Chad customs rules & duty-free allowances
Chad's customs enforcement is strict and unpredictable; officials may seize goods or demand bribes. Declare all items honestly and carry documentation for high-value electronics and medications.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, tramadol, diazepam)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Ministry of Security
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Pornographic materials
- Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, etc.) under CITES
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require prior authorization from Ministry of Health)
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificate)
- Drones and satellite phones (require permit from Ministry of Communications)
- Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from Ministry of Culture)
- Large sums of cash over 1,000,000 XAF (must declare)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you have goods exceeding allowances or prohibited/restricted items, use the red channel and present your completed Customs Declaration Form (available on the plane or at the airport). Officials may randomly inspect bags.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a doctor's prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and opioid-based painkillers (e.g., codeine, morphine) are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western drugs (e.g., tramadol, diazepam) are illegal in Chad.
Food, plants & animal products
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and plants are banned without an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed and sealed food for personal consumption (up to 2 kg) is allowed but must be declared.
Rules worth knowing
No Duty-Free Shops at N'Djamena Airport
N'Djamena International Airport has no duty-free shops. All allowances are for goods purchased abroad and brought in.
Strict Enforcement on Used Electronics
Officials often scrutinize laptops, cameras, and phones. If you bring multiple high-value electronics, be ready to prove they are for personal use (e.g., receipts, work ID). They may be treated as commercial goods.
Bribery is Common – Stay Firm
Customs officers may demand informal payments for minor infractions. Politely insist on a written receipt or ask to speak to a supervisor. Do not pay bribes; you can request to pay the official duty at the customs office.
Temporary Import for Vehicles
If arriving by road with a vehicle, you must obtain a 'Carnet de Passages en Douane' or a temporary import permit valid for up to 3 months. A deposit or bank guarantee may be required.