Travel Smart
Honest, sourced guidance so you travel confident. Most of any country is calmer than the headlines suggest.
Safety
Countrywide advisory (Government of Canada)
Reconsider travelAvoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories) Regional advisories apply; see the source for zone-level detail.
Source: Government of Canada · Verified 2026-07-26
N'Djamena proper
Exercise increased cautionThe capital is volatile but navigable. Petty crime and armed robbery occur. Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Military checkpoints are common; cooperation is required.
Avoid: Distant suburbs; northern districts; night travel.
Common scams: Fake currency; taxi overcharging; street robbery.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
Northern Sahara (Ennedi, Tibesti)
Do not travelRemote desert with sparse population, minimal state presence, and ongoing security threats including banditry and militant groups. Extreme isolation makes rescue difficult.
Avoid: All northern regions.
Source: US State Department · Verified 2026-07-06
Eastern regions (Wadi Fira, East)
Reconsider travelBanditry, militia activity, and refugee camps create instability. Border regions with Sudan are particularly volatile.
Avoid: All areas near Sudan border; refugee zones.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
Southern regions (Mayo-Kebbi, Gueura, Logone)
Exercise increased cautionSafer than north and east; banditry is less organized. Zakouma National Park is accessible. Security can shift; stay informed.
Avoid: Remote rural areas at night; unmarked roads.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
5 zones rated separately against Government of Canada, UK FCDO, US State Department. Oldest check on this page: 6 July 2026.
Emergency Contacts
Police Nationale
police
The police number published by UK FCDO. The number 17, quoted widely for Chad and correct in several neighbouring countries, is not what the Foreign Office gives.
SourceAmbulance, via the fire service
ambulance
UK FCDO gives 1212 for ambulance and fire together. Calling the hospital ambulance line below directly is usually faster in N'Djamena.
SourceHopital General de Reference Nationale (HGRN)
hospital · N'Djamena
BP 130, opposite Monument Eboue, N'Djamena
The national referral hospital. The first number is the emergency line and the second is its own ambulance, both taken from the UK Government Office list of medical providers in Chad. The switchboard is +235 22 5153 09. Going straight to the hospital ambulance tends to work better than the national 1212 line.
SourceHopital de la Renaissance
hospital · N'Djamena
BP 2029, N'Djari, N'Djamena
The main private hospital in the capital, from the same list. The first number is the emergency room and the second the switchboard. International SOS also maintains a clinic in N'Djamena with an alarm centre reachable on (33) 155 63 31 55.
Source