Travel Vaccines and Advice for Chad

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Chad. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Chad: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

There is a risk of contracting malaria in Chad. The risk for most travelers is considered high throughout the country. Share your itinerary with a travel medicine specialist to see if an antimalarial regime is right for you.

The medical care in most Chadian cities and towns is limited. Hospitals are located in the cities and larger towns. But, for those staying in rural areas, there may be a need to travel at least a day to get to the nearest physician.

Travelers should avoid contact with animals like dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds and bats it could lead to infections like avian influenza and rabies.

For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. To book your appointment either call or book online now.

All US citizens must have a visa to travel to Chad.

A valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccine are required as the country is still working on eradicating the disease.

Your passport must have 2 blank pages. If your passport does not meet this requirement, your visa request will likely be denied.

Chad Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Chad?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Chad and U.S. State Department

It is required of first-time travelers to Chad to obtain a registration stamp through the National Police within 72 hours of arrival. Have two extra passport size photos ready for registration.

Chad tends to generally have a hot and tropical climate.Heat and humidity are to be expected.

The northern part of the country tends to be hot and arid and receives little to no rain. It is aptly named the ‘Saharan zone’. Towards the central part of Chad, the climate shifts into more tropical territory, experiencing rain from May to November. The South region of the country receives the most rain.

• N’Djamena – As the southwestern capital of Chad, N’Djamena experiences a short rainy season (June through September), and a longer dry season during the rest of the year. Temperatures range from as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit between March and June, as low as 58 degrees Fahrenheit from November to February.
• Moundou – Moundou, located in southern Chad, has a tropical climate. It’s warmest month is during April, when it reaches highs of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, and its coldest month is January when temperatures hit a low of 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Abeche – As a town in central Chad, Abeche has a desert climate and is considered the hottest major city in the country. The rainy season takes place from June to September. Abeche’s hottest months range from June to September. Temperatures reach highs of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Its cooler months are from November to January with lows averaging 61 degrees to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

As in most major cities, criminal activity increases after dark. Cars are sometimes targeted for armed robberies, and crime may take place in the residential areas of N’Djamena, the capital.

It is suggested to use cars as the main mode of transportation. Avoid traveling at night by foot or motorbike. At your lodging, doors and windows should be kept locked. Valuables should be kept out of sight at whenever possible.

Do not hail taxis from the street, and have a hotel or reliable contact arrange a driver in advance. Sit in the back seat of taxis, ensure doors are locked, and keep bags at your feet.

The U.S. government has many more safety travel tips for visiting Chad, if needed.

The lakes of Ounianga are a series of 18 interconnected lakes recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. Located deep in the Sahara Desert, the lakes are no mirage, but rather an oasis in the middle of the dry sandy land.

To get to Ounianga, it is necessary to schedule at least four days of travel into your itinerary if departing from N’Djamena.

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Chad:

• French/Arabic to English Dictionary – There are over 100 recognized languages in Chad. But, its official languages are both French and Arabic. Depending on the region of the country you’re planning to visit, either of the two languages could be predominant, so it’s wise to keep two dictionaries handy.
• Water Purification Tablets– If you have plans on camping or visiting remote areas, the cleanliness of water may be compromised. It is wise to carry purification tablets and use bottled water to drink, and brush teeth.
• Sun Protective Clothing – The sun in Chad tends to be pretty strong during the summer. Bring a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from strong sun rays.
• Cash – There are only a few ATM machines in Chad. MasterCard and Visa are accepted at two hotels in N’Djamena.
• Jacket– Nights in the desert can be cold. A warm jacket can shield you from cold desert gusts in the evenings.

All Americans visiting Chad should register online with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

If you plan to buy a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.

U.S. Embassy Chad
Avenue Felix Eboue
B.P. 413
Ndjamena, Chad
Email: NdjamenaACS@state.gov

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Chad before leaving to confirm correct contact details for the office.

The U.S. Department of State also operates a 24 hour Emergency Operations Center. The collect call number to reach the center while abroad is +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444.

If you have any questions about traveling to Chad or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now!