From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Chad Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 16:21:55 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:2070 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <199901261126_MC2-6804-58A2@compuserve.com> Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Approved: usenet@world.std.com Distribution: wstd Precedence: bulk Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-List-Info: LN=travel-advisories WHOM=76702.1202@compuserve.com Content-Disposition: inline Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Mime-Version: 1.0 Lines: 142 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Chad ============================================================ Chad - Consular Information Sheet January 25, 1999 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Chad is a developing country in north central Africa with one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world. Though currently exhibiting signs of stability and of political, social and economic recovery, Chad still faces daunting challenges. Years of war, drought and famine severely damaged the country's institutions and its infrastructure. Facilities for tourism are limited. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens visiting Chad must present a passport and a visa upon arrival. 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. AREAS OF INSTABILITY: The potential for conflict between armed insurgents and government security forces still remains in several parts of the country. These include the far north and south (eastern and western Logone and Moyen Chari prefectures) and the Lake Chad region. The Tibesti region poses a security risk to foreigners because of the Toubou rebellion. 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 due to the activity of highway bandits. In April 1998, the Peace Corps suspended its operations in Chad, citing security concerns. 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. Often cash payments must be made directly to doctors and hospitals in advance of treatment. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for the payment of medical services outside the United States. It is advisable to 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 its home page and autofax service. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers 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 home page at http://www.cdc.gov. INFORMATION ON CRIME: Pickpockets and purse snatchers are endemic in market and commercial areas. Burglary and vehicle thefts increase during times of political instability. Travelers entering northern Cameroon from Chad should contact the Embassy Regional Security Officer in N'Djamena prior to crossing the 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. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, via the Internet http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs or http://travel.state.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions which 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: Poor to 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 oversight of Chad's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. 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 the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288. PHOTO RESTRICTIONS: A government permit is required for all photography. Photography of military sites, official buildings and airports may be prohibited, even with a permit. DRUG PENALTIES: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens 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. EMBASSY LOCATION: The U.S. Embassy is located in N'Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebque; the 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 July 16, 1998, to update the Areas of Instability and Medical Facilities. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories