U.S. citizens are responsible for making their own travel arrangements should they decide to depart. Citizens who decide to remain in Chad despite this travel warning should maintain situational awareness at all times and register their presence within Chad with the U.S. Embassy by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Avoid travel to all border regions, particularly those areas adjacent to Chad’s eastern border and the Lake Chad region. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services is limited in remote and rural areas.

There are violent extremist organizations, such as Boko Haram (The Islamic State in the West Africa Province) and al-Qai’da in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which are intent on harming Westerners and Western interests and are able to cross borders easily. On June 15 and July 11, Boko Haram conducted suicide attacks in N’Djamena targeting a police station and a market. Additionally, kidnapping for ransom is a potential threat in the region.

U.S. citizens should take steps to mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of violent crime and maintain caution at public gathering spaces and locations frequented by foreigners, including markets, restaurants, bars, and places of worship. Incidents of robbery, carjacking at gunpoint, and murder have been reported in N’Djamena and throughout the country. Violence is also associated with car accidents where crowds may form. Exercise caution throughout the country, especially at night.

All U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad should have an evacuation plan developed with the United Nations agency coordinating their work and adhere to the policies and procedures of their host organizations to mitigate risks of becoming the victim of violent crime.

Chad’s historically volatile security environment can deteriorate unexpectedly, especially along the border areas. Note there are Travel Warnings for neighboring Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Libya, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. U.S. citizens should be aware there are minefields along the borders with CAR, Libya, and Sudan. Borders may close without warning.

All U.S. government personnel require authorization from the U.S. Embassy to travel outside of N'Djamena, and may be subject to other restrictions, including curfews, as security situations warrant. U.S. citizens should consider taking similar precautions when making travel plans. All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that can be carried out quickly and do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

For further information:

• See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Chad.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Be sure to provide your current contact and next-of-kin information in STEP.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena, located on Avenue Felix Eboue, at +(235) 2251-62-11, 2251-70-09, 2251-77-59, 2251-90-52, 2251-92-18, and 2251-92-33 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +235 6662-2100.
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).