The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of ongoing terrorist activity throughout Chad. U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to the border regions, and exercise extreme caution elsewhere in the country. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services outside the capitol area is limited. This replaces the Travel Warning issued on November 10, 2015.
Violent extremist organizations in the region, such as the Islamic State in the West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Boko Haram, and al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) can easily cross borders and target Westerners, local security forces, and civilians in the Lake Chad region. In 2015, ISWAP/Boko Haram conducted suicide attacks in N’Djamena targeting police facilities and a market. Kidnapping for ransom is also a threat in the region. Furthermore, there are minefields along the borders with Libya and Sudan, and any border may close without warning.
Exercise extreme caution in the capital N’Djamena due to the threat of indiscriminate violence and high levels of crime. U.S. citizens should be vigilant at public gatherings and locations frequented by foreigners, including markets, hotels, restaurants, bars, and places of worship due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. Maintain situational awareness and avoid crowds, as even peaceful assemblies can turn violent unexpectedly.
U.S. Embassy personnel must receive approval for all travel outside of N'Djamena, and may be subject to other restrictions as security situations warrant. U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts should develop an evacuation plan with the United Nations agency coordinating their work. All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not rely solely 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 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 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). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
