How to get to Chad

By | May 4, 2022

Overview

Chad is a dusty and sunburnt sub-Saharan country in the heart of Africa that is beset by conflict. N’Djamena is the friendly, laid-back capital where haggling for African goods is particularly fun in its central market. Lake Chad was once the world’s largest freshwater lake, and despite slow shrinkage due to climate change and increased water demand, it remains a sight to behold. Its economic importance is still enormous, as it supplies water to millions of people in the surrounding countries. Although Chad is one of the poorest countries in Africa,

Getting there

Arriving by plane

According to top-medical-schools, there are no direct flights to Chad from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Air France (AF) flies non-stop from Paris to N’Djamena. Feeder flights to Paris are possible from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich with Air France (AF) and the respective national airlines. Ethiopian Airlines (ET) flies from Frankfurt/M. via Addis Ababa to N’Djamena. Turkish Airlines (TK) offers flights to Chad from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich via Istanbul, among others.

Flight times

Frankfurt/M. – N’Djamena: 11 hrs 15 mins; Vienna – N’Djamena: 14 hrs 5 mins; Zurich – N’Djamena: 11 hrs 45 mins (Journey times vary depending on length of stay and number of stops.)

Departure fee

Approximately €8 (CFA Fr 5,000) tourist tax and approximately €5 (CFA Fr 3,000) security fee are collected at the airport when departing from Chad. Excluded from this are students and transit travelers who travel on within 24 hours.

Arrival by car

There are connecting roads to Libya, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria and the Central African Republic. The borders with Libya, Nigeria and the Central African Republic are currently closed. The border crossings with Cameroon and Niger are heavily controlled. Long-distance buses: Minibuses and bush taxis operate between N’Djaména and Kousséri in Cameroon. Tolls: There are no tolls for road use in Chad. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.

Arrival by train

There is no rail network in Chad.

Transportation

Traveling by plane

There are currently no scheduled domestic flights operating in Chad. However, Chad Travel and Tours operates charter flights in the country.

Traveling by car/bus

The road network is poor and hardly developed. Travel permits (authorisation de circuler) are required for all prefectures in the country. When entering the country by land, the travel permit must be applied for at the Chadian embassy together with the visa. Especially in the north and center of the country, the government has restricted freedom of movement because there is little shelter, food and fuel. The restrictions also apply to convoys of vehicles from the Libyan border via Zouar and Faya-Largeau to N’Djamena and from N’Djamena via Ati and Abéché to the Sudanese border. Journeys to the north-east of the country are only permitted with local guides. Traveling in the Kovoi is recommended. Night driving should be avoided if possible. Toll: There are no toll roads. Filling stations: A nationwide supply of fuel is not guaranteed. When driving overland, it is advisable to carry fuel in canisters.

Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic

Right

Condition of the roads

The road network is generally in poor condition. Only approx. 270 km are paved; the other roads are gravel roads. Driving outside of N’Djamena is practically only possible with off-road vehicles. Especially in the south, the roads are often impassable during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September). In rural areas livestock is to be expected on the road.

Car rental

Car hire is available in N’Djamena at the airport and in town. The rental prices are high. A travel permit issued by the embassy must be presented at the time of rental. The minimum age for drivers is usually 25 years.

Taxi

Within the cities, taxis operate at flat rates. Taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10%.

Regulations

Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – Seat belts are mandatory for all car occupants; – Telephoning at the wheel is only permitted with a hands-free system; – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists. Speed ​​limits: – urban: 50 km/h.

Documentation

In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required, as well as a travel authorization (authorisation de circuler), which can be obtained from the embassy together with the visa. Short-term liability insurance should be taken out at the border.

Traveling in the city

The road network in the capital N’Djamena is relatively good. Taxis and minibuses are available.

Locally on the way by train

There is no rail transport in Chad.

How to get to Chad