Warden Message

Update to U.S. Citizens About Serious Safety and Security Concerns in Chad

February 3, 2008

This Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens about serious safety and
security concerns in Chad. On February 2, 2008, the Department of State
ordered the departure of all family members of American employees and
non-emergency American employees at the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena.
Emergency Embassy employees have relocated to the N'Djamena Airport.
There have been reports of gunfire and looting in the capital. This
supersedes the Travel Warning of February 2, 2008.

The U.S. Embassy is temporarily unable to receive phone calls. American
citizens in Chad who would like assistance departing the country should
contact the Department of State immediately at 1-202-501-4444 . Anyone
wishing to inform us of American citizens in Chad or to obtain
up-to-date information on security conditions should call 1-888-407-4747
toll free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from
overseas.

American citizens should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable
security situation throughout the country. On January 30, 2008, rebels
began their approach to the capital city N'Djamena. There has been
active fighting between rebel forces and Chadian military forces in and
around N'Djamena. Americans who choose not to depart Chad should
closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website at
http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to
assist American citizens remaining in Chad is severely limited.

The recent "Arche de Zoe" affair, in which a French organization was
accused of kidnapping Chadian children, has heightened government
scrutiny of humanitarian and other organizations. Demonstrations
targeting westerners have taken place and may recur.

U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern
Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) security offices in Abeche and
N'Djamena, and to follow UNHCR guidance regarding safety and security.
The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residing
in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits issued by
the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N'Djamena, and to register
in Abeche upon arrival in eastern Chad.

American citizens who intend to enter Sudan from Chad despite the
Department's Travel Warnings for both countries must obtain the
appropriate visas and permits in advance of entry into Sudan. Further
information is available in the Department's Travel Warning for Sudan.

American citizens traveling to or resident in Chad should register with
the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form on line at
https://travelregistration.state.gov and provide contact information and
specific travel data if traveling outside the capital. Registration
enables the Embassy to contact American citizens in case of emergency
and provide updates on the security situation as necessary. The U.S.
Embassy is located in N'Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebou; mailing address
B.P. 413; telephone (including after hours): (235) 251-70-09, 251-62-11,
251-90-52, 251-92-33, 251-77-59, 251-9218, and 51-92-33; fax (235)
51-56-54; web site http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov.

For additional information, consult the Department of State's latest
Country Specific Information for Chad and the Worldwide Caution at
http://travel.state.gov, or call 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United
States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas.