Safety in Chad

Crime: The crime rate in the capital is high, particularly after sunset. Do not wear an expensive watch or pull out a phone in crowded places such as markets.

In the sand: The northern territories are still littered with mines left over from past wars. Never leave the established tracks when travelling in the Sahara.

Terrorism: Radical groups are active in the border areas around Lake Chad. Visiting those districts without a specific permit and escort is entirely off limits, and you should read your own government's travel advisory before planning anything.

Health: Malaria is present throughout the country, so prophylaxis and mosquito nets are essential. Medical care is very poor even in the larger cities.

Political risk: Spontaneous protests flare up periodically and can turn into disorder. Avoid any gathering of people and do not discuss the government in public.

Photography: Photographing government buildings and anyone in uniform is forbidden. Ordinary passers-by may also react badly to a lens pointed at them.

Chad is a vast country at the junction of the Sahara and the Sahel, receiving very few travellers. All governments advise heightened caution or against travel.

What defines the situation. The Lake Chad region in the west is affected by armed group activity. The north near the Libyan and Nigerien borders sees armed formations and smuggling. The east receives refugees from Sudan and conditions there are tense.

Kidnapping. Foreigners are a target category in affected areas.

N'Djamena. Street crime is moderate, but urban caution is needed. Nobody walks at night.

What is here. The Ennedi plateau with its rock art and stone arches is one of the Sahara's most spectacular places and a UNESCO site. Trips there are arranged by specialist operators in convoys and cost serious money.

Cash. Cards barely work. Bring euros in cash.

Permits. Travel beyond N'Djamena, especially to Ennedi and the north, requires permits and escorts, arranged through an operator in advance.

Photography. Military installations, police, government buildings, the airport and bridges are categorically off limits. A photography permit is required in the country and is checked.

Drones. Prohibited.

Border areas. The frontiers with Libya, Niger, Sudan and the CAR are higher-risk zones. Mines and unexploded ordnance remain in the north after past conflicts.

The political situation. The country has been through a change of power and restrictions apply. Demonstrations are suppressed.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Dress. The north is Muslim and conservative.

The desert. Independent travel is impossible: it requires a convoy, satellite communications, and fuel and water reserves.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry.

Malaria. Very high risk in the south and during the rains. Prophylaxis is essential.

Meningitis. Chad lies in the meningitis belt, with major outbreaks in the dry season. The ACWY vaccine is necessary.

Other vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, polio and cholera.

Water. Bottled only; water resources are scarce.

Heat. Among the hottest countries in the world: Faya and the north pass 45°C. Ennedi trips run November to March.

Healthcare is effectively absent. N'Djamena has basic facilities. Beyond the capital there is none. Evacuation is extremely difficult. Insurance with air evacuation is essential and must work in Chad.

Dust storms. The harmattan brings sand from November to March.

Emergency numbers: 17 police.

Chad sits in the lower part of the Corruption Perceptions Index and extortion is widespread.

Checkpoints. Very numerous, with demands for money ordinary. Keep documents and permits in order.

Photography and the police. The commonest cause of foreigners' detention.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken; do not expect an investigation. The languages are French and Arabic.

N'Djamena at night. Travel by car.

Where people do not go. The Lake Chad region, the north near the Libyan border, the east near Sudan, and the south near the CAR.

Consular assistance. Limited.

What actually matters. Chad is a country for prepared expeditions to Ennedi with a trusted operator rather than independent travel. The main risks are armed groups in the border areas, heat, and the complete absence of healthcare.

Emergency number is 17.