Is Chad safe for religious-minority travellers?
Broadly safe
Chad is broadly protective for religious-minority travellers in law — the clearest concern is anti-discrimination protection (partial protection).
What to know as a religious-minority traveller
the sourced facts that weigh most for you · concerns first
Chad’s constitution guarantees equality before the law regardless of origin, race, sex or religion, but there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination statute and no protection on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Chad is a constitutionally secular state; government restrictions on religion appear moderate, reflecting religious-group registration rules and a 2015 full-face-veil ban, though the exact Pew Government Restrictions Index band is not confirmed here.
Chad is a constitutionally secular state with no specific blasphemy or defamation-of-religion offence identified in its penal code, though media law penalises reporting that incites hatred.
Identity & recognition
Same-sex relationships
CriminalisedSame-sex sexual activity is criminalised under Article 354 of Chad’s 2017 Penal Code, punishable by three months to two years’ imprisonment and a fine.
Legal gender recognition
Not possibleChad has no legal procedure allowing transgender people to change their legal gender.
Anti-discrimination protection
Constitution onlyChad’s constitution guarantees equality before the law regardless of origin, race, sex or religion, but there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination statute and no protection on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Disability rights
CRPD ratified 2019Chad ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 20 June 2019, but comprehensive domestic disability legislation and implementation remain limited.
Women's legal rights
Major legal gapsSignificant legal gaps remain for women — the WBL index scores 66/100 (2023). Expect unequal rules in areas such as mobility, marriage or the workplace; check local specifics before you travel.
LGBTQ+ legal equality
Few or no protectionsLGBTQ+ people face a hostile legal environment — Equaldex scores 15/100 (2026); expect few or no protections, and in some places active criminalisation. Research local law and discretion carefully.
Body & health
Abortion access
Life/health onlyChad’s Reproductive Health Law No. 006/PR/2002 permits abortion to save the woman’s life and protect her physical and mental health, and in cases of rape, incest or fetal impairment.
Cannabis & personal drug law
IllegalCannabis is illegal in Chad for both recreational and medical use, with possession subject to fines and imprisonment.
Faith & conscience
Government restriction of religion
Moderate (est.)Chad is a constitutionally secular state; government restrictions on religion appear moderate, reflecting religious-group registration rules and a 2015 full-face-veil ban, though the exact Pew Government Restrictions Index band is not confirmed here.
Blasphemy & apostasy law
No blasphemy lawChad is a constitutionally secular state with no specific blasphemy or defamation-of-religion offence identified in its penal code, though media law penalises reporting that incites hatred.
Speech & press
Freedom of expression
Not free · 15/100Rated Not Free, 15/100, by Freedom House (2025).
Your obligations on arrival
Address / residence registration
Foreign nationals must register with the National Police within 72 hours of arriving in Chad and obtain a registration stamp; longer stays require a residence permit.
Student work rights
Chad issues no student work authorisation; paid work requires a separate employer-specific work permit, so a student visa alone does not permit employment.
Health insurance
Proof of adequate health insurance covering the stay is generally expected for Chad long-stay and residence visas, though it is not a clearly documented enrolment requirement.
Bringing medication
Chad publishes no specific personal-medication import rules; travellers should carry prescription medicines in original labelled packaging with a doctor’s prescription, and narcotic or controlled substances may require prior authorisation.
Laws differ from lived experience and this is not legal advice. Each fact shows its evidence type, date and source. Full method & sources →
Emergency numbers
Travel-medical cover that works abroad with no local address, and a data eSIM so maps and messaging work the moment you land.