March 13, 2008

Warden Message, Security Status Update

The Government of Chad announced this morning that armed rebels have again crossed the border into eastern Chad.   The Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens in Chad that the security situation may deteriorate quickly without much advance notice.   U.S. citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy can not guarantee that French military forces will provide the same level of evacuation assistance they did in February should the situation again deteriorate.  The Embassy, therefore, recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to implement their personal evacuation or safe haven plans should the situation warrant.

Air France and Ethiopian Air have limited commercial operations, and flights are currently operating between N'Djamena and Paris.

The state of emergency, which the government of Chad declared on February 14, 2008 for the entire country, is still in effect.  The state of emergency sets a curfew from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m.  Americans are advised to abide by the curfew, i.e., avoid all travel during those hours, and to exercise extreme caution at all other times, bearing in mind the political situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous.  

American citizens outside the country are advised not to travel to Chad, see latest Travel Warning for Chad. 

The Embassy recommends that American citizens who are already in Chad be prepared to implement their personal evacuation plans on short notice.  American citizens in Chad are strongly encouraged to register at the Embassy’s consular section on Avenue Felix Eboue, or by Internet at https://travelregistration.state.gov.  Office hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  If you have previously registered but have changed any contact information, please be sure to notify the Embassy promptly of any changes.  Visa services have been suspended until further notice, but American citizen services are available.  The Embassy switchboard is operational and Embassy personnel may be contacted at (235) 251-7009; 251-6211; 251-9052 or 251-9233.   The Consular Officer’s cellular phone number is (235) 652-2416.  In the event that telecommunications in Chad become inoperable an Officer may be reached through the Cameroonian number:  (237)94157608.

American citizens who decide to remain in Chad should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website.  American citizens in Chad are urged to keep family and friends in the United States apprised of their whereabouts.  Please encourage all Americans with whom you come in contact to register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form online at https://travelregistration.state.gov and provide contact information and specific travel data if traveling outside the capital.