TRAVEL WARNING
Country-specific safety information
You are warned against traveling to the capital N’Djamena, the Lake Chad region, the border area between Chad and Cameroon and the border area with the Central African Republic.
On July 11, 2015, another suicide attack occurred in N’Djamena, killing at least 15 people and injuring 74 people. On June 15, 2015, two explosives attacks occurred in N’Djamena; In addition to the four suicide bombers, 23 people died. On June 29, 2015, four suspects blew themselves up during an operation against a “Boko Haram” terror cell, and eleven people were killed.
It cannot be ruled out that there may be further attacks, especially in N’Djamena, but also in other parts of the country. Public places, restaurants and large gatherings of people are particularly endangered. In addition, stricter security controls are to be expected. Travelers are advised to follow the travel and safety information and current media coverage carefully.
Chadian troops are involved in the fight against the terrorist organization “Boko Haram”; its leader has threatened retaliatory attacks against Chadian targets. Since February 2015, Chadian communities in the Lake Chad region have been repeatedly attacked by “Boko Haram”. The government has declared a state of emergency in the Lac province bordering Lake Chad.
There is also an increased risk of attack or kidnapping in the parts of Chad bordering Cameroon and northeast Nigeria.
The border crossings between Chad and Cameroon as well as the common border area are strictly controlled. Instructions from the security forces should be followed, as overreactions can be expected in isolated cases.
Around 150,000 refugees and returnees have been living in southern Chad, especially in the border area with the Central African Republic and Sudan, since the crisis in the Central African Republic broke out at the end of 2013. The border between Chad and the Central African Republic was completely closed to normal border traffic on May 13, 2014. As a country located in Africa according to internetsailors, Chadian troops secure the border area, but the high number of refugees combined with an already difficult supply situation can lead to tensions among refugees and / or with the indigenous population.
In addition, travel to all other regions of the Republic of Chad that is not absolutely necessary, especially the areas of the Sahara, its peripheral areas and the Sahel zone, is strongly discouraged.
The Foreign Office calls on all Germans in Chad to exercise particular caution.
Registration at the German Embassy / emergency aid
The Foreign Office recommends that all German nationals register in the German list (“Krisenvorsorgeliste”) (external link, opens in a new window http://elefand.diplo.de) and activate the option “Receive safety notices”.
The German embassy in N’Djamena can only provide emergency aid to Germans to a limited extent. Beyond this, it does not perform any other legal or consular tasks and does not issue visas: the German embassy in Yaoundé / Cameroon is responsible for both. However, Schengen visas can be applied for at the French embassy in N’Djamena.
Travel in the country
Traveling in the country involves significant risks. In the north and east of the country there are extensive, partly unmarked minefields. Tours through the Sahara (Tibesti, Ennedi, Borkou) are also associated with considerable traffic and health risks; Here, too, there is an increased risk of attack or kidnapping for western travelers .Nationwide there is a high risk of falling victim to violent crime on long-distance journeys (especially by so-called “coupeurs de routes”, ie road robbers). There is also a considerable risk of accidents nationwide, including in the capital N’Djamena. Nocturnal overland journeys should be avoided There is insufficient health care in the northern parts of the country; evacuation options are only available from Faya Largeau Airport. Due to the tense security situation, instructions from the Chadian security forces should be followed.
Aggression must be expected in the event of accidents with personal injury. Medical care is either not available or is insufficient. The supply of fuel is not guaranteed everywhere. It is strongly advised to take out a travel return insurance (“air rescue”). When visiting the northern regions, it is recommended that you take a satellite phone with you, which may only be carried with the approval of the responsible Chadian authorities.
Photography requires a special written permit (see below), but even if this permit is in place, there are significant cultural and safety reservations across the country. Photographing military facilities, government buildings, airports and other “strategic facilities” should be avoided. Private individuals often react aggressively if they are photographed without prior consent.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Nightlife is limited to N’Djamena and the larger cities.
CULTURE
Religion
Muslims (51%), Christians (35%, mainly Catholics) as well as 7% followers of natural religions and 7% others.
Social rules of conduct
The clothing is casual, but restrained in accordance with the rules of Islam. In the cities in particular, strict gender segregation is practiced. You shake hands in greeting. No food is accepted or given with the left hand. Showing the soles of the feet is taken as an insult. Photography is only permitted everywhere with a photography permit to be applied for from the Ministry of Tourism. The enforcement of this regulation is handled differently in each location. In extreme cases, taking photos without permission can lead to arrest and seizure of the camera. Tip: 10% is common. US dollars are gladly accepted.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Hot tropical climate with regionally different temperatures. The rainy season in the south lasts from May to October, in the middle of the country from June to September. In the north, there is little rainfall throughout the year. In the dry season it is often windy and cooler in the evenings.
