Chad

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

Chad has a typical tropical climate in the south with as much rains as 1000mm per year. The centre is a mixture of shrub and desert and a dry desert climate in the north. The dry season is between November and May in the south and temperatures usually range from 20°C to 25°C but can rise to 40°C just before the rains.

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

All nationals except those of France and Germany require visas. Visas are usually valid for 3 months and can be renewed without much difficulty. You must register at the sûreté (immigration) within 72 hours of arriving and you'll need two photos'.
Visas can be obtained from neighbouring countries apart from Niger.

MONEY

Official Currency:    1 CFA (Central African Franc)=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks:    Monday to Thursday 0700-1300, Friday 0700-1030, Saturday: 0700-1300
Shops:    Tuesday to Saturday 0900-1200 and 1600-1930

LOCAL TIME

Chad is one hour ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights Domestic Flights A poor domestic service is offered by Air Tchad connecting N'Djaména to Moundou, Sarh and Abéché.
Public Transport:	The main way to get around the country is by trucks and pick-ups. Buses do run between N'Djaména, Sarh and Mao.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Chad - Folded Map   (Maps Worldwide) Institut Geographique National (IGN) Scale 1:500 000 A coloured road map of Tchad with vegetation and elevation marked. Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Traffic drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. Outside N'Djaména special travel permits are usually required, particularly if travelling to the northern or central part of the country. Road conditions are extremely poor at all times and in the raining season many roads are impassable. For the most part travelling around is best done in a four wheel drive vehicle.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Chad, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.