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Welcome
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This Travel Warning was issued on June 23, 2008, to provide an update on the security situation in Chad. The Department of State continues to advise American citizens to defer travel to Chad, and American citizens residing in Chad should exercise extreme caution. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Chad dated June 16, 2008. American citizens should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. Armed rebel groups resumed activity in eastern Chad in mid-June and present real dangers. The Chadian government is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in most parts of the country. During the period June 16-18, the Embassy relocated some Embassy staff and family members to Cameroon as a precaution. Family members of Embassy personnel under the age of 21 are not authorized to reside in Chad. Commercial flights continue to operate from N’Djamena International Airport, but flights are subject to change when rebel activity intensifies. The security situation in general remains fluid and potentially dangerous. Limited American citizen services are available at the Embassy, but visa services remain suspended until further notice - see contact information below.
American citizens should exercise caution when traveling in Chad, including within N’Djamena. Since February 2007, there has been an increase in violent crimes and serious security incidents, some involving Chadian security forces (police, military, and gendarmes), and expatriates. American citizens should continue to expect increased police and military patrols around the capital. The Chadian government has introduced travel restrictions outside N’Djamena at various points during the State of Emergency, and may continue to do so, particularly in eastern Chad. American citizens not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border. American citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, street demonstrations, and government installations, including the Presidential Palace, which is across from the Parade Grounds. Vehicles should never stop in front of the Presidential Palace. When traveling anywhere in Chad, American citizens should travel in groups, keep a cell phone(for use when service is available) or two-way radio in reach at all times, avoid travel after dusk, and leave detailed travel plans with a reliable point of contact. American citizens traveling with Thurarya satellite phones should register the phones with Chadian authorities. Since 2006, clashes between Government forces and anti-government rebel groups occurred primarily in the east of Chad but on one occasion reached as far as the capital. There is a potential for further clashes between rebel movements and government forces in eastern and southeastern Chad and possibly closer to N’Djamena. In the east, there are continued reports of cross-border banditry and United Nations (UN) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) vehicles have been targeted for carjacking. At least one foreigner has been critically injured as a result of a carjacking, and another expatriate was seriously wounded during an armed robbery at an NGO compound in 2006. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) security offices in Abeche and N’Djamena, and to follow UNHCR guidance regarding safety and security. The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residing in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N’Djamena, and to register in Abeche upon arrival in eastern Chad.
Americans should expect increased police and military patrols around the capital. The Chadian government may introduce travel restrictions outside N'Djamena, particularly to eastern Chad. Americans not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, street demonstrations, and government installations, including the Presidential Palace, which is across from the Parade Grounds. Vehicles should never stop in front of the Presidential Palace. When traveling anywhere in Chad, American citizens should travel in groups, keep a cell phone (for when service is available) or two-way radio in reach at all times, avoid travel after dusk, and leave detailed travel plans with a reliable point of contact. Americans traveling with Thurarya satellite phones should register the phones with Chadian authorities.
Reports indicate an increase in the number of "couper de routes," or highway banditry incidents, across the country. Some American citizens have reported harassment at Chadian government roadway checkpoints. Americans are urged to carry all necessary travel documents, including valid passports and visas, and any specific documents required for travel within the country. Americans who encounter problems at these checkpoints should contact the U.S. Embassy (See below for contact details). In April 2006, rebels advanced across Chad and reached N'Djamena where they were defeated by government forces in a battle in and around the capital. There is a potential for further clashes between rebel movements and government forces in eastern and southeastern Chad and possibly closer to N'Djamena. In the east, there are also numerous reports of cross-border banditry and cattle rustling. United Nations (UN) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) vehicles have been targeted for carjacking in eastern Chad. At least one foreigner has been critically injured as a result of a carjacking, and another expatriate was seriously wounded during an armed robbery at an NGO compound. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) security offices in Abéché and N'Djamena, and to follow UNHCR guidance regarding safety and security.
The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residing in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N'Djamena, and to register in Abéché upon arrival in eastern Chad.
American citizens who intend to enter Sudan from Chad
despite the Department's Travel Warnings for both countries must obtain the
appropriate visas and permits in advance of entry into Sudan. In August
2006, five foreigners, including two Americans, were arrested and detained
in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Bahai without
the appropriate documentation. Several of these individuals had solicited
and obtained escorts in Chad who allegedly promised to facilitate entry into
Sudan, but who were ultimately unable to follow through with their
commitments. Further information is available in the Department's
Travel Warning for Sudan.
American citizens visiting or resident in Chad are
strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy on line at
https://travelregistration.state.gov and to
provide contact information and specific travel data if traveling outside
the capital. Americans without Internet access may register directly with
the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena. By registering, American citizens make it
easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency and provide
updates on the security situation as necessary. The U.S. Embassy is located
in N?Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebou; mailing address B.P. 413; telephone
(including after hours): (235) 51-62-11, 51-70-09, 51-77-59, 51-90-52,
51-92-18, and 51-92-33; fax (235) 51-56-54; web site
http://usembassy.state.gov/ndjamena.
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