Customs regulations for your trip to Chad

Customs Regulations

Local laws reflect the fact that Chad is a predominantly Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See Travelling during Ramadan

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe and usually include a prison sentence. Conditions in local prisons are harsh.

Homosexuality is not widely accepted in central African society. In August 2017 a new law came into force criminalising same-sex sexual activity in Chad, with penalties of imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 2 years and a fine of between 50,000 and 500,000 CFA francs. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Photographing of military sites, government buildings and airports is prohibited. Other photography needs a government permit.

You should always carry identification (either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport). Failure to produce ID can lead to detention by the police, or delays should you have to leave the country.

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) – no express release accepted / air waybill  (AWB)
• Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
• Invoice for all electrical items less than 6 months old
• Resident or work permit or letter from the employer
• BSC (cargo tracking note)
• Non-sale certificate (stating that client will not sell personal effects in Chad)
• Move certificate (Certificat de Demenagement) from City Hall / Police Station

Specific Information

• The non-sale certificate must state that the owner of the goods will not sell his or her personal effects in Chad.
• Resident / work permit / letter of employment
• Non-diplomatic shipments are subject to 2% “Taxe statistique” plus 20% “droits de douane”
• A certificate of free entry may be granted by Customs for diplomatic imports if all documentation requirements are met (diplomats).
• Documents must be provided to agent prior to the arrival of the shipment to obtain duty-free clearance (diplomats).

Dutiable Items

Free import by passengers of 18 years of age or older:

• 400 cigarettes (or cigarillos) or 125 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco (ladies: cigarettes only);
• 3 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of spirits.

Animals being imported into the country will require an additional certificate for prove of vaccination prior to flight.

Prohibited Items

• Obscene material
• Live Animals
• Arms, Ammunition and Explosives
• Illegal Drugs
• Pornographic materials

Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original registration card
• Insurance certificate
• OBL / AWB
• Original purchase invoice
• Non-sale certificate

Specific Information

• Taxes on motor vehicles will depend on age, power, etc. (approximately 61% cost, insurance, freight (CIF)).
• The original bill of lading must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand and model.
• Cars older than 3 years cannot be imported.

Pets

Documents Required

• Certificate of vaccination (must include rabies)
• Health certificate

Specific Information

• The health certificate must show current vaccinations by a veterinarian in country of departure and dated no more than 14 days prior to arrival.

Wild Fauna and Flora:

The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES

Baggage Clearance regulations:

Baggage is cleared at N’Djamena (NDJ).
Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Chad.

Currency Import regulations:

Residents:

Local currency (CFA Franc-XAF) and foreign currencies:

• If coming from a country in the French monetary area: no restrictions
• If coming from other countries: up to the amounts exported.

Non-Residents:

• Local currency: no restrictions.
• Foreign currencies: no restrictions, if declared on arrival.

Non-Residents:

• Local currency: up to XAF 10,000.-.
• Foreign currencies: up to the amounts imported and declared.