Chad – Travel Warning (November 4, 2016)
Chad Travel Warning
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of ongoing terrorist activity throughout Chad. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to the border regions, and exercise extreme caution elsewhere in the country. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services outside of N’Djamena is limited. This replaces the Travel Warning issued on April 18, 2016.
Violent extremist organizations in the region, such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – West Africa, (ISIL-WA), and al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) can easily cross borders and target Westerners, local security forces, and civilians in the Lake Chad region. Boko Haram conducted suicide attacks in N’Djamena targeting police facilities and a market in 2015 killing dozens. Kidnapping for ransom is also a threat in the region. Furthermore, there are minefields along the borders with Libya and Sudan, and any border crossing may close without warning.
Exercise extreme caution throughout the country due to the threat of indiscriminate violence and crime. U.S. citizens should be vigilant at public gatherings and locations frequented by foreigners, including markets, hotels, restaurants, bars, and places of worship. Maintain situational awareness and avoid crowds, as even peaceful gatherings can turn violent unexpectedly.
U.S. Embassy personnel are subject to restrictions when traveling in certain areas of N’Djamena as well as outside of the capital. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should develop an evacuation plan with the United Nations agency coordinating their work. All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not rely solely on U.S. government assistance.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Chad.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Be sure to provide your current contact and next-of-kin information in STEP.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Chad, located on Avenue Felix Eboue in N’Djamena, at + (235) 22 51 70 09 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +235 66 6221 00.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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