World Country Guide

Travel - International

Note
It is advised against all travel to the area bordering the Darfur region of Sudan where, due to the conflict in Darfur, the security situation in the region is extremely unstable. All travel to the Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti provinces in the north of the country, and to the area bordering the Central African Republic where there have been recent armed clashes/reports of increased rebel activity, is advised against. The Sudan and Libyan borders are subject to closure. Terrorists are active in neighbouring countries, including Algeria, and in March 2004, Chadian forces fought with members of an African extremist group in the northern Tibesti region of Chad.

Air
There are at least two flights a week from Paris to Chad and several times a week from Congo, Ethiopia and Central African Republic. Airlines serving Chad include Afriqiyah Airways, Air France, Cameroon Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Sudan Airways.

Approximate flight times
From N’Djamna to Paris is five hours 30 minutes. There are no direct flights or good connections for those travelling from London. Overnight transit costs may be covered by some airlines.

International airports
N’Djamna (NDJ) is 4km (2.5 miles) northwest of the city. Taxis are available, operating 24 hours, for a fare of about CFAfr5000. Airport facilities include a post office, car hire, refreshments and bar, as well as restaurants.

Departure tax
CFAfr5000 (tourist tax) and CFAfr3000 (security tax). Students and transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours are exempt.

Rail
There is no railway network in Chad. There have been long-standing plans for a rail link with Cameroon but construction is not yet underway.

Road
There are routes from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger and Nigeria. The border between Cameroon and Chad is the River Logone, which flows into Lake Chad. Boats ply across the river (there is no bridge). Access from Nigeria is via a sliver of northern Cameroon. There is a road from N’Djamna via Sarh to the Central African Republic. The road from N’Djamna to Maidguri in Niger is paved. Roads can be inaccessible during the rainy season. It is not possible, or advisable, to cross the border from Sudan. Care should be taken when travelling in the area around the border with Cameroon as there have been reports of armed bandits. Bus: Minibuses and bush taxis operate between N’Djamna and Koussri in Cameroon. Rudimentary public transport is available to the Central African Republic, Niger and Nigeria, although it may be necessary to change vehicles at the border.