Chad
Central Africa · Africa · Physician brief
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country
Chad requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travelers arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Direct travel from Switzerland does not trigger this rule, but the vaccine is still medically recommended for travel south of the Sahara. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination if you have transited or stayed in a YF-risk country.
CDC / WHO IHR yellow fever requirements ↗ · Updated 2026
Meningitis belt — northern Chad, dry season
Northern Chad lies in the African meningitis belt, where meningococcal disease risk rises during the dry season (roughly December to June). Meningococcal vaccination (ACWY) is recommended for travel to these regions, especially for longer stays or close contact with the local population.
CDC / EKRM ↗ · Updated 2026
Recent alerts
All alerts →There are outbreaks of diphtheria in several countries in Africa. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against the disease. Country List : Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Somalia
CDC Travel Health Notices · Jun 2, 2026
Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Ni…
CDC Travel Health Notices · Mar 9, 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
HighHigh risk in all areas year-round, including N'Djamena. P. falciparum predominates and is chloroquine-resistant. Continuous antimalarial chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine) is recommended for all travelers, combined with strict mosquito-bite prevention.
- Risk
- High, all areas, year-round
- Species
- Mainly P. falciparum
- Resistance
- Chloroquine-resistant
- Prevention
- Chemoprophylaxis + bite protection for all travelers
Yellow fever
HighYellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months going south of the Sahara Desert. A certificate is required only when arriving from a country with risk of YF transmission. Vaccinate at least 10 days before arrival; see the country alert above.
- Risk
- Recommended (south of Sahara)
- Entry rule
- Certificate if from YF-risk country
- Timing
- ≥10 days before arrival
Dengue
LowDengue is present and transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. Daytime mosquito-bite prevention (repellent, covering clothing) is the main protection; this also reduces other arboviral risks.
- Distribution
- Present, mainly the south
- Mosquito
- Aedes — bites during daytime
- Prevention
- Daytime bite protection
General prevention
Food & water
Strict food and water precautions are essential. Use bottled or treated water, avoid ice and raw produce, and eat only thoroughly cooked food. Healthcare access is severely limited outside N'Djamena. Avoid wading or swimming in fresh water (schistosomiasis risk).
Mosquito protection
Aggressive mosquito-bite prevention is essential — chloroquine-resistant malaria risk is high year-round and country-wide, and antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for all travelers. Dengue is also present. Use DEET or picaridin repellent, cover up, and sleep under an insecticide-treated net. Meningococcal disease risk rises in the dry season in the north.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.