Landmarks and scenery of Chad
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Travel Guide · Africa

Chad

Sahara dunes, the Ennedi plateau, and the Zakouma elephant comeback story.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for Chad depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Check if you need a visa for Chad

Emergency Numbers

Police
17
Ambulance
2251-4242

Currency

Name
Central African CFA franc
Code
XAF
Symbol
FCFA

Pegged to the euro. Cash-only outside N'Djamena.

Power Outlets

Outlet types
Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz

Time Zone

WAT (UTC+1) — no daylight saving

Best Time to Visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Dry season November to February is the only reasonable time to visit the Sahara regions. Zakouma National Park is best in February to March.

Major Airports

  • NDJ

    N'Djamena International Airport

    N'Djamena · main international hub

Tipping Customs

Restaurants10%
GuidesUSD 20+ per day

Dress Code

What "modest dress" usually means

Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).

  • Modest dress essential — Chad is predominantly Muslim in the north, Christian in the south
  • Cover shoulders and knees everywhere

Social Etiquette

  • French and Arabic are the official languages
  • The Ennedi Massif is a UNESCO World Heritage site — surreal sandstone arches and prehistoric rock art
  • Travel permits required for most regions outside N'Djamena

Local Laws

Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
  • Photography of government, military and bridges strictly prohibited
  • Alcohol restricted in the predominantly Muslim north

Common Phrases

EnglishLocalPronunciation
Hello (French)Bonjourbon-ZHOOR
Hello (Arabic)Salam alaykumsah-LAHM ah-LAY-koom

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