Chad travel advice

Visitors are advised against all but essential travel to the capital, N'Djamena, and against all travel to the rest of Chad.

There were clashes between the Chadian army and armed rebels in May 2009, around the Am-Dam and Goz Beida area in eastern Chad. Ongoing rebel attacks cannot be ruled out, particularly in eastern Chad, though decrease in likelihood during the rainy season (July-October).

Fighting previously broke out in February 2008 between rebel forces who entered N'Djamena, and Government troops; a number of foreign nationals were evacuated from Chad as a result. Further rebel attacks occurred in June 2008, but were confined to eastern Chad, around the Biltine and Am Zoer areas, and did not reach N'Djamena. The political and security situation remains uncertain, and could change rapidly. You should remain abreast of political developments.

Travellers should carry identification at all times (either a residence permit or a certified passport copy). Failure to produce such identification can lead to detention by the police.

Further rebel attacks, especially in eastern Chad, cannot be ruled out. There has been recent media reporting of violence in the Dar Tama region, around the town of Guereda. On 16 October 2007, the Government of Chad declared a state of emergency for 12 days in the Borkou, Ennedi Tibesti, Ouaddai and Wadi Fira regions in the north and the east of Chad following reports of inter-ethnic violence in the east resulting in 20 deaths on 15 October 2007.

On 18 September 2007, there were media reports of violence near Adre, along the border with Sudan. Further rebel and army clashes cannot be ruled out. Those deciding to remain in eastern Chad or the areas near the borders with Sudan/the CAR, against this advice, should keep a low profile, seek local advice and continue to monitor travel advice.

The borders with Sudan, Libya and the CAR are subject to closure at little or no notice. The area bordering Libya remains heavily land-mined.

Travellers should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel