Photo: Ennedi Est (province) · David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada · CC BY 2.0
First-Timer Guide 🇹🇩Chad: What to Know Before You Go
Destination Intel / Chad
Travel advisory: The US State Department lists Chad as Do Not Travel. This page is here to help you understand the place, not to plan a trip there. Read the safety report and check the official advisory before you make any decision.
Culture, Food and Etiquette
- Boule, millet porridge rolled into balls and eaten with various sauces; the daily staple of most Chadians regardless of region or ethnic group
- Daraba, a thick sauce made from okra, tomatoes, and dried fish or meat; poured over boule or rice; the defining Chadian flavor
- Ful medames, spiced fava beans eaten for breakfast across the Arab-influenced north; a simple, nutritious morning meal
- Chadal milk, fresh camel or goat milk consumed across pastoral communities; essential for nutrition in the Sahel and desert regions
- Gerewol Festival, the Wodaabe nomadic people hold an extraordinary beauty pageant for men; young men compete in elaborate face paint and costumes to attract women's attention
- Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, major Islamic holidays in a predominantly Muslim country; markets and cities are animated with celebrations
- Lake Chad cultural heritage, the lake has supported human civilization for 12,000 years; the Kanem-Bornu Empire was one of Africa's great medieval kingdoms centered here
French and Arabic are the two official languages. Over 120 languages are spoken.
Key Arabic phrase: "As-salamu alaykum" means hello. Chad faces significant security challenges from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin and instability along several borders, most Western governments advise against travel to most of the country; only N'Djamena may be considered with caution.
Consult current advisories before any visit.
- Chad is majority Muslim, dress modestly and be respectful of Islamic practices, especially in the north; alcohol is available in N'Djamena but not appropriate everywhere
- Greetings are elaborate and important, take time for full exchanges; asking about family and health is mandatory before any business
- The Wodaabe and other pastoral peoples hold traditional values around hospitality, accept what is offered and show genuine gratitude
- Photography of military and government installations is strictly prohibited; ask before photographing people
Getting Around
- Domestic flights link a few cities over the long distances.
- Travel beyond the capital is usually with a guide and a 4x4.
- Roads can be difficult, especially in the rainy season.
Source: travel.state.gov
Common Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Chad?+
US citizens need a visa to visit Chad; check the US State Department page for the current requirement before you go.
Source: travel.state.gov
Is Chad safe for first-time travelers?+
The US State Department publishes a current travel advisory for Chad with region-specific guidance, including border areas; check it for the areas you plan to visit before you go.
Source: travel.state.gov
Latest for Chad
Updates for Chad will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.