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.  The U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena has transferred operations from a temporary site back to the Chancery as of February 13, 2008.  Visa services are suspended until further notice, but American citizen services are available.  Embassy personnel can be reached at (235) 251-70-09.  This supersedes the Travel Warning for Chad of February 3, 2008. 
 

American citizens should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country.  On February 14, 2008, citing a need for heightened control over the country, Chadian President Idriss Deby declared a state of emergency in a speech broadcast on national radio and television.  Deby stated that he signed a decree increasing governmental powers for 15 days as provided for in the Chadian constitution.  The decree enables the government to control the movement of people and vehicles, ban meetings, and put restrictions on the press.  The state of emergency also sets a curfew from 0000 to 0600 local time.  Americans are advised to avoid all travel during those hours and exercise caution at all other times, bearing in mind the political situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous.  After the first 15 days, the national assembly will decide whether to extend the state of emergency.  Americans in Chad should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website at http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov. 
 

Air France has resumed limited commercial operations, and flights are operating between N'Djamena and Paris.  American citizens should contact Air France to confirm flight schedules and availability.  
 

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 officers 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 online 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; alternate numbers 251-62-11, 251-90-52, 251-92-33, 251-77-59, 251-92-18; fax (235) 251-56-54; website: http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov.
 

For additional information, consult the Department of State's latest Country Specific Information for Chad http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1086.html 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.