|
Chad - Consular Information Sheet
April 27, 2000
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Chad is a developing country in north
central Africa with one of the lowest per capita incomes in the
world. Chad faces challenges in the areas of political stability
and economic development. Following Chadian independence in 1960,
the intervening years of war, drought and famine severely damaged
the country’s institutions and its infrastructure. Facilities
for tourism are limited.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport and visa are required.
Evidence of yellow fever vaccination may also be required. Visitors
must check in with the National Police and obtain a registration
stamp within 72 hours of arrival. Further entry information may
be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Chad, 2002 R St.
N.W., Washington D.C. 20009, telephone 202-462-4009. Overseas
inquiries should be made at the nearest Chadian Embassy or Consulate.
SAFETY/SECURITY: The potential for conflict between armed
insurgents and government security forces is largely confined
to the Tibesti region of Chad’s northwest; travel to the region
poses a security risk to foreigners. Chad’s northern provinces
bordering Libya remain heavily landmined. Travel to this area
is extremely dangerous and requires permission from the Chadian
government. Visitors who are not in possession of a valid passport
and a visa may experience difficulties at police roadblocks or
during other checks. Overland travel after dark is discouraged
owing to the activity of highway bandits. In April 1998, the Peace
Corps suspended its operations in Chad, citing security concerns.
U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street
demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.
CRIME INFORMATION: Pickpockets and purse snatchers are
endemic in market and commercial areas. Burglary and vehicle thefts
increase during times of political instability. Since the beginning
of 2000, expatriate residences have been targeted for armed robbery,
and some foreigners have been assaulted in the process. Travelers
to northern Cameroon should contact the U.S. Embassy Regional
Security Officer in N’Djamena, Chad prior to crossing the Chad/Cameroon
border because of a high incidence of road attacks there.
The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet
A Safe Trip Abroad for ways
to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available
by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are extremely limited
in Chad. Medicines are in short supply or unavailable, including
many over-the-counter preparations sold in the U.S. Serious medical
problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to
the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Often
cash payments must be made directly to doctors and hospitals in
advance of treatment.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United
States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas
may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company
to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision
for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made
to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed
later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include
coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains
in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies
abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in
the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via
the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention’s international traveler’s
hotline at telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax, 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299); or by visiting the CDC Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Chad is provided for general reference only and
may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions /Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Non-existent
Roads are in poor condition and dangerous. No emergency services
exist. Travelers on roads in all areas of the country are subject
to attack by armed bandits. During the summer rainy season (mid-June
to mid-September) many roads become impassable or are restricted
by rain barriers.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial
air service at present, or economic authority to operate such
service, between the U.S. and Chad, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Chadian Civil Aviation
Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit
the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some
foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of
air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific
carriers, travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.
PHOTOGRAPHY: A government permit is required for all photography.
Photography of military sites, official buildings and airports
may be prohibited, even with a permit.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and may not afford the protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Chad’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs
are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption
of children, international parental child abduction, and international
child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet
site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living in
or visiting Chad are urged to register at the U.S. Embassy immediately
upon arrival. The Embassy can provide updated information on travel
and security in Chad and strongly recommends that travelers contact
the Embassy prior to travel outside N’Djamena. The U.S. Embassy
is located in N’Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebque; mailing address
is B.P. 413. Telephone: (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.
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September
14, 1999, to update information on security, to add a paragraph
on Children’s Issues and to delete information on Y2K.
|
