Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Chad
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 1993 19:16:28 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Chad
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Chad - Consular Information Sheet
 February 2, 1993

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city 
of N'djamena at Avenue Felix Eboue; the mailing address is B.P. 413. 
 Telephone numbers are (235-51) 62-18, 40-09 or 62-11.

Country Description:  Chad is a developing country in north central 
Africa which has experienced sporadic armed disturbances over the 
past several years.  Facilities for tourism are limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  The visitor 
who obtains a transit visa at the port of entry may subsequently be 
required to surrender his/her passport to the Chadian government for 
processing; an entry visa obtained prior to arrival is therefore 
preferred.  Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination must be 
presented.  For further entry information, the traveler can contact 
the Embassy of the Republic of Chad, 2002 R Street N.W., Washington, 
D.C.  20009, telephone (202) 462-4009.

Areas of Instability:  Political tensions are running high in Chad 
because of an ongoing national conference which brings together 
former dissident groups as well as government, labor and civil 
parties.  The conference began January 15 and is expected to 
continue through February.  There have been reports of coup plotting 
and confrontations with the military.  The government of Chad has 
taken extraordinary security precautions.  Travelers may encounter 
roadblocks in N'djamena as well as elsewhere in the countryside, and 
find that international borders are temporarily closed.  Visitors 
who do not obtain visas in advance, or who do not have passports 
with them at all times, may experience difficulties.  

Armed clashes between opposing military factions have occurred in 
N'djamena as well as other parts of the country.  Chad's northern 
provinces bordering Libya constitute a military zone and remain 
heavily mined.  Travel to these areas is prohibited.  Elsewhere in 
Chad, conditions vary widely from week to week.  Travel outside 
N'djamena is hazardous.  Overland travel undertaken after dark is 
particularly dangerous.  Travelers have found it useful to monitor 
the security situation in a particular region and to consult the 
U.S. Embassy prior to travel in rural areas.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are extremely limited in 
Chad.  Medicines are in short supply.  Medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  
Often, cash payments must be made directly to doctors and hospitals. 
 Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 
332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Pickpockets and purse snatchers are a 
problem in market and commercial areas.  Breaking and entering of 
homes and vehicle thefts increase in times of political instability. 
 Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
Department of State Pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", available from 
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Photo Restrictions:  A permit is required for all photography.  
Even with a permit, there are prohibitions against taking pictures 
of military establishments and official buildings.

Drug Penalities:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State Publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superindendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.  It contains general information on travel 
in the region.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
N'djamena can obtain updated information on travel and security in 
Chad.  

 No. 93-039

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Chad dated 
December 24, 1992, to reflect increased political tensions for the 
duration of the National Political Conference.