Expat guide to living in & moving to Chad
 

Chad

Chad

While Chad is not the most recommended place to visit, the country still possesses cultural allure for travel enthusiasts. If you are planning to take a trip or move to Chad, here’s some useful information.



INFO


Chad

Expat Clubs


There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Chad and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.

International Schools 


N'DJAMENA ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (NEIS)

NEIS adopts English as the primary language of communication, seeks to educate a multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-lingual student body. Taking advantage of professional, goal-oriented, academic team with diverse skills and talents. NEIS strives to meet the needs of the whole child: intellectual, physical, moral.

Address: BP 4183, N’djamena, Chad

Tel: +235 663 06900, +235 636 51129

Email: ndjeis08@ gmail.com

Website: www.neisschool.blogspot.ae



Local News in English


allAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. They publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons.

Website: www.allafrica.com

 

IRIN News

IRIN is an award-winning humanitarian news and analysis service covering the parts of the world often under-reported, misunderstood or ignored. It delivers unique reporting from the frontlines of humanitarian action to over a million online readers. IRIN exists to make a difference. According to a 2008 survey by the global marketing research company ACNielsen, IRIN is the premier online humanitarian news source for people who describe themselves as having a "strong impact on humanitarian issues". Its reports are used directly in planning, advocacy and policy development.

Website: www.irinnews.org



Country Information 


Location: Africa

Capital City: N'Djamena

Other Important Cities:

Currency: Central African CFA Franc (CFA)

Language(s): French and Arabic

Calling Code: 235

Internet TLD: .td

Electricity: 220V 50Hz.

Emergency Numbers:   
  • Fire: 18
  • Police: 17

The supply of electricity in Chad is poor and is confined in the more urban areas. The largest company electricity producer is Société Nationale Électricité (SNE).

Website: www.snetchad.com



Embassy Information


www.embassyworld.com

Residents Visa and Work Permit information


A limited number of nationals from certain countries may enter Chad visa free for up to 90 days. All other nationals must apply for a visa through Chad’s embassy or consulate in their home or host country.



Documents Required
  • Valid passport
  • Complete the visa application forms with the required photo.
  • An attestation from your employer stating the reason for your travel to Chad, clearly marking the date of departure from the US
  • Be in possession of a round trip ticket, or have a valid reservation from a travel agency
  • Have at least two free pages in your passport
  • Possess an invitation letter
  • Flight itinerary and reservation information

 

For more information please visit the Chad Embassy in the US site.

 

The US and UK government have issued a travel warning, citing that there are security threats and safety issues in the country.



> US Passports and International Travel:

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Chad and recommends citizens avoid travel to eastern Chad and all border regions. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid public gathering spaces and locations frequented by expatriates, including markets, restaurants, bars, and places of worship. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Chad dated April 15, 2014 to update U.S. citizens on the current security situation in Chad.” 



> UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office:

“The FCO advise against all but essential travel to all remaining parts of the country including the towns of Faya Largeau in Borkou region and Abéché in Ouaddaï region, but with the exception of the capital N’Djamena to which the FCO do not advise against travel.” 

 

Please visit this site for further details.



Accommodation


The capital is the recommended area to stay in, as stated in the travel warnings. Hotel accommodations are available here; the cheapeast, The Aurora Hotel, charges $41 per night, while the most expensive, The Kempinski Hotel N’Djamena, charges $365 per night.



Commercial, government and diplomatic institutions are also located within Ndjamena like the American Embassy, DHL Office, Air France and the Grand Market.



Driving License


Expats may drive legally in Chad using their domestic license and an international driving license, for up to 3 months. Beyond this, the domestic license must be converted to a Chadian license. For more information about driving in Chad please visit here.

Healthcare


Healthcare facilities in Chad are poor and limited. It is highly recommended that you secure adequate insurance to cover medical costs and repatriation.



Insurance Companies



Cigna Global Health Options

Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.

Website: www.cignaglobal.com

 

Hospitals



Antenne Chirurgicale - Dispositif EPERVIER

Address: B.P. 1655, N' Djamena, Chad

Tel: +235 515 840

Fax: +235 525 155

 

Centre Medico Social

Address: B.P. 898 Le Flamboyant, N' Djamena, Chad

Tel: +235 52 28 37