Chad - Consualar Information Sheet
December 17, 1993

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:  Visitors to Chad must have a passport and a visa before 
arrival.  Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination must be presented.  For 
further entry information, the traveler may 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 tension is high in both N'Djamena and the 
countryside, especially in the southern and eastern portions of Chad as well 
as north of Lake Chad.  Armed conflicts between government and opposition 
groups have occurred and remain possible.  Ethnic and religious 
demonstrations have resulted in violent outbreaks in major cities.  Chad's 
northern provinces bordering Libya constitute a military zone and remain 
heavily mined.  Travel to this area is extremely dangerous and may be 
prohibited.  The U.S. Embassy is advising U.S. citizens that travel across 
the southwestern border into Cameroon is hazardous because of a continuing 
series of security incidents.  Travelers may wish to contact the Regional 
Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena prior to crossing the 
border into Cameroon.  As a result of the unsettled security situation in 
Chad, extraordinary security precautions are in effect.  Travelers may 
encounter roadblocks in N'Djamena and elsewhere in the countryside.  
Overland travel undertaken after dark is particularly dangerous.  Visitors 
who do not obtain visas in advance, or who do not have passports with them 
at all times, may experience difficulties.

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 endemic in market 
and commercial areas.  Breaking and entering of homes and vehicle thefts 
increase in times of political instability.  The loss or theft abroad 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.

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 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 contact the U.S. Embassy 
immediately upon arrival and prior to travel in rural areas.  Travelers who 
register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and 
security in Chad.

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; fax number is (235-51) 33-72.

No. 93-332

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Chad dated October 18, 1993 
to provide information about overland travel from Chad into Cameroon.