Travel
Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC
20520
This
information is current as of today,
Tue Nov 24 21:54:08 2009.
CHAD
November 23, 2009
The Department of State warns U.S.
citizens of the risks of traveling to Chad and recommends that American citizens
avoid all travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border
area. This Warning is due to insecurity caused by recently increased levels of
violent criminality, the continuing risk of clashes between Chadian government
and rebel forces, and current political tension between Chad and Sudan. The U.S.
Embassy in Chad has prohibited official government travel to eastern Chad
without express authorization. American citizens affiliated with humanitarian
relief efforts should review security precautions and consider measures to
mitigate exposure to violent crime. American citizens residing in Chad should
exercise extreme caution throughout the country. This replaces the Travel
Warning for Chad dated June 02, 2008 to remind U.S. citizens of continuing
security concerns in Chad.
Violent crime in eastern Chad has
escalated in recent weeks, including robbery and carjacking at gunpoint,
kidnapping and attempted kidnapping, and murder. The level of violence in each
incident has increased significantly; robbery victims have been beaten and
killed. In addition, armed rebel groups continue to be a threat to the region.
Criminal and rebel activity tends to increase during the dry season, which lasts
from late September to July.
The overall security situation remains
fluid and potentially dangerous. Violent criminal gangs are difficult to
interdict, despite the presence of a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in
the region. The government of Chad is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors
in eastern Chad. If rebels approach the capital, N’djamena, the U.S. Embassy may
decide to evacuate non-emergency personnel and family members of Embassy
personnel on short notice, as was done in June 2008. 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.
U.S. citizens affiliated with
humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to closely review
the policies and procedures of their organizations to mitigate risks from
violent crime. All should coordinate travel plans with their UN partner agency
security officers in Abéché and N'Djamena, and follow UN Department for Safety
and Security (UNDSS) 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. Further information is
available in the Department's Travel Warning for Sudan.
The U.S. Embassy is not able to support
evacuation from eastern Chad. All Americans affiliated with humanitarian relief
efforts in eastern Chad must have an evacuation plan developed with the United
Nations mission, which has aircraft and other logistical support. The Embassy
strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens in Chad be prepared to implement
their personal evacuation or safe haven plans on short notice should the
situation warrant, and exercise extreme caution. Americans in Chad should
closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website. The embassy webpage
is http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/
American citizens traveling to or
resident in Chad should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a
registration form online and provide contact information and specific travel
data if traveling outside the capital. Registration enables the Embassy to
contact American citizens in case of emergency and provide updates on the
security situation. The U.S. Embassy is located in N'Djamena on Avenue Felix
Ebou; mailing address B.P. 413, telephone (including after hours emergencies):
(235) 251-70-09; alternate numbers 251-62-11, 251-90-52, 251-92-33, 251-77-59,
251-92-18; fax (235) 251-56-54. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on
security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside
the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further
information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Chad and the
Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs
Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.
