Ndjamena Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ndjamena.
Healthcare System
N'Djamena's healthcare system is severely underdeveloped with very limited facilities, equipment, and trained medical personnel. Most facilities lack basic supplies, diagnostic equipment, and reliable electricity. Medical care does not meet Western standards.
Hospitals
Hôpital de la Renaissance and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Référence Nationale are the main facilities but have very limited capabilities. Private clinics like Clinique les Oliviers and SOS Medecins offer slightly better care for minor issues but still fall short of international standards. Most expatriates and travelers seek treatment outside Chad for anything beyond minor ailments.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in N'Djamena have limited stock and medication quality can be questionable. Counterfeit medications are a concern. Bring all necessary prescription medications from home with proper documentation. Common Western medications may not be available.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $500,000 USD) is absolutely essential. Verify that your policy covers Chad and includes air ambulance evacuation to Europe.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including all prescription medications, antibiotics, anti-malarials, and first aid supplies
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records in both English and French
- Identify the nearest suitable medical facility in a neighboring country before arrival
- Ensure your insurance company has 24/7 emergency contact and can arrange direct payment
- Consider registering with organizations like International SOS before travel
- Avoid any medical procedures in N'Djamena unless absolutely necessary
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Armed robbery, carjacking, and banditry occur in N'Djamena, particularly after dark. Criminals may be armed and violent confrontations can occur.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles occur, especially in crowded areas and markets.
Political demonstrations, strikes, and civil unrest can occur with little warning and may turn violent. Security forces may use tear gas and live ammunition.
Chad faces terrorism threats from regional extremist groups, with potential for attacks on Western interests, public places, and security installations.
Road conditions are poor with inadequate lighting, poorly maintained vehicles, erratic driving, lack of traffic enforcement, and animals on roads. Accidents are common and emergency response is minimal.
Malaria is endemic year-round. Other diseases include dengue, typhoid, hepatitis, meningitis, and cholera. Water and food-borne illnesses are common.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Uniformed or plainclothes individuals claiming to be police or officials stop travelers and demand payments for fabricated violations, missing documentation, or 'fines'.
Street money changers offer favorable rates but use sleight of hand, counterfeit bills, or short-changing to defraud tourists.
Individuals claim you photographed restricted areas (government buildings, military installations, airports) and demand payment to avoid arrest, even if the restriction wasn't clearly marked.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services, help with bureaucracy, or access to restricted areas, then demand excessive payment or lead tourists into unsafe situations.
Taxi drivers quote inflated prices to foreigners or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Security
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Stay informed about current security situation through embassy alerts and reliable news sources
- Maintain a low profile and avoid discussing political topics publicly
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals, including in cloud storage
- Share your itinerary with family/colleagues and check in regularly
- Maintain emergency supplies including water, food, cash, and medications
- Have multiple evacuation plans and know routes to the airport
- Consider hiring security or using security-conscious transportation services
Transportation
- Avoid all travel after dark - this is critical in N'Djamena
- Use only trusted, pre-arranged transportation from reputable companies or hotels
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up at all times
- Vary your routes and schedule to avoid predictable patterns
- Carry a charged phone with local emergency numbers programmed
- If confronted by armed criminals, comply with demands - do not resist
- Avoid public transportation which is unsafe and unreliable
- Ensure your driver knows the route and can communicate in French
Accommodation
- Stay in hotels with good security measures including guards, barriers, and secure compounds
- Choose accommodations used by international organizations and embassies
- Keep room doors locked and use additional security devices
- Know emergency exits and have a flashlight available
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors - verify through hotel staff
- Store valuables in hotel safe or keep them with you
- Have emergency supplies in your room including water and non-perishable food
Health and Hygiene
- Drink only bottled water from sealed containers - avoid ice
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food from reputable establishments
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer
- Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed before, during, and after travel
- Use insect repellent containing DEET and sleep under mosquito nets
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Get comprehensive vaccinations including yellow fever (required), typhoid, hepatitis A/B, meningitis, and rabies
- Bring oral rehydration salts for treating dehydration from heat or illness
Money and Valuables
- Carry minimal cash and valuables - leave jewelry at home
- Use money belts or hidden pouches for important items
- Keep emergency cash in multiple locations
- ATMs are limited and often unreliable - bring sufficient cash (CFA francs or Euros)
- Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Photocopy credit cards and keep emergency contact numbers separate
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Keep your embassy's emergency number readily accessible
- Learn basic French phrases as English is not widely spoken
- Have hotel address written in French for taxi drivers
- Maintain charged backup power banks for phones
- Be cautious about discussing travel plans or accommodations publicly
- Use VPN for sensitive online communications
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face additional challenges in N'Djamena due to conservative social norms and gender-based harassment. While women do travel to Chad for business and humanitarian work, extra precautions are necessary. Foreign women may receive unwanted attention, and traveling alone can be particularly challenging.
- Dress conservatively covering shoulders, chest, and knees - long loose clothing is recommended
- Consider wearing a wedding ring regardless of marital status to reduce unwanted attention
- Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark - use trusted companions or guides
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention or offers
- Stay in reputable hotels with good security rather than budget accommodations
- Use hotel-arranged transportation rather than flagging taxis
- Avoid making eye contact with men as it may be misinterpreted
- Keep your embassy contact information readily available
- Connect with other female expatriates or travelers for advice and support
- Be aware that reporting harassment to police may not result in action
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Avoid bars and nightlife venues where harassment is more likely
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Chad with penalties including imprisonment. Same-sex relationships are criminalized under Chadian law, and LGBTQ+ individuals face legal prosecution.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be extremely discreet about relationships and personal life
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics or rights publicly
- Remove any LGBTQ+ identifiers from social media visible to others
- Be aware that hotel staff may refuse service or report same-sex couples
- Consider the serious legal and safety risks before traveling to Chad
- Have your embassy contact information immediately accessible
- Understand that your embassy's ability to assist may be limited in cases involving local laws
- Consider whether travel to Chad is necessary given the significant risks
- If you must travel, maintain complete discretion at all times
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for travel to N'Djamena. Given the poor healthcare infrastructure, any serious medical issue will require expensive evacuation to Europe or South Africa. Without proper insurance, medical evacuation costs can exceed $100,000 USD. Insurance should also cover trip cancellation due to the volatile security situation.
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