Chad: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Chad is a landlocked country in the center of the continent, with N'Djamena as its capital. Most nationalities need a visa to enter, which since 2021 can be obtained as an electronic visa before traveling; citizens of CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) countries have more flexible movement conditions.
There are active travel alerts for several border areas of Chad, particularly near the Lake Chad basin and the borders with Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic, due to armed group activity and the regional security situation. Standard policies usually exclude those active conflict zones, so it's worth confirming the exact coverage when getting a quote.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Most nationalities need a visa, obtainable as an electronic visa before the trip; citizens of CEMAC countries have more flexible movement conditions. There are travel alerts for border areas due to the regional security situation.
Health & travel insurance: Malaria risk across most of the country; reliable hospitals are concentrated in N'Djamena, making medical evacuation a key part of insurance coverage.
Visa and entry requirements
Most nationalities must apply for a visa before traveling; since 2021 there's an electronic visa system that speeds up the process for many passports. Citizens of CEMAC countries have more flexible movement conditions.
- Valid passport and electronic or consular visa arranged in advance.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Prior review of security alerts for the specific area of your itinerary, particularly borders and the Lake Chad region.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
The best-equipped hospitals are concentrated in N'Djamena; in the rest of the country medical care is limited and serious cases usually require evacuation. Malaria poses a risk across most of the territory.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in the areas of Chad where the policy applies coverage; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you quote the plan.
Transportation and currency
The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), shared with other CEMAC countries. Roads outside the capital can deteriorate severely during the rainy season, limiting land transportation between June and September.
When to travel
The dry season, November to February, offers the most manageable weather for getting around; March to May brings extreme heat, and the rainy season from June to September can make road access to several areas difficult.
Travel checklist for Chad
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Chad.
- Check the visa requirement for Chad based on your passport: Most nationalities need a visa, obtainable as an electronic visa before the trip; citizens of CEMAC countries have more flexible movement conditions. There are travel alerts for border areas due to the regional security situation.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Malaria risk across most of the country; reliable hospitals are concentrated in N'Djamena, making medical evacuation a key part of insurance coverage.
- Save Chad's emergency number: 17 (police) / 18 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Chad?
Yes, most nationalities need one, and since 2021 it can be obtained as an electronic visa before the trip.
What is the emergency number in Chad?
17 for police and 18 for fire department; response outside N'Djamena can be limited.
Are there areas of Chad under travel alerts?
Yes, mainly along the borders with Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic, and in the Lake Chad basin, due to armed group activity; it's worth checking the current alert before traveling.
What currency should I use in Chad?
The Central African CFA franc (XAF), shared with other countries in the CEMAC region.
