From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Chad Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Mon, 12 Feb 1996 14:42:12 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:949 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960212144211_76702.1202_CHN53-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 96 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Chad ============================================================ Chad - Consular Information Sheet February 9, 1996 Country Description: Chad is a developing country in north central Africa which has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world. The country has experienced sporadic armed disturbances over the past several years. Facilities for tourism are limited. Entry Requirements: A visa is required and must be obtained in advance. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Chad, 2002 R Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, Telephone (202) 462-4009. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Chadian Embassy or Consulate. 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. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment in advance of treatment. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Areas of Instability: Political tensions remain high throughout the country, marked by continuing violent incidents involving government forces and armed opposition groups. In N'Djamena, guards at official buildings may overreact, possibly by shooting at vehicles stopping near the buildings. Chad's northern provinces bordering Libya remain heavily mined. Travel to this area is extremely dangerous and requires permission from the Chadian government. Extraordinary security measures are in effect throughout Chad, including roadblocks. Travelers to northern Cameroon should contact the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer prior to crossing the border because of high incidences of road attacks there. Visitors who do not obtain visas in advance, or who do not have passports with them at all times, may experience difficulties. Information of Crime: Pickpockets and purse snatchers are endemic in market and commercial areas. Burglary and vehicle thefts increase during times of political instability. 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. Road Safety/Automobile Travel: Roads are in poor condition and dangerous. No emergency services exist. Travelers on roads in all areas of the country are subject to attacks by armed bandits. Overland travel after dark is especially dangerous. Photography Restrictions: A government permit is required for all photography. Forms may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena. Photography of military sites, official buildings, airports and wildlife parks and sanctuaries 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/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebque, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Chad. The mailing address is B.P. 413. Telephone numbers are (235) 51-62-11, 51-70-09, 51-77-59, 51-90-52, 51-92-18 and 51-92-33; and, the fax number is (235) 51-56-54. No. 96-023 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 28, 1995, to update information on crime, entry requirements, areas of instability, photography restrictions and registration/Embassy location; and, to include information on road safety and automobile travel. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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