Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Areas advised against
The whole country is in an orange or red zone for France; the UK advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the country, including N'Djamena. Keep travel to a strict minimum and fly where possible.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: warnings and insuranceStrongly advised against by France (update of 13 March 2026): Tibesti, Ennedi and eastern Borkou (except Bardaï), the Lake Chad region (except Bol) and all border areas. The Libyan border is closed and declared a military operations zone.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyAdvised against except for essential travel: western Borkou, Wadi Fira, and the towns of Bardaï, Fada, Amdjarass and Bol (reach them by air only, because of mines), Abéché and Bongor.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyThe UK advises against all travel to Borkou, Ennedi Ouest and Est, Tibesti, western Kanem (including Nokou), the Lake Chad region and within 30 km of other borders. The Sudan border has been closed since 23 February 2026. Your insurance may not cover you.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: warnings and insuranceGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: regional risks
Terrorism and kidnapping
The risk of kidnapping targeting Westerners is high, especially in the Lake Chad basin and near the borders with Cameroon, Sudan and the Central African Republic. Boko Haram remains active around the lake.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: safety and securityAttempted attacks remain possible in southern towns, including N'Djamena: avoid crowded places (markets, places of worship).
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: safety and security
Crime
In N'Djamena, crime is rising (theft, assault, burglary, sometimes violent) and carrying weapons is common. Avoid walking outside the centre and anywhere at night; avoid the eastern districts (Moursal, Sabangali, Chagoua) at night.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: safety and security
In town
Along the presidential palace (avenue du Général Kerim Nassour), stopping, slowing down, taking photos or driving at night is prohibited and may trigger a strong reaction from security forces: avoid this road.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: safety and securityDemonstrations remain possible, especially in the east of the capital: stay away from gatherings.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: safety and security
On the road
Armed, organised highway robbers are active; carjackings are common outside N'Djamena, even by day. Outside towns: daytime only, in a convoy of at least two vehicles, escorted by Chadian forces, with a satellite phone, supplies and a medical kit.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: safety and securityIn the north, tracks are in poor condition and residual landmines are a serious danger.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: regional risks
In an emergency
Tell people you trust your dates and routes, register with local authorities on arrival and stay in secure accommodation. Do not count on an evacuation organised by a foreign government.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: warnings and insurance
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Ambulance and fire 1212, police 2020 (according to the UK).
GOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Chad· Oct 2, 2026
Embassy of France in Chad
Passport: FranceFrench embassy in N'Djamena.
Rue de l'Adjudant-Chef Zouala Agoyna, N'Djamena+33 1 75 79 41 81France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026
Honorary consul of Canada in N'Djamena
Passport: CanadaThe responsible high commission is in Yaoundé (Cameroon).
3602 avenue Ngarta Tombalbaye, porte 586, N'Djamena+235 22 51 33 34+235 66 23 73 89mabroukkf@yahoo.comGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Chad· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Chad, safety · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: warnings and insurance · Source updated: August 6, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: regional risks · Source updated: August 6, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Chad travel advice: safety and security · Source updated: August 6, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.