16open jobs
10organisations hiring
5violent events in 3 months
38deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
Chad emerged from a collection of powerful states that controlled the Sahelian belt starting around the 9th century. These states focused on controlling trans-Saharan trade routes and profited mostly from the slave trade. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, centered around the Lake Chad Basin, existed between the 9th and 19th centuries, and at its peak, the empire controlled territory stretching from southern Chad to southern Libya and included portions of modern-day Algeria, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. The Sudanese warlord Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR used an army comprised largely of slaves to conquer the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the late 19th century. In southeastern Chad, the Bagirmi and Ouaddai (Wadai) kingdoms emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries and lasted until the arrival of the French in the 19th and 20th centuries. France began moving into the region in the late 1880s and defeated the Bagirmi kingdom in 1897, Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR in 1900, and the Ouddai kingdom in 1909. In the arid regions of northern Chad and southern Libya, an Islamic order called the Sanusiyya (Sanusi) relied heavily on the trans-Saharan slave trade and had upwards of 3 million followers by the 1880s. The French defeated the Sanusiyya in 1910 after years of intermittent war. By 1910, France had incorporated the northern arid region, the Lake Chad Basin, and southeastern Chad into French Equatorial Africa.
Chad achieved its independence in 1960 and then saw three decades of instability, oppressive rule, civil war, and a Libyan invasion. With the help of the French military and several African countries, Chadian leaders expelled Libyan forces during the 1987 "Toyota War," so named for the use of Toyota pickup trucks as fighting vehicles. In 1990, Chadian general Idriss DEBY led a rebellion against President Hissene HABRE. Under DEBY, Chad approved a constitution and held elections in 1996. Shortly after DEBY was killed during a rebel incursion in 2021, a group of military officials -- led by DEBY’s son, Mahamat Idriss DEBY -- took control of the government. The military officials dismissed the National Assembly, suspended the Constitution, and formed a Transitional Military Council (TMC), while pledging to hold democratic elections by October 2022. A national dialogue in August-October 2022 culminated in decisions to extend the transition for up to two years, dissolve the TMC, and appoint Mahamat DEBY as Transitional President; the transitional authorities held a constitutional referendum in December 2023 and claimed 86 percent of votes were in favor of the new constitution. The transitional authorities have announced plans to hold elections by October 2024.
Chad has faced widespread poverty, an economy severely weakened by volatile international oil prices, terrorist-led insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin, and several waves of rebellions in northern and eastern Chad. In 2015, the government imposed a state of emergency in the Lake Chad Basin following multiple attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram, now known as ISIS-West Africa. The same year, Boko Haram conducted bombings in N'Djamena. In 2019, the Chadian government also declared a state of emergency in the Sila and Ouaddai regions bordering Sudan and in the Tibesti region bordering Niger, where rival ethnic groups are still fighting. The army has suffered heavy losses to Islamic terror groups in the Lake Chad Basin.
presidential republic
There is a continuing risk of instability in Chad, particularly in its border regions and during major political events.
In February 2024, several people were killed or injured in armed clashes between supporters of the PSF (Socialist Party without Borders) and government forces in Chad’s capital. The leader of the PSF, Yaya Dillo, was amongst those killed.
Public demonstrations, including anti-government protests, have not been common in Chad since October 2022, when security forces fired live ammunition during demonstrations and civilians were killed and injured.
Demonstrations have in the past targeted foreign, national and local government facilities, resulting in damage. Monitor the local news to help you avoid such gatherings. If a crowd gathers near you, leave the area immediately.
While celebratory gunfire is illegal in Chad, it can occur during celebrations, including during weddings and some political events. Celebratory gunfire led to civilian deaths and injuries in May 2024 after the announcement of provisional election results. In the event of celebratory gunfire, take cover on the lower levels of buildings and away from windows.
In 2021, an armed convoy belonging to the rebel group Le Front pour l’Alternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT) crossed into Chad from Libya and fought government forces. President Idriss Deby Itno was killed. The UK government advised British nationals to leave Chad. The British Embassy in N’Djamena closed temporarily.
In January 2025, a fatal shooting took place near the Presidential Palace in N’Djamena. Remain vigilant, stay away from the area at night, and use alternative routes where possible.
Sara (Ngambaye/Sara/Madjingaye/Mbaye) 30.5%, Kanembu/Bornu/Buduma 9.8%, Arab 9.7%, Wadai/Maba/Masalit/Mimi 7%, Gorane 5.8%, Masa/Musseye/Musgum 4.9%, Bulala/Medogo/Kuka 3.7%, Marba/Lele/Mesme 3.5%, Mundang 2.7%, Bidiyo/Migaama/Kenga/Dangleat 2.5%, Dadjo/Kibet/Muro 2.4%, Tupuri/Kera 2%, Gabri/Kabalaye/Nanchere/Somrai 2%, Fulani/Fulbe/Bodore 1.8%, Karo/Zime/Peve 1.3%, Baguirmi/Barma 1.2%, Zaghawa/Bideyat/Kobe 1.1%, Tama/Assongori/Mararit 1.1%, Mesmedje/Massalat/Kadjakse 0.8%, other 4.6%, unspecified 1.7% (2014-15 est.)
French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 languages and dialects
Muslim 52.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Roman Catholic 20%, animist 0.3%, other Christian 0.2%, none 2.8%, unspecified 0.7% (2014-15 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
oil-dependent economy challenged by market fluctuations, regional instability, refugee influx, and climate vulnerability; high levels of extreme poverty and food insecurity; recent growth driven by oil and agricultural recovery; debt-restructuring agreement under G20 Common Framework
21 MPopulation2025
27.6 %Urban population2025
$1,022GDP per capita2025
5.6 %GDP growth2025
-3.9 %Inflation2025
39.5 %Extreme poverty (international line)2022
1.1 %Unemployment2025
30.6 %Adult literacy2019
12.6 %Internet users2024
13.4 %Access to electricity2024
219,595internally displaced people2025
1,502,263refugees hosted2025
9,371asylum seekers2025
32,392refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale du Tchad, ANT): Ground Forces (l'Armee de Terre, AdT), Chadian Air Force (l'Armee de l'Air Tchadienne, AAT), Chadian National Gendarmerie; General Direction of the Security Services of State Institutions (Direction Generale des Services de Securite des Institutions de l'Etat, GDSSIE)Ministry of Public Security and Immigration: National Nomadic Guard of Chad (GNNT) (2025)
Boko Haram; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - West Africa (ISIS-WA)
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| JAS | 2 | 20 |
| Farmers (Chad) | 1 | 2 |
| Herders (Chad) | 1 | 2 |
| Government of Nigeria | 1 | 9 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to the northern provinces of Chad:
FCDO advises against all travel to the western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou.
FCDO advises against all travel to the Lake Chad region.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of all of Chad’s other borders.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
Support for British nationals is severely limited in Chad with assistance provided remotely from British High Commission Yaoundé. In-person assistance is not available including from the British Embassy in N’Djamena.
If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.
Do not rely on the UK government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so. Have your own plans on how you would leave the country, make sure you keep all travel documentation up to date and monitor the local situation.
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 1 · August 2 · September 2
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lac | 2 | 20 | 11 | ▼ down |
| Batha | 2 | 16 | 0 | new |
| Tandjilé | 1 | 2 | 0 | new |
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Chad.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Chad.
Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Avoid:
Be extra cautious during elections, festivities, and religious and public holidays, or at times of heightened political tensions.
The terrorist groups Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram remain active in the Lake Chad region and continue to carry out attacks against military positions and civilians. In May 2026, Boko Haram attacked a military position on Barka Tolorom Island in Lake Chad, killing and injuring Chadian soldiers. Chadian security forces continue to conduct counter-terrorism operations in the Lac Province region.
There is a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Lake Chad Basin and the border areas with Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
Over the last 10 years, terrorist groups in the Sahel have kidnapped western nationals across the region, including tourists, non-governmental organisation (NGO) workers and diplomats, and are still holding several hostages. Kidnappers have killed some hostages, including several British nationals.
Terrorist groups active in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region include Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), Islamic State Greater Sahara (ISGS), Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Al Murabitoun, Ansar Dine and Boko Haram. These groups can carry out attacks and kidnappings over long distances. Boko Haram and ISWA also take hostages from neighbouring Cameroon, northern Nigeria and the Diffa region of Niger. Kidnapping for ransom is the main source of finance for JNIM. Criminal gangs also carry out kidnappings for terrorist groups in return for financial rewards.
You should always stay alert, especially when travelling and in crowded public places, including camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and insecure spaces such as places of worship, markets, shopping areas, hotels, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and transport hubs. Make sure you have carefully considered the threat and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
There is a continuing risk of instability in Chad, particularly in its border regions and during major political events.
In February 2024, several people were killed or injured in armed clashes between supporters of the PSF (Socialist Party without Borders) and government forces in Chad’s capital. The leader of the PSF, Yaya Dillo, was amongst those killed.
Public demonstrations, including anti-government protests, have not been common in Chad since October 2022, when security forces fired live ammunition during demonstrations and civilians were killed and injured.
Demonstrations have in the past targeted foreign, national and local government facilities, resulting in damage. Monitor the local news to help you avoid such gatherings. If a crowd gathers near you, leave the area immediately.
While celebratory gunfire is illegal in Chad, it can occur during celebrations, including during weddings and some political events. Celebratory gunfire led to civilian deaths and injuries in May 2024 after the announcement of provisional election results. In the event of celebratory gunfire, take cover on the lower levels of buildings and away from windows.
In 2021, an armed convoy belonging to the rebel group Le Front pour l’Alternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT) crossed into Chad from Libya and fought government forces. President Idriss Deby Itno was killed. The UK government advised British nationals to leave Chad. The British Embassy in N’Djamena closed temporarily.
In January 2025, a fatal shooting took place near the Presidential Palace in N’Djamena. Remain vigilant, stay away from the area at night, and use alternative routes where possible.
There is a high risk of carjacking on roads outside N’Djamena, including during the daytime.
Robbery is common in some residential areas of N’Djamena. Robbers sometimes target foreign nationals because they’re considered wealthier.
Stay alert and be particularly cautious about street crime. Do not carry large sums of money, jewellery or other valuables. Avoid isolated or less developed areas of towns and do not go out alone or at night.
To reduce your personal risk, do not walk after dark. Walking during daylight hours should be kept to a minimum and only undertaken in well-frequented areas for short distances, and should be kept to an absolute minimum. Driving remains preferable to walking, and consider using pre-arranged secure transport to get around N’Djamena. Keep car doors locked and windows closed.
Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure you do not offend local cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious areas.
Always carry a certified copy of your passport. If you cannot show ID, the police could detain you. You could also face delays if you have to leave the country. If you live in Chad, always carry your residence permit.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, playing loud music, or swearing in public. You should also:
check opening hours of shops and restaurants
respect local customs and dress conservatively
be aware that fasting can cause tiredness and affect driving standards, particularly near sunset
be patient and show tolerance
Penalties for drug use and possession are severe and usually include a prison sentence. Conditions in local prisons are harsh.
It is illegal to photograph military sites, government buildings or airports without a permit.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Chad, with penalties of imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 2 years and a fine of between 50,000 and 500,000 CFA francs. Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted by Chadian society.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
If you are planning to drive in Chad, see information on driving abroad.
You must convert your UK driving licence to a Chadian one to drive in Chad.
Road travel can be dangerous due to road conditions and the standard of driving. Accidents involving motorbikes are common. Crowds quickly gather around the scene of an accident and, while rarely violent, can be intimidating. If you’re involved in an accident, try to contact the police or other local authority immediately. Phone: 2020 or 117 (police) or 112 or 18 (fire and ambulance).
Outside of N’Djamena, do not travel by road after dark due to the risk of crime and poor road conditions. Military guards may think you’re a security risk if you drive near government buildings at night.
Travel in convoy, keep doors locked and carry spare fuel and supplies. Fuel shortages can occur across Chad and availability may be unreliable. There may be particular disruptions to domestic fuel production in October and November 2026 as a result of the closure of the Djermaya refinery, including an increased risk of shortages, long queues at filling stations and travel delays. Especially if travelling outside of N’Djamena, ensure you have sufficient fuel, supplies, and contingency plans before departure.
Police checkpoints are common. Officers may ask you to show your passport, driving licence and vehicle registration documents.
Take great care on the road in front of the Presidential Palace in N’Djamena where there have been past shootings including fatalities.
To travel outside N’Djamena, you must get authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior. Many businesses arrange escorts when their western staff travel outside the capital for any reason. Some humanitarian organisations may need to apply for further authorisations to travel to the east of Chad.
Before you consider any travel outside the capital, take professional security advice. You should:
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Roads are poor and often impassable during the rainy season from July to October, especially in the south. Heavy rains can cause major flooding in many areas, particularly in the south and east. Bring food and clean water with you.
This section has safety advice for regions of Chad. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
FCDO advises against all travel to the northern provinces of Chad:
There are many landmines near the Chad-Libya border in these provinces. The northern provinces are also unsafe due to the presence of rebel groups and contested gold mines.
FCDO advises against all travel to the western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou due to the risk of terrorism. See Terrorism in Chad.
FCDO advises against all travel to the Lake Chad region. There is a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Lake Chad region. See Terrorism in Chad.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 30km of all of Chad’s other borders.
The Chad-Sudan border is closed to travellers, with limited humanitarian exceptions. Since late 2025, there has been increased insecurity along the eastern border, as a result of the conflict in neighbouring Darfur, Sudan, including armed and fatal clashes on the Chad side of the border and reports of aerial attacks near towns such as Tiné.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is unstable and the border area is highly insecure, with limited government presence and active armed groups. In October 2026, Chad accused the CAR military of conducting an attack against suspected rebels that infringed Chadian territory in Tissi, at the intersection between the CAR, Chad and Sudan borders, with a number of people injured as a result.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena.
There is a high risk of terrorist kidnapping in the Sahel region, which includes Chad, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. See Terrorism in Chad.
55.2yearsLife expectancy2024
97.3per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
748per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
206.1per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.09per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2023
52.2 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 112 or 18 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Chad, including:
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Chad. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Medical facilities in Chad are poor. Even in N’Djamena hospitals are stretched and sometimes affected by strikes. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Chad where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Chad’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Chad set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chadian Embassy in Belgium or the Chadian Embassy in France.
To enter Chad, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
You must have a visa to visit Chad.
Since May 2026, visa applications for Chad can be submitted online through the official e-Visa platform. Applicants can complete the application, upload supporting documents, pay the visa fee, and track the status of their application online. The Chadian authorities recommend applying at least seven days before travel.
Alternatively, you can contact a Chadian Embassy for assistance with visa applications. To apply for a visa contact the Chadian Embassy in Belgium, or the Chadian Embassy in France.
If you stay in Chad more than 72 hours, you must register with the police. The immigration officer will tell you to go to the Commissariat Central (police headquarters) on Avenue General Kerim Nassour (formerly Boulevard de Strasbourg). You must bring a passport photograph.
To enter Chad, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Chad guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Chad. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
2 events · 20 deaths · 11 civilians
The terrorist groups Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram remain active in the Lake Chad region and continue to carry out attacks against military positions and civilians. In May 2026, Boko Haram attacked a military position on Barka Tolorom Island in Lake Chad, killing and injuring Chadian soldiers. Chadian security forces continue to conduct counter-terrorism operations in the Lac Province region.
2 events · 16 deaths
1 event · 2 deaths
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO advises against all travel to the western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou.
FCDO advises against all travel to the western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou due to the risk of terrorism. See Terrorism in Chad.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
Ennedi Ouest Province
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.