French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects

Muslim 51%, Christian 35%, animist 7%, other 7%

Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major foreign direct investment projects in the oil sector that began in 2000. At least 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves - estimated at 1 billion barrels - in southern Chad. Chinese companies are also expanding exploration efforts and plan to build a refinery. The nation's total oil reserves have been estimated to be 1.5 billion barrels. Oil production came on stream in late 2003. Chad began to export oil in 2004. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export earnings.

Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale Tchadienne, ANT), Air Force, Gendarmerie

A valid passport and visa are required.  Visitors must check in with the National Police and obtain a registration stamp within 72 hours of arrival.  Further entry information may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Chad, 2002 R Street NW, Washington DC  20009, telephone (202) 462-4009.  Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Chadian embassy or consulate.  Some travelers originating in countries with no Chadian embassy or consulate can arrange for airport entry visas.  This process is generally limited to business or official travelers, and arrangements must be made by the traveler’s local contact in Chad several days in advance of arrival.  The U.S. Embassy is not in a position to assist private U.S. citizens with visa applications for travel to Chad.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports:  52, Airports w/paved runways:  7

N’Djamena Airport (NDJ/FTTJ)
N’djamena Airport, Chad, Box 70, N’djamena, CHAD
Tel:  +235 52.55.26, +235 52.38.81, +235 52.57.53
Fax:  +235 52.62.31
E-mail:  asecna@intnet.td or asecna.ca@intnet.td
Customs, hours:  24 hours

US Dept. of State Travel Warning for CHAD Issued 3 January 2008 and updated 8 December 2010.
For complete details, please visit the US Dept of State website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2876.html

The Department of State warns citizens of the risks of traveling to Chad and recommends that US citizens avoid all travel to eastern Chad, the Chad/Sudan border area, and the Chad/Central African Republic border area. This Travel Warning is due to the insecurity caused by high levels of violent crime, the continuing risk of clashes between Chadian government and armed opposition forces, and the constant risk of sudden outbreak of conflict among the populations living in these areas. In particular, as Chad enters its dry season, the risks increase for incidents of carjacking and kidnapping for ransom or as part of factional conflict. The US Embassy in Chad has prohibited official government travel to eastern Chad without express authorization. US citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should review security precautions and consider measures to mitigate exposure to violent crime. If you are a US citizen residing in Chad, you should exercise extreme caution throughout the country. This replaces the Travel Warning for Chad dated July 9, 2010 to remind US citizens of continuing security concerns in Chad.

The incidence of violent crime in eastern Chad is highly variable. Outbreaks of robbery and carjacking at gunpoint, kidnapping and attempted kidnapping, and murder follow periods of calm without warning. Violence is often associated with car accidents and other events causing injury to Chadian nationals. The level of violence in each incident has increased significantly. Robbery victims have been beaten and killed; surgeons conducting unsuccessful medical interventions have been threatened with bodily harm. In addition, armed rebel groups continue to be a threat to the region. Criminal and armed group activity tends to increase during the dry season, which this year has begun in November, and can last until July. The overall security situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous. Violent criminal gangs are difficult to interdict. The Government of Chad has few resources to guarantee the safety of visitors in eastern Chad. If armed groups approach the capital, N'Djamena, the US Embassy may decide to evacuate non-emergency personnel and family members of Embassy personnel on short notice. Family members of Embassy personnel under the age of 21 are not authorized to reside in Chad. Commercial flights operate from N'Djamena International Airport, but flights are subject to change when rebel activity intensifies.  

If you are a US citizen affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad, you are strongly urged to adhere closely to the policies and procedures of your organizations to mitigate risks from violent crime. You should coordinate travel plans with your UN partner agency security officers in Abéché and N'Djamena, and follow UN Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) guidance. The Government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residing in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain movement permits issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N'Djamena, and to register in Abéché upon arrival in eastern Chad. US citizens who intend to enter Sudan from Chad, despite the Department's Travel Warnings for both countries, must obtain the appropriate visas and permits in advance of entry into Sudan. Further information is available in the Department's Travel Warning for Sudan.

The US Embassy is not able to support evacuation from eastern Chad. All US citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad must have an evacuation plan developed with the United Nations Agencies, which have access to aircraft and other logistical support. The Embassy strongly recommends that all US citizens in Chad be prepared to implement their personal evacuation or safe haven plans on short notice should the situation warrant it, and exercise extreme caution. US citizens in Chad should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website.

Infant MR total:  91.45 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 60.97 years (male 58.07 /female 64.03)

Required: Yellow Fever- all travelers over 1 year in age
Recommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Meningococcal, Polio, Typhoid
Boosters: DPT, MMR

Malaria risk area in Chad: ALL
Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis (river blindness) are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in Central Africa. Schistosomiasis can be contracted in fresh water in this region. Do not swim in fresh water in these countries. Other risks to travelers to Central, East, and West African countries include typhoid (a large outbreak occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2004-2005) and paratyphoid fever, amebiasis, and brucellosis.

Medical facilities in Chad are extremely limited. Medicines are in short supply or unavailable, including many over-the-counter preparations sold in the United States. Travelers should carry any needed, properly labeled, medicines with them. In the event of major injury or illness, visitors generally will require medical evacuation.

Plague occurs sporadically or in outbreaks. Polio outbreaks were reported in several previously polio-free countries in Central, Eastern, and Western Africa.  Many countries in this region have high incidence rates of tuberculosis and high HIV prevalence rates.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been found in poultry populations in several countries in Africa.

Country Calling Code:  +235
Internet Country Code:  .td