Country Profile - Chad

Communications:

Telephone: Country code: 235. It may be necessary to go through the operator.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network covers the N’Djaména area, and other small clusters, mainly in the south. Network operators include Celtel Tchad (website: www.msi-cellular.com) and Tchad Mobile SA (Libertis).

Fax: Services are available in large hotels in main cities.

Internet: Limited facilities are available in N’Djaména.

Telegram: Available in major post offices in N’Djaména, Sarh, Moundou and Abéché.

Post: Airmail takes about 1 week. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0700-1130 and 1530-1830, Sat 0730-1100.

Press: Newspapers are printed in French and generally have a low circulation. Dailies include Info-Tchad and Le Progrès.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

PASSPORTS: Valid passport required by all.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo (Rep), Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo for stays of up to 3 months;

(b) those continuing their journey within 48 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding tickets with reserved seats and valid travel documents.

Types of visa and cost: Ordinary visa (includes visas issued for business or touristic purposes): €61 (single-entry); €92 (multiple-entry).

Validity: 1 week to 3 months.

Note: (a) Travel outside the capital requires a permit from the Ministry of the Interior. (b) For those entering Chad across the Sudanese border, a special entry visa is required. (c) For those entering Chad across the Nigerian border, a normal entry visa will suffice. Delays may be experienced in obtaining permits.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section for details.

Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Three passport-size photos. (c) Three application forms. (d) Letters of recommendation from employer (for business visits). (e) Valid return ticket. (f) Fee.

Working days required: 1.

Money

Currency: CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc (CFAfr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFAfr10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFAfr250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Chad is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.

Currency exchange: It is advisable to bring US Dollars or Euros rather than Sterling into the country. CFA Francs can be difficult to exchange outside the French Monetary Area.

Credit & debit cards: Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at two hotels in N’Djaména. It may not be possible to obtain cash advances at banks on credit cards.

Travellers cheques: May be exchanged at one or two banks in N’Djaména. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros.

Currency restrictions: If importing or exporting local currency from other countries in the French monetary area, there are no restrictions; the import or export of local currency from any other country is limited to CFAfr10,000. Import of foreign currency is unrestricted, provided declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported and declared.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the CFA Franc against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Banking hours: Mon-Sat 0700-1300, Fri 0700-1030.

Duty Free

Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Chad without incurring customs duty for passengers over 18 years of age:

400 cigarettes (or cigarillos) or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco (women are permitted to import cigarettes only); 3 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of spirits.

Note: There is free export of 1000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.

Public Holidays:

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 2 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Apr 12 Easter Monday. Apr 13 National Day. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 Liberation of Africa (anniversary of the OAU’s foundation). Aug 11 Independence Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 28 Proclamation of the Republic. Dec 1 Day of Liberty and Democracy. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Jan 21 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Mar 25 Easter Monday. Apr 13 National Day. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 Liberation of Africa (anniversary of the OAU’s foundation). Aug 11 Independence Day. Nov 1 All Saint’s Day. Nov 3-5 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 28 Proclamation of the Republic. Dec 1 Day of Liberty and Democracy. Dec 25 Christmas Day.

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.

Health

1: A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Chad. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. A current Cholera outbreak is affecting N'Djaména, Chari Baguirmi, Karem and Lac. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix for more information.

3: Immunisations or boosters for typhoid and polio are recommended.

4: Risk of malaria (and of other insect-borne diseases) exists all year throughout the country. The malignant falciparum form is prevalent. Resistance to chloroquine is reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.

Food & Drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. River blindness (onchocerciasis) and sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) are also prevalent. Meningococcal meningitis occurs, particularly in the savannah areas during the dry season (March to May). A recent outbreak in the Iriba district resulted in 15 cases and 4 deaths - above the epidemic threshold. Immunisation against diphtheria and hepatitis B should be considered for longer visits. Hepatitis A and E are widespread in the region. Between June and August 2004, there have been 672 cases/21 deaths of acute jaundice syndrome (AJS) in Coz Amer, where lies a camp of Sudanese refugees - and the Hepatitis E virus has been confirmed. HIV/AIDS is prevalent.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Medical facilities are poor, particularly in the north, and health insurance (to include emergency repatriation) is essential.

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’Djaména to Paris is 5 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’Djaména (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’Djaména via Sarh to the Central African Republic. The road from N’Djaména 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’Djaména and Kousséri 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.

Travel – Internal

AIR: At present, the only internal flights are chartered by private companies. Enquire at the Direction de la Promotion Touristique for further details; see Contact Addresses section.

ROAD: Travel by road outside N’Djaména is possible by 4-wheel-drive vehicle and permits are usually needed. Buses run fairly regularly to Sarh during the dry season. Security conditions and a lack of housing, food, petrol and vehicle repair facilities have resulted in the Government restricting travel, especially in the central and northern areas of the country. Petrol is expensive. Many roads urgently need repair, and are impassable during the rainy season, especially in the south. It is advised to travel in convoy, keep doors locked, carry spare fuel and supplies, and not travel after dark, due to the potential for highway bandits. Traffic drives on the right. For travel to all areas outside N'Djaména, authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior is required, which is usually granted without difficulty after a few days. Documentation: International Driving Permit required for car hire (which is expensive) as well as an official autorisation de circuler.

URBAN: The city of N’Djaména has an adequate road system and there are limited self-drive and chauffeured car hire facilities. Minibuses and taxis operate in N’Djaména, with a flat fare charged. A 10 per cent tip is expected by taxi drivers.

Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION: There are several good hotels in N’Djaména, but accommodation elsewhere is very limited. There are some small hotels at Sarh, a modern hotel complex in Zakouma National Park, and various small hunting hotels in the southwest. It is advisable to book in advance and prospective travellers should contact the Embassy in Paris for the latest information (see Contact Addresses section).

Social Profile

Food & Drink: N’Djaména offers a fair selection of restaurants serving mainly French and African food.

Chad’s excellent beer, Gala, is brewed in Moundou and is widely available in the non-Muslim parts of the capital. Standard European-style service is normal. Outside the capital, restaurants tend to be cheap and cheerful and there is an acute shortage of some foodstuffs. Visitors should exercise caution with street market food.

Nightlife: Lively dancing and music is to be found in the capital, where there is an increasing number of nightclubs. Pari-matches take place on most Saturdays and Sundays in N’Djaména (non-Muslim areas): groups of women hire bars and sell drinks all day. Outside N’Djaména, nightlife is limited, although bars and open-air dancing can generally be found.

Shopping: Chad has an excellent crafts industry. Items include camel-hair carpets, all kinds of leatherware, embroidered cotton cloths, decorated calabashes, knives, weapons, pottery and brass animals. Shopping hours: Tues-Sat 0900-1230 and 1600-1930. Food shops open Sunday morning. The market in the capital is open from 0730 until dusk.

Special Events: Celebrations in Chad are largely confined to Muslim feasts and festivals, and private, tribe-specific ceremonies.

Social Conventions: Chadians are a relaxed and friendly people, but respect for traditional beliefs and customs is expected. Dress is informal but conservative in respect of Muslim laws. There is strict segregation of women in the Muslim areas. It is customary to shake hands. The left hand should never be used for offering or accepting food, nor should the sole of the foot be exposed in the presence of a Muslim. Identification should be carried at all times; failure to do so may result in detention by police. Photography: It is necessary to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Information in order to take photographs. Photographing military sites, airports and official buildings is prohibited. Other photography requires a government permit. Tipping: 10 per cent is normal for most services (US Dollars are the preferred currency).

Business Profile

Economy: Chad is one of the world’s poorest countries, with a per capita annual income of just US$200. Civil war, poor infrastructure, few natural resources and droughts have hampered any development of the economy during the last few decades. Subsistence level farming occupies 70 per cent of the population, producing mainly sorghum, millet and groundnuts. Cotton is the main cash crop. Nonetheless, there are chronic food shortages which can, in many areas, only be met by international food aid. Agro-industrial operations, most of which are based in the south of the country, dominate the small industrial sector. Mineral deposits including tungsten, tin, bauxite, gold and iron ore have been located: only natron (hydrated sodium carbonate) is mined in commercial quantities. However, the country now has a unique opportunity to transform its economic fortunes following the discovery of large oil deposits in the Doba Basin in the southwest. A 1000km pipeline linking the fields to the Cameroonian port of Kribi (Chad is landlocked) was due on stream in 2003. Chad is expected to earn around US$3 billion over 25 years, which will increase national income by around 50 per cent. France is by far the largest trading partner, followed by Nigeria, The Netherlands, Italy, the USA, the UK, Cameroon and Germany. Chad is a member of the Central African Economic and Customs Union (CEEAC).

Business: A knowledge of French is essential as there are no professional translators available. Best months for business visits are between November and May. Office hours: Mon-Thurs 0700-1530, Fri 0700-1200.

Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Chambre de Commerce, d’Industrie, d’Agriculture, des Mines et d’Artisanat, 13 avenue du Colonel Moll, BP 458, N’Djaména (tel: 525 264; fax: 525 263).

Climate

Climate: Hot, tropical climate, though temperatures vary in different areas. The southern rainy season lasts from May to October and the central rains from June to September. The north has little rain all year. The dry season is often windy and cooler during the evenings.

Required clothing: Linens and tropical waterproof clothing.

India-Chad Economic Relations

Chad became a Republic on November 28, 1958. It has a nominal multiparty system since 1992. President Idriss Deby dominates the political system since he assumed power in August 2001. President Deby is currently serving his second term.

France, the former colonial power, is a major donor of aid to Chad. Chad’s relations with neighbouring Nigeria and Cameroon have improved in recent years. Chad’s relations with Libya remain complex due to Libya’s involvement with Chadian politics. Relations with the Central African Republic (CAR) have been tense since November 2001 due to suspected involvement of Chadians in a coup attempt against the CAR’s President.

Chad, with a population of 8.3 mn, was considered as one of the most under-developed countries in the world. Economic prospects had been severely hampered by a combination of minimal infrastructure, limited natural and human resources, weak and misadministration, chronic politico-military conflict since independence. Security problems have now eased amid increasing constitutional stability while sharp regional and ethnic divisions remain.

However, this is likely to change very soon. In October 2003, oil from the Doba fields in Chad started flowing through the 1070 km pipeline to the Cameroonian port of Kribi for export. It is estimated that Chad has reserves of 900 mn barrels of petroleum.

Chad is able to export 225,000 barrels of crude per day from end-2003/early 2004. It is expected that with the oil revenues flowing in, the pressure on public finances will ease. Chad is expected to become a very fast growing economy in this region. Chad’s economy has already begun to feel the initial impact of the project. Chad’s GDP growth was 15% in 2003 after being just 0.6% in 2000. The economy has been boosted by increase in construction and other activities related to Doba Oil Project.

Agriculture constitutes 37% of GDP while the industrial sector and services contribute 16% and 47% respectively. Most of the imports are from USA (38%), France (26%), Cameroon (8%) and Nigeria (5%).

Chad’s total exports grew from US$ 177 million in 2001 to US$ 197 million in 2002, while its imports increased from US$ 449 million to US$ 570 million in the same period.

Bilateral Relations

India’s relations with Chad have been rather limited. The Minister of Education of Chad, A.B. Hamid visited India in September 1997 under the sponsorship of UNESCO.

Techno-Economic Approach for African Movement (TEAM-9): Chad is a member of TEAM-9 initiative comprising of eight West and Central African countries seeking to benefit in technical and economic spheres through cooperation with India. The Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister of Chad participated in the first meeting that representatives of Team-9 countries had with EAM in New Delhi in early-March 2004.

During High Commissioner’s discussions with President Deby while presenting credentials in October 2002, the President expressed his appreciation of India’s development in core infrastructure sectors as well as agro based small and medium scale industries. As Chad’s economy is dependent on agriculture, the President looked forward to cooperation in these sectors.

There is scope for India’s involvement in the oil, IT, Telecom, pharmaceutical, power generation and transmission sectors. There is potential in export of tractors in the 50-70 HP range. A joint venture for setting up a mini-cement plant is being negotiated.

Some Indian private companies are in the process of starting ventures in the pharmaceutical, food stuffs, restaurants, edible oil, etc. sectors in Chad. Some of the Indian companies based in Nigeria and Tanzania are also exploring opportunities for investment in Chad.

Trade: India’s bilateral trade with Chad is small and has averaged about US$ 4 mn per year in the last five years. Indian exports to Chad increased from US$ 2.05 mn in 2000-01 to US$ 4.20 mn in 2001-02, but declined to US$ 1.13 mn in 2002-03. The main items of India exports to Chad are pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gems and jewellery, ores, prepared feathers and down, fish, iron and steel and cotton. India’s imports from Chad have been insignificant in the last five years. However, it is seen from the DGCI&S statistics that, India has imported from Chad goods worth US$ 1.88 mn in 2002-03. Items imported by India from Chad include cotton, raw hides, etc.

Project Exports: Bharat Heavy Industries have supplied 331 kms of pipes for the oil refinery project.

SCAAP: Chad was allotted 5 slots under Special Commonwealth African Assistance Plan (SCAAP) during 2003-04.

Indian Experts: About 90 technicians have joined oil refinery projects in Chad in September/October 2000.

Indian Community: There are about 120 Indians working in oil refinery projects, international organizations, missionaries, and engaged in trade in Chad.