TRAVEL WARNING - CHAD

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 045483 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC CH SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - CHAD ¶1. This Travel Warning is updated to note that the Department of State has authorized the return of U.S. Embassy non-emergency personnel and adult family members to Chad. The Department of State continues to urge American citizens to defer travel to Chad and for American citizens in Chad to exercise caution. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Chad dated March 25, 2008. ¶2. American citizens should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. Although the Government of Chad announced on March 16 that the state of emergency and night curfew had been lifted, the Department of State advises Americans in Chad to avoid all travel after dark and exercise caution at all other times, bearing in mind the political situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous. ¶3. On May 2, the Department of State authorized the return to Chad of non-emergency Embassy personnel and adult family members of Embassy personnel. However, family members of Embassy personnel under the age of 21 still are not authorized to reside in Chad. American citizen services are available at the Embassy, but visa services are suspended until further notice - see contact information below. ¶4. U.S. citizens in Chad, particularly those outside N'Djamena, should be aware that the U.S. Embassy cannot guarantee that the same options and level of evacuation assistance that existed in February 2008 will be available should the situation again deteriorate. The Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens be prepared to implement their personal evacuation or safe haven plans on short notice should the situation warrant. ¶5. The State Department advises American citizens not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts to avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border area due to insecurity caused by banditry and clashes between Government and rebel forces. If the security situation deteriorates further, the U.S. Embassy will not be 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 UN which has aircraft and other logistical support. Americans in Chad should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website at http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov. ¶6. Airlines that normally service N'Djamena have resumed limited commercial operations. American citizens should contact the flight operators to confirm flight schedules and availability. ¶7. 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 officers 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. ¶8. 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 at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/t w_934.html. STATE 00045483 002 OF 002 ¶9. American citizens traveling to or resident in Chad should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form online at https://travelregistration.state.gov 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): (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; website: http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov. ¶10. For additional information, consult the Department of State's latest Country Specific Information for Chad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/ cis_1086.html and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov, or call 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas. ¶11. Minimize considered. RICE