapidly. Travel with reputable guides, avoid border areas and stay informed about regional security developments. Some areas require permits and military escorts.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are extremely limited outside N'Djamena, with basic care available in the capital. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Malaria is endemic throughout the country and waterborne diseases are common, especially during the rainy season.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is virtually non-existent in Chad. Natural attractions, historical sites and public transportation present significant challenges for those with mobility issues. Even in N'Djamena, sidewalks are often missing or in poor condition and buildings rarely have accessibility features.
Tap water
Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Chad. Bottled water is widely available in cities but may be harder to find in remote areas. When traveling outside urban centers, carry water purification tablets or a portable filter.
Packing recommendations for Chad
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🪰
Insect repellent
🧣
Scarf
for sandstorms
🔦
Torch
power cuts are common
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
😷
Dust or pollution mask
for sandstorms
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
👖
Long trousers
for sun protection
👚
Long-sleeved shirt
for sun protection
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Chad
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Top hiking destinations and famous trails
Hiking at its best is one of the most direct ways to engage with a landscape. The pace forces a relationship with terrain, weather and distance that faster forms of travel rarely…
Read more
Discover
Best hiking destinations in Africa
Africa's hiking ranges from the glaciated summit zone of equatorial high peaks and the vast plateau trails of the south to rainforest routes in the centre and dramatic coastal…
Read more
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Stunning national parks and wilderness areas
National parks exist because someone decided that certain landscapes were too important to lose. The best of them protect ecosystems, wildlife and natural processes that would…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
