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INFO RUESBKC/ATO ASIA IMMEDIATE 1983

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 120556 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC CD
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING: CHAD 
 
STATE 00120556  001.2 OF 002 
 
 
¶1. 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. 
¶2. 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. 
¶3. 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. 
¶4. 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 Abch 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 Abch 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. 
¶5. 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/ 
 
STATE 00120556  002.2 OF 002 
 
 
¶6. 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. 
 
¶7. Minimize considered. 
CLINTON