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Travel safely to Central African Republic with Passport Health's travel vaccinations and advice.

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central African Republic

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travellers throughout the world.

Although a difficult country to travel to, the Central African Republic (CAR) has a lot to offer visitors. It gained its independence from France in 1960 and has a blend of old meets new throughout the cities.

Bangui still has its French roots with architecture from the colonial era and touches of French inspired foods and goods. You can shop at the various markets in the city for stunning jewelry and butterfly collections, or try bargaining in nearby villages for local-made goods.

The Central African Republic has the least amount of light pollution in the entire world, making it an excellent place to capture the sky. With the Sahara desert in the north it’s the perfect place to capture once in a lifetime photographs. If you’re travelling to the south you have dense tropical rainforests with a variety of wildlife. It’s considered one of the best places in Africa to see forest elephants and western lowland gorillas.

Do I Need Vaccines for Central African Republic?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Central African Republic. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Central African Republic: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

  • COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
  • Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
  • Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
  • Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
  • Typhoid – Food & Water – Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
  • Cholera – Food & Water – Recommended for travel to most regions.
  • Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required for all travellers over 9 months of age.
  • Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
  • Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
  • Polio – Food & Water – Recommended for some travellers to this region. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to CAR. Ensure you have received the vaccine at least 10 days before entering the country.

Malaria , dengue and chikungunya are all present in CAR. Mosquito repellents and netting are recommended for travellers to the region. Antimalarial medication is recommended for all travellers.

Meningitis is normally considered a routine vaccination. But, the disease is present in CAR. Ensure you’re protected with a meningitis and meningitis B vaccination.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for the Central African Republic?

A visa is required for all British travellers to the CAR. Travellers must apply through the CAR embassy in Paris. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.

Sources: Embassy of the Central African Republic and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in the Central African Republic?

The Central African Republic is a landlocked country that has a wet season between May and October with a dry season November to April. The driest months are January and February, making it a good time for planned travel. Here is what you should expect in a few key cities:

  • Bangui – Located in the southern region of the country and surrounded by dense rainforests, it has a tropical savanna climate with dry winters. The average temperature is 26 degrees with records of over 38 at its hottest. Be sure to wear lightweight clothing and layers when staying in the city.
  • Bimbo – You can find this city southwest of Bangui and expect a tropical climate with the same wet and dry seasons. The average temperatures are comparable to Bangui’s.

How Safe is the Central African Republic?

Despite the presence of UN Peacekeepers, CAR’s security remains fragile. The government of the UK highly advises against travelling to the country.

If you are travelling for business or holiday you must carry all necessary paperwork on you at all times: passport, visa, proof of yellow fever vaccine. If you are travelling for business you need to have travel orders from your work on your person.

Public demonstrations are common. If you see one taking place leave the area and avoid large gatherings. They may appear peaceful but could turn violent at any moment.

Same-sex relations are illegal in the CAR and you can be arrested or fined for “public expressions of love”.

If you’re planning on seeing the southwest region of the country you will need a special permit due to sensitive mining areas. There is also a high crime rate in the major cities due to lack of government presence.

The Boali Waterfalls

Looking for something truly impressive? The Mbali river waterfalls near Boali are massive. If you’re staying in Bangui it would be worth a day trip to check out the falls. Measuring nearly 250 meters wide and 50 meters tall, the waterfalls are an amazing sight. Below the falls are 2 hydroelectric works, Boali 1 and Boali 2. They’re operated by Central African Energy and if you’re interested you can see the hydroelectric power plant nearby. The plant supplies power to Bangui as well as many other towns.

Not that interested in the hydroelectric plant part? Visiting the Boali falls is a great way to see traditional villages and interact with locals at nearby restaurants. Plus, it’s a great escape from the hubbub of the city and the dense population.

What Should I Pack for the Central African Republic?

Taking into consideration CAR’s climate, it will depend on your travels for what you need to pack. But, here are a few essentials you don’t want to forget:

  • Umbrella or Raincoat – The southwestern tropical rainforest areas get hit with the most rainfall. Depending on when you travel, the wet season can bring a lot of rain. Don’t be miserable on your trip and ensure you have some form of rain gear that you can carry around with you.
  • Locks/Small Secure Bag – Theft is common in major cities. It is imperative that you keep your belongings in a secure location on your body. You could have a rucksack with little luggage locks on it, a purse that has a lot of zips and you can keep close to you, or some other type of secure bag.
  • Film or Memory Cards – If you’re into photography you should be sure to bring enough for your trip. Both are very expensive in CAR and can set you back quite a bit.

It’s important to note that modesty is a major factor in the culture of those living in CAR. Women should avoid packing shorts as they are frowned upon. Try to pack modest clothing for when in public as many towns segregate women from men.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Central African Republic

Consular inquiries for CAR are handled by the Foreign Commonwealth Office in London.

Foreign Commonwealth Office King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH United Kingdom Telephone: 020 7008 1500 Email: [email protected]

Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now !

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for the Central African Republic? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for the Central African Republic? What is the Climate Like in the Central African Republic? How Safe is the Central African Republic? The Boali Waterfalls What Should I Pack To the Central African Republic? Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Central African Republic

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fco travel advice central african republic

Visiting Central African Republic

After spending months travelling across West Africa we were ready to move on.

Visiting Central African Republic (CAR) wasn’t initially part of our planned travels on this leg of Africa

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

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Visiting Central African Republic on a map of Africa

While doing research we learned more about this country and decided to travel overland to see the wildlife in the Dzanga-Sangha lodge.

The Central African Republic is one of the least visited countries in the world and visiting Central African Republic really isn’t for everyone.

It has struggled to find its feet since its independence from France in 1960. Today it ranks as the poorest country in Africa.

The official language is Sangha, but French is widely spoken. The main currency is the Central African Franc.

Visiting Central African Republic – Is it safe?

You won’t find a guide book for the Central African Republic and there are very few blogs.

Most Western governments have issued explicit warnings advising against travel to the Central African Republic under any circumstances.

Violent crimes such as armed robbery, muggings, and homicide, are too common. CAR had some of the worst cases of poachers in recent years too.

Visiting Central African Republic

As large parts of the country are controlled by armed warlord groups who regularly kidnap, injure, and kill civilians, any visitors are either discouraged to visit or are restricted to only a few areas.

Consular services are often either extremely limited or non-existent as most countries have now closed their embassies within CAR and in case of civil unrest would be unable to help.

So you need to do a lot of research and ideally connect with someone on the ground before visiting Central African Republic.

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What to see in the Central African Republic?

Tourism in the Central African Republic is pretty much non-existent due to the troubled history. Security in the country is particularly unstable in the north and northwest.

Most visitors are therefore limited their visit to either the capital city, Bangui or the Dzanga Sangha National park in the southwest of CAR.

Visiting Central African Republic is not cheap and the logistics to see more of the country do add.

travelling central african republic street

With the only international airport in the country, Bangui makes the obvious entry point for many travellers. The lack of flights means your best option is the $200-$250 flight from neighbouring Cameroon.

Check Skyscanner for the latest prices and flights available.

We arrived in the late morning from Douala. Our complimentary arrival hotel transfer never showed up so we ended up negotiating a taxi and off we went through the dusty streets of the capital.

In some way, Bangui almost looks like some other capital cities in West and Central Africa we have been to.

However, we could tell things were a lot tougher here.

The heavy presence of UN vehicles combined with the hardship in people’s faces reminded us that this country ranks as one of the poorest in the world and their internal unrest was still ongoing.

travelling central african republic

The Ledger Hotel seems to be the place most foreigners stay as let’s face it, there are almost no tourists here. As for the diplomats, UN workers, and businessmen, this is the type of hotel that they book.

This is mostly due to the higher level of security and I guess the level of comfort too.

These are your options for hotels in Bangui on Booking.com .

After check-in, we decided to use some of the facilities and spent a few hours at the pool. This was busy with UN troops and a few diplomats with pop music and a pool bar.

It was nice to finally relax after some challenging travels in West and Central Africa. We found out that this was a popular place to spend the weekends.

We certainly felt like we were on another planet and not in CAR.

travelling in central african republic

The downtown of Bangui wasn’t too far from the hotel, but we decided to jump in a taxi and check it out.

Most people warned us about photography and muggings so we were quite happy to just have a look and take it in.

We found that there is very little to see in this city apart from a few old landmarks.

  • 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com
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Dzanga-Sangha National Park

Dzanga-Sangha National Park is without any doubt is the star of the Central African Republic.

Our plan to visit overland from Cameroon backfired due to our Cameroon visas being issued incorrectly. They were issued as a single entry instead of a double entry that we’d requested.

So once we would enter CAR we would have to continue onwards to the Republic of Congo.

This would place us further away from Chad , where we were planning to go next, and as our friend who has just done it advised – we needed plenty of free passport pages for many police checkpoints as they stamp them.

We were running desperately low on pages already so this really wasn’t an option.

So Dzanga Sangha was out of the question unless we were planning to pay for a chartered flight. Not likely.

There is a local Lodge ( Sangha Lodge ) that offers both accommodations as well as activities in Dzanga Sangha, such as Lowland Gorilla Trekking, boating safaris, and visits to the famous Dzanga Bai.

So if you are looking at visiting Central African Republic, we suggest you look at what they do. 

We’ve decided to put it on our bucket list to return to.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

Travel Tips for Africa

We’ve got some comprehensive blogs about travelling in Africa – what a massive continent this is! Have you ever wondered,  how many countries in Africa are there? 54 or 55?  We cover them in depth in our  Ultimate Africa Bucket List.

It’s worth reading these  17 ESSENTIAL Things to know before travelling to West Africa  and be sure to take a look at our delicious  Food Map of Africa!

Check out our  AFRICA Page  for detailed blogs about individual countries.

If you’re simply looking for a place to find our best advice, tips, and suggestions on travel gear and products we use and love, then our  Travel Resources Page  is for you.

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Expert travel tips, resources and exclusive discounts worldwide

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

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✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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10 Comments . Leave new

fco travel advice central african republic

Sad you missed Dzanga Sangha. I entered CAR overland from Republic of the Congo (Ouesso to Bangui) and left via Dzangha Sangha into Cameroon in 2018. You can still do it now in 2020. We traveled overland using local transport. It was the highlight of all of my traveling. Make the people stamp over stamps in the future. A little bribe can help with that if they are resistant. CAR is a country without laws so negotiating makes everything possible. I hope someday you can experience Dzanga Sangha and nearby Lobeke. Truly amazing learning about Bayaka culture and seeing the wild animals in the rainforest.

fco travel advice central african republic

Yes, we would’ve loved to see Dzanga Sangha and it was our plan. But as the Consulate of Cameroon made a mistake and didn’t issue a multi-entry visa for us, only single entry. This meant we couldn’t travel overland in and out. Hopefully we get to return one day.

fco travel advice central african republic

I found this blog. Please tell me, these states are very dangerous, yes? I have information that the infrastructure is not working, the government forces are not working, so they can shoot you somewhere. An example is the Democratic Republic of Congo. How could you visit these countries? Was it just with a delegation, in a fancy hotel and security? I’ve travelled a bit, I take the local bus, I sleep in bivouacs or the cheapest hostels.

fco travel advice central african republic

Well, we’re on a journey to visit every country in the world, so yes, we have to visit the dangerous and unstable countries too. We do a lot of research before we visit these countries to ensure our safety while we’re there. We visited Central African Republic independently and stayed in a an expensive hotel with high security. We usually stay in budget accommodation and travel like a local, take buses etc – but for some countries, it isn’t safe to do so. You may learn a little more about our travels through this region of Africa by reading this post – https://www.veryhungrynomads.com/travelling-in-central-africa/

Rachel, I see now, Slovakia republic, this is have friend (Marty)? Passport Slovakia. I`m Czech republic. Muzu ze tak spojit a pokecat o cestovani i v jazyku Ceskem haha.

Yes, Marty is Slovakian and we’re on this adventure together. Connect with us on Instagram or FB & you can communicate in Czech with Marty on there 🙂

fco travel advice central african republic

How long did it take to issue a CAR visa in Yaoundé?

Hi Marco, Our visa was issued in 1 or 2 days in Yaounde, we can’t remember exactly.

fco travel advice central african republic

Hello and thanks for the information. I was supposed to travel to Cameroon/CAR/RofCongo, and Gabon back in 2019, but broke my leg just prior to the trip and had to cancel. I’m starting to arrange the same trip again for the summer of 2023, but I’m a little weary regarding having to show time sensitive Covid PCR tests every time I cross a border in that region.

How was it for you this past summer? Did they ask for 48-72 PCR tests? If they did, did it happen only at airports or at land border crossings as well? Were any of the borders closed when you arrived due to Covid restrictions?

I have all my vaccines, so them proof of that isn’t an issue, if that is all they ask for. But I have had experience, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, that even with everything in order (ie Yellow Fever Virus vax) they still pointed to something on the card that was non-existent and wanted a bribe to let me into the country.

Anyway, any information regarding my queries above would be very helpful.

Hi Tom, sorry to hear you had to cancel your journey in Gabon. Since your trip is planned for summer 2023, anything currently in place regarding PCR tests will most likely change by then. If not, it is simple to take the test and provide the PCR test results as per entry requirements. Yes, you will need a Yellow Fever Certificate and proof of vaccination for COVID-19. And yes sometimes they ask for random vaccinations at borders. Just stay calm and polite and they will eventually just let you go when it’s not needed. We haven’t paid any bribes in Africa as we believe it contributes to corruption.

Not sure which borders you are planning to cross as you mentioned Cameroon CAR Republic of Congo and Gabon. If you were planning to do them in this order then there are some very long journeys to do so, but you probably know that. Also, you haven’t mentioned which summer of 2023 you mean as I am not sure if you live in the Northern or Southern hemisphere. However, the main rainy season lasts from May to November so the overland journey would be more enjoyable and doable from November to April time.

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Central African Republic - Kordofan giraffe, Central African Republic

Introducing Central African Republic

About central african republic.

  • Images of Central African Republic
  • History, language & culture
  • Weather & geography
  • Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

  • Travel to Central African Republic
  • Where to stay

While you’re there

  • Things to see & do
  • Shopping & nightlife
  • Food & drink
  • Getting around

Before you go

  • Passport & visa
  • Public Holidays
  • Money & duty free

Book your flights

Central African Republic travel guide

One of the least visited countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Central African Republic ranks amongst the poorest nations on the planet and has struggled to find its feet since gaining independence from France in 1960. Suffice to say few tourists venture out this way.

A country of contrasts, the Central African Republic is a place where the Sahara Desert meets tropical Africa, where the pastoral traditions of Africa’s tribespeople rub shoulders with the colonial architecture of imperial France.

The French influence is particularly strong in the capital, Bangui, which retains its colonial aesthetic and is scattered with patisseries serving fresh baguettes and éclairs. Vibrant stalls around the central market provide cheap and tasty local cuisine, which ranges from fish straight out of the Ubangi River to fried plantain and fufu , a sour-tasting starch prepared from manioc flour which is a staple of the region.

The country’s frenzied markets are perfect places to interact with and better understand the culturally diverse tribespeople that make up the population. The shortest interaction with these people shows them to be inquisitive, warm and generous beyond their means.

Geographically, much of the Central African Republic is composed of rolling grasslands, dusty deserts and steamy jungles. The northern reaches of the country are dominated by the seemingly infinite Sahara. With so little light pollution here, the night skies gleams with millions of stars.

The far south is home to equatorial rainforests, which are considered some of the best places in Africa to see forest elephants and western lowland gorillas. The jungle is also home to pygmy tribes, which live off the land in remote pockets of central Africa. Visits to these tribes are possible and offer an insight into their extraordinary lives.

622,984 sq km (240,535 sq miles).

4.829.767 (UN estimate 2020).

8.7 per sq km.

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra since 2016.

Prime Minister Félix Moloua since 2022.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Central African Republic

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Central African Republic due to unpredictable security conditions.

See Safety and security for more information.

Limited consular support

There is no British Embassy in the Central African Republic, and consular support is severely limited. The British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo , can provide limited remote consular support to British nationals.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Central African Republic set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris (in French).    

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the Central African Republic.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the Central African Republic, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit the Central African Republic.

Applying for a visa

Apply for a visa through the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris (in French).

Vaccine requirements

To pass border control in the Central African Republic, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations for the Central African Republic, see TravelHealthPro’s Central African Republic guide . 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Central African Republic . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

There is an export tax on cultural artefacts.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in the Central African Republic  

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Central African Republic, attacks cannot be ruled out.    

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Political situation

Current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power through an election in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020. In August 2023, a constitutional referendum was passed, which included the removal of presidential term limits. Presidential elections are due in 2025.

Protests, marches and demonstrations can happen with little notice and have encountered a strong police and security force presence. Protests have previously resulted in deaths and injuries. If you are near any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should leave the area immediately. Stay alert and follow the local news, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning. Stay away from any blockades set up by the police and security forces.  

Security situation

Tensions remain high following decades of violence between the Central African Republic government and rebel groups. The security situation could worsen without notice.

There are frequent incidents of homicide, looting, criminal kidnapping, house burglary, arbitrary detention, gunfire and carjacking, including in Bangui. Attacks are unpredictable and have taken place against UN peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and foreign mining companies.

Outside of Bangui, security conditions are extremely unstable. While Central African Republic government forces have made progress in retaking territory, armed groups continue to occupy areas in the north and east of the country. Government services are largely absent across the country outside of Bangui. There are ongoing incidents of armed conflict, banditry and hostage-taking. There are unidentified improvised explosive devices in the west of the country.

If you decide to remain in the Central African Republic against FCDO advice, you should have confidence in your security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance, especially outside of Bangui.       

Armed patrols and roadblocks

Government security forces, UN peacekeepers, rebel groups and militias conduct armed patrols across the Central African Republic, including in Bangui. Armed personnel control roadblocks (both official and illegal) where you may be asked for a bribe. Take particular care when approaching these. Travel in groups if possible and avoid travelling at night.

It is common for the police and armed groups to arbitrarily search and detain people, mainly Central African nationals but also foreign nationals.

Theft and robbery are common, and armed gangs operate in the outlying areas of Bangui. Bandits often target foreign nationals, including humanitarian workers.

Be alert to the risk of street crime, armed robbery and bribery at all times. Take precautions such as:   

  • taking professional security advice
  • travelling in pre-arranged transport with trusted operators
  • avoiding taking valuables or wearing jewellery in public
  • not walking alone at any time, especially at night
  • using a hotel safe if possible and keeping copies of documents, including your passport
  • avoiding isolated areas

Violent attacks in remote areas  

Armed groups and bandits have used illegal roadblocks and have indiscriminately attacked travellers in remote areas. The attackers have burnt or stolen vehicles, and injured, kidnapped or killed passengers.

Always keep vehicle and personal identification documents with you while travelling by road. Lock vehicle doors, keep windows closed and avoid driving off main routes. Medical help in the event of an accident is likely to be limited.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

You must always carry ID by law, such as a certified copy of your passport or a residence permit. The police can detain you if you do not have ID with you.

Buying diamonds

It is only legal to buy diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.

Illegal drugs penalties

There are severe penalties for drug use and possession. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a long jail sentence.

Using cameras

You often need permission to take photos in public places. You may be detained, fined and have your camera confiscated for photographing government property, uniformed law enforcement officers or military installations and personnel.

It is not permitted to take photographs the authorities think damage the country’s image (for example, street children and people with disabilities).

You can get a permit for more serious photography from the Ministry of Tourism.  

LGBT+ travellers

While homosexuality is not illegal, same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Central African society. LGBT+ travellers may face arrest for “public expressions of love”.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

It is easier to exchange euros for Central African francs rather than US dollars. You can exchange traveller’s cheques at banks.

There are very few ATMs. Most places, including hotels, do not accept international credit or debit cards. 

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in the Central African Republic, see information on driving abroad .

Roads are in extremely poor condition, especially in the rainy season from May to November. Most roads are unpaved, may close at short notice and require a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Outside of Bangui, there are very few roads.

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.      

Keep a private supply of fuel, food and drink if possible, especially if you are travelling any distance outside of Bangui.  

Extreme weather and natural disasters  

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

During the rainy season from May to November, roads outside of Bangui can become impassable. Flooding in Bangui is common and has killed people and destroyed homes. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in northern regions. There is also a risk of flash flooding.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a risk in the Central African Republic. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake .

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 610600 or 117 and ask for an ambulance.

Emergency numbers are unreliable in the Central African Republic. The emergency services are unlikely to respond outside of Bangui.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Health risks and recommended vaccines

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

  • check the latest vaccine recommendations for the Central African Republic
  • see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Go to TravelHealthPro to see risks you’ll face in the Central African Republic , including:

  • yellow fever

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in the Central African Republic

There are very few healthcare facilities in the Central African Republic. Facilities in Bangui are very basic. Strikes by government workers have affected medical services and hospitals. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation, including medical evacuation by air ambulance.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Central African Republic where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Central African Republic .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in the Central African Republic

Telephone: 117 (ambulance, fire, police)

Ambulance: 610600           

Military police (‘gendarmerie’): 2161 2200

Emergency numbers are unreliable in the Central African Republic. The emergency services are unlikely to respond outside Bangui.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

  • finding English-speaking lawyers and translators and interpreters in the Central African Republic
  • dealing with a death in the Central African Republic
  • Being arrested or imprisoned in the Central African Republic
  • getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
  • what to do if you’re  in hospital
  • if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in the Central African Republic and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo , who provide consular assistance for the Central African Republic.

The French Embassy in Bangui may also be able to offer some consular assistance (telephone: +236 613 000 or +236 610 584) to those who need urgent help.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

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Central African Republic (Africa)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

  • How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

  • Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

  • food and water safety
  • accident prevention
  • avoiding insect bites
  • preventing and treating animal bites
  • respiratory hygiene
  • hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

  • Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

  • Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
  • Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Poliomyelitis; Tetanus; Yellow Fever.
  • Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; Typhoid.
  • Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required from all travellers aged  9 months or over.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

Risk is higher during floods and after natural disasters, in areas with very poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water.

  • Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

  • Meningococcal Meningitis :  spread by droplet infection through close person to person contact. Meningococcal disease is found worldwide but epidemics may occur within this country, particularly during the dry season. Risk is higher for those mixing with locals for extended periods.
  • Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
  • Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.
  • Yellow Fever :  spread by the bite of an infected, day-biting mosquito. The disease is mainly found in rural areas of affected countries but outbreaks in urban areas do occur. Vaccination is usually recommended for all those who travel into risk areas. (View yellow fever risk areas here), and areas where there is an outbreak ongoing (check the 'news' section for outbreaks). In addition, certain countries may want to see proof of vaccination on an official yellow fever vaccination certificate - check above under Immunisations .

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

  • Malaria risk is high throughout the year in all areas.
  • Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
  • Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
  • See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
  • High risk areas: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine  is usually advised.
  • If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
  • If travelling to an area remote from medical facilities, carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria may be considered.

Other Health Risks

Dengue fever, schistosomiasis.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

  • The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

  • Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
  • Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
  • You can check this in the FAQ's.
  • If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Polio Vaccination Exit Recommendations

If you are visiting this country for longer than 4 weeks, you may be advised to have a booster dose of a polio-containing vaccine if you have not had one in the past 12 months. You should carry proof of having had this vaccination. Please speak to a travel health professional to discuss.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Do not travel without adequate travel insurance . Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

  • contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
  • use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
  • If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
  • 2 months afterwards if you are female
  • 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

  • 51 additional items in the news archive for this country

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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland

  • Our Ministers

Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Central African Republic , please see Ireland.ie .

Central African Republic

If you’re travelling to the Central African Republic our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel

Do not travel

Safety and Security

Local laws and customs, additional information, embassy contact, latest travel alert.

The security situation in the Central African Republic is fluid. It can deteriorate significantly within a short period of time. Citizens of Ireland who consider it absolutely essential to remain in the country should be constantly vigilant and limit their non-essential movement within the Central African Republic. Armed militia may establish road blocks and detain persons. Adequate and continuous professional security arrangements are advised and should be regularly reviewed.

A curfew is operational between 22.00 and 05.00 and should be followed, as well as other government regulations on movement and travel that are periodically issued.

Health and travel advice issued by the local authorities in Central African Republic should be followed and monitored in the local media.

As there is no Embassy of Ireland or Consulate in the Central African Republic, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. If you in the Central African Republic you should Register  your details with us. If you need consular assistance, please contact Consular Assistance at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at +353 1 408 2000

COVID-19 and Yellow Fever Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the Central African Republic can change at short notice, including in respect of COVID-19. It is advisable to travel with a valid negative COVID-19 test result that has been issued within 48 hours. Non-vaccinated persons entering the country may be asked to provide a PCR test result within 72 hours. A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required to enter or transit the country. If transiting through a third country, you should also check the travel advice for that country too.

General Travel Advice

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to the Central African Republic at this time  due to uncertain security conditions and the activities of armed groups. While the situation is more stable in Bangui, in situations of civil unrest, the road network, borders and airports may close to travellers at short notice.

Irish citizens require a visa to enter the Central African Republic.  The nearest embassy of the Central African Republic is in France at 30 rue des Perchamps, 75116 Paris.

A valid passport is required for travel to Central African Republic. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from the country. Passport cards cannot be used.

Visitors to Central African Republic are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Consult a doctor or a travel health facility at least six weeks ahead of travel to get advice on the vaccines and medicines that you may require for travel to the Central African Republic.

Citizens of Ireland can also follow the Department of Foreign Affairs on social media @dfatravelwise to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand if you have problems, try talking initially to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Specific emergency numbers are:

  • Police: 117
  • Fire brigade: 118
  • Ambulance: 1220

Our tips for Safe Travel:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities, as well as medical evacuation.
  • Register  your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter  @dfatravelwise  for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our  ‘Know Before You Go’  guide.

EU Directive on Consular Protection

Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation .

Safety and security

The security status in the Central African Republic is extremely dangerous security status and there is a very high threat of terrorist attacks.

The Central African Republic is experiencing a prolonged period of political instability with reports of high levels of serious crime and human rights abuses across the country.

Demonstrations

Public gatherings and areas where demonstrations may occur should be avoided as they are liable to turn violent.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even be illegal.

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Entry requirements

If you are unsure about the entry requirements for the Central African Republic, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate.

You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to the Central African Republic and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.

What we can do:

  • Issue you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
  • Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.

We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in the Central African Republic there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.

You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.

Embassy contact

Please contact our Consular Assistance Unit if you need guidance on the nearest assistance and we will help you as best we can. Our number is: +353 1 408 2000.

Department of Foreign Affairs Iveagh House 80 St Stephen’s Green Dublin 2 D02 VY53

Tel: + 353 (0) 1 408 2000

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Central African Republic

Before travelling, the Department  strongly recommends  that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

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Contacting us

As there is no resident Irish Embassy in this country, if there is an emergency, you can contact our Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.

Related links

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Central African Republic

Latest update.

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to the Central African Republic due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.

Central African Republic

Central African Republic (PDF 304.37 KB)

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Local emergency contacts

Medical emergencies.

Call 117 or 610 600.

Call 117 or 2161 2200.

Advice levels

Do not travel  to the Central African Republic.

Do not travel  to the Central African Republic due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.

  • There are ongoing military operations throughout the CAR. If it's safe to do so, leave the CAR. Tensions are high. Armed groups operate across the country. They've killed foreigners, including aid workers and peacekeepers.
  • The security situation outside Bangui is extremely volatile. A nationwide curfew is in place from 10pm to 5am, except for Bangui. Avoid travelling at night in Bangui due to security risks.  
  • If despite our advice you plan to travel to the CAR, take personal safety measures. Law enforcement and peacekeepers can't ensure your safety.
  • The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) regularly attacks civilians in the southeast of the CAR, especially Haut-Mbomou province. Be alert to possible threats.
  • Kidnapping and violent crime occur. Kidnappers can target foreigners. Seek professional security advice.
  • Bandit groups are common. They target aid groups to get money, vehicles and equipment. Be very careful when carrying large amounts of money. If possible, split it between your travelling companions. Carry photocopies of key documents and leave originals in hotel safes or other secure locations.

Full travel advice:  Safety

  • Medical facilities in the CAR are limited. Many medications are unavailable. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Check your travel insurance covers this.
  • Yellow fever is widespread. It can be fatal. Get vaccinated before you travel.
  • Insect-borne diseases, including malaria, filariasis and African sleeping sickness, are common. Use insect repellent. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.
  • Infectious diseases are widespread. These include hepatitis, typhoid, cholera and monkeypox. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid ice and raw or undercooked food.

Full travel advice:  Health

  • Always carry proof of identity. This can be a notarised copy. Police might detain or fine you if you can't show them your documents. 
  • You need a government permit to take photos. Unauthorised photography is illegal. Don't photograph military zones, assets or personnel, government buildings or mining leases.
  • You need a licence to buy or sell gems. There are heavy penalties for illegally exporting precious gems.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

  • If, despite our advice, you plan to travel to the CAR, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Central African Republic (CAR) for details of visa and entry requirements. The Consulate-General of France in Sydney may be able to help you get your visas for the CAR. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.
  • You're required to present your yellow fever and COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter the CAR.
  • Bangui is the only city where you can change money. You can usually convert euros or US dollars into local currency. Stay alert when changing money.
  • Travel throughout the CAR is dangerous. Military personnel and civilians have been killed while travelling in convoys. Take security precautions when travelling.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

  • The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.
  • Our ability to provide consular services in the CAR is extremely limited.
  • Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in the CAR. For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy in Ethiopia .
  • To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Tensions are high throughout the country. The security situation can worsen suddenly and without warning.

For your safety, be aware that:

  • armed groups are active across the country
  • many areas outside the capital are in a state of lawlessness
  • armed groups and criminals set up illegal roadblocks without notice
  • armed groups have killed foreigners, including aid workers and peacekeepers
  • border areas are very dangerous

The security situation is unstable. This is despite the presence of a United Nations stabilisation mission. Inter-communal violence is frequent and widespread, particularly in rural areas. Thousands of people have been killed.

Law enforcement is unable to ensure your security.

A nationwide curfew is in place from 10pm to 5am, except for Bangui. Avoid travelling at night in Bangui and to the PK5 district at any time due to security risks. Local authorities may impose curfews and restrictions without warning.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Protests have previously resulted in deaths and injuries. You should leave the area immediately if you're near any protests, marches or demonstrations. Stay alert and follow the local news, as the situation can change quickly and without warning. Stay away from any blockades set up by the police and security forces.  

If it's safe to do so, leave the CAR. If you stay in the CAR, take personal safety measures.

More information:

  • Demonstrations and civil unrest

The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) operates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Uganda. It regularly attacks south-eastern parts of the CAR, especially Haut-Mbomou province.

LRA attacks target civilians. The LRA has killed many people and thousands more have fled the region.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping and violent crime occur in the CAR. Criminals have targeted foreigners, including aid workers. The risk of kidnapping for both nationals and foreigners has increased.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

  • always be alert to your personal security and surroundings 
  • get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk 
  • check your accommodation has appropriate security measures 
  • avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone 
  • notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
  • avoid talking about your money or business affairs 
  • use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours 
  • avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information: 

Bandit groups and crime are common throughout the CAR.

Serious, indiscriminate violence and looting occurs in the CAR. It has been widespread in parts of Bangui and regional areas. Incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence are common.

Local police and security forces sometimes set up random roadblocks.

At times people posing as officials set up roadblocks. Armed groups may attempt to extort money from travellers through fake fines or intimidation.

Criminals target aid groups to get money, communication equipment and vehicles.

If you're carrying large amounts of money, be very careful. If possible, share the holding of it with your travelling companions.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

  • Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Severe weather.

The CAR experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

  • earthquakes
  • volcanic activity

In the event of an earthquake, volcanic activity or other natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.

Find information on natural disasters from the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System .

The rainy season is from May to October. The dry season is from December to April.

You can't drive on some roads during the rainy season. Roads close due to  flooding , including the three main routes entering Bangui.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

You'll need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to the CAR.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars upfront for medical care.

  • what activities and care your policy covers
  • that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

  • have a basic health check-up
  • ask if your travel plans may affect your health
  • plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

  • General health advice
  • Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)
  • Medications

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the CAR. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

  • what the medication is 
  • your required dosage 
  • that it's for personal use 

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities throughout the CAR are limited.

Medicines are in short supply and hygiene standards are poor. You're likely to have to pay up front for treatment.

If you get seriously ill or injured, you could need treatment at a more suitable place. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Yellow fever  (Department of Health and Aged Care) is widespread in the CAR. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel and carry your vaccination card. Some countries require you to present your yellow fever vaccination card if you have travelled to the CAR.

Mpox  (also known as Monkeypox) is endemic in parts of Africa. In areas where Mpox is found, you should avoid contact with animals, especially primates and rodents.

Other common insect-borne diseases include:

  • Filariasis  
  • African sleeping sickness  

To protect yourself from disease:

  • make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
  • use insect repellent
  • wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:

  • Tuberculosis  
  • Meningitis  

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

  • drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
  • avoid ice cubes
  • avoid raw and undercooked food
  • avoid fresh fruit and fresh fruit juice.
  • don't swim in fresh water
  • avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

  • Infectious diseases

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Proof of identity

Always carry proof of identity. This can be a notarised copy. Police checks are common. Police might detain or fine you if you can't show them identity documents. 

Photography

Unauthorised photography is illegal. Don't take photos of:

  • military zones
  • military assets
  • military or police personnel
  • government buildings
  • mining leases

If you do, police may confiscate your camera, fine you and detain you.

You need a government permit to take photos. The government will not grant permits for strategic sites such as:

  • the airport
  • military buildings
  • the Presidential Palace

It's not permitted to take photographs the authorities think damage the country’s image (for example, of street children and people with disabilities).

Gem licences

A licence is necessary to buy or sell gems. There are heavy penalties for illegally exporting precious gems. It's only legal to purchase diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.

While homosexuality is not illegal, same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Central African society. LGBTQIA+ travellers may face arrest for public displays of affection.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

  • Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

  • Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

If you decide to travel to the CAR despite our advice, contact the nearest  Embassy or Consulate of the Central African Republic  for details of visa and entry requirements. The  Consulate-General of France in Sydney  may be able to help you get your visas for the CAR. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

Border measures

Land border crossings may not be open to tourists. Border crossings may close at short notice.

You're required to present your yellow fever and COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter the CAR.

Other formalities

Yellow fever.

You’re required to carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter the CAR.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to  yellow fever  (Department of Health and Aged Care).

  • Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. It can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

  • In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
  • If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

  • LGBTQIA+ travellers  

Very few ATMs are available in Bangui.

Bangui has several Western Union offices, but only a few banks. Most hotels, supermarkets and restaurants catering to foreigners only accept cash.

The currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF). Cameroon, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea also use the XAF.

Bangui is the only city where you can change money. You can usually convert euros or US dollars into local currency. Keep alert when changing money through official or unofficial change agents.

Local travel

Travel throughout the CAR is dangerous. You might encounter: 

  • armed groups
  • illegal road blocks

Civilians and military travelling in convoys have been attacked and killed.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to  yellow fever  (Department of Health and Aged Care). 

Road travel

Roads in the CAR are in a very poor condition. Driving at night is dangerous due to poor lighting. Most roads require a 4WD vehicle. Fuel shortages are common.

The rainy season is May to October. Sometimes flooding occurs and roads become impassable.

Authorities may close borders without warning. This is due to the presence of armed groups and risk of cross border incursions. 

  • Driving or riding

Few commercial airlines fly to Bangui.

Be aware of your personal belongings even within the airport terminal.

Check the  CAR's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider

Emergency numbers are unreliable in the Central African Republic. The emergency services are unlikely to respond outside of Bangui. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in the CAR. You can contact the Australian Embassy in Ethiopia. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in the CAR is severely limited. 

Australian Embassy, Addis Ababa

Turkish compound (off Cape Verde Street)  Bole Sub City, Woreda 3, PO Box 3715 Ethiopia

Phone: +251 11 6672651 / 6672652 / 6672693 / 6672694  Email:  [email protected] Website:  ethiopia.embassy.gov.au Facebook: @AusEmb.ET X: @AusEmbET

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
  • 1300 555 135 from within Australia

""

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  • Central African Republic
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Central African Republic travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Central African Republic with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for the Central African Republic.

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Central African Republic travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to the Central African Republic with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Why visit the Central African Republic?

Considering a holiday to the the Central African Republic? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination such as for its nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2024/2025 escape.

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Central African Republic weather

The Central African Republic weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Bangui .

Central African Republic destinations >>

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Check the latest travel advice on visiting the Central African Republic from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

  • UK traveller advice for the Central African Republic - UK FCDO
  • Irish traveller advice for the Central African Republic - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
  • Canadian travel advice for the Central African Republic - Government of Canada
  • US travel advisories for the Central African Republic - US Department of State
  • Safe travel advisories for the Central African Republic - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
  • Smarter traveller advice for the Central African Republic - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around the Central African Republic.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

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Central African Republic travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to the Central African Republic with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

  • Vaccines & medicines for the Central African Republic - CDC
  • Health & vaccinations for the Central African Republic - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
  • How to stay safe & healthy in the Central African Republic - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in the Central African Republic, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Central African Republic covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in the Central African Republic with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

  • Travellers' health for the Central African Republic - Ministry of Health & Population
  • Coronavirus timeline in the Central African Republic - Our World in Data

Central African Republic travel features

Do you want to learn more about the Central African Republic? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in the Central African Republic.

We don't currently have any travel features on the Central African Republic. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Top 10 sunny holiday destinations year round

Central African Republic FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to the Central African Republic including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to the Central African Republic due to Covid-19?

Central African Republic is open for tourism from the UK. Negative PCR or NAAT test results required for arrivals from the UK. All arrivals face a period of quarantine on entering the Central African Republic. Check out Ministry of Health & Population for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from the Central African Republic?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from the Central African Republic. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the time difference between the Central African Republic and the UK?

The time difference between the Central African Republic and the UK is UK time+1 hour .

What is the main language spoken in the Central African Republic?

The main languages spoken in the Central African Republic are French and Sangho . Learn a language for the Central African Republic with Rosetta Stone * , Babbel * and Mondly * .

What is the currency in the Central African Republic?

The currency in the Central African Republic is the Central African CFA Franc ( XAF ). Send money to the Central African Republic with World Remit * .

Which plugs are used in the Central African Republic?

Central African Republic uses electrical plug type C + E (220 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in the Central African Republic?

They drive on the right side of the road in the Central African Republic. Find out more about driving in Central African Republic with International Drivers Association * .

Transport options for the Central African Republic

Car hire in the Central African Republic

Do you need a visa for the Central African Republic?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. Check Central African Republic visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ * .

Travel advice by country

Country name All countries - summary Algarve Balearic Islands Barbados Canary Islands Croatia Cyprus Egypt Faroe Islands France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Jamaica Madeira Maldives Malta Portugal Spain Turkey UAE UK USA Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Congo-Brazzaville Congo-Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Malawi Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Antarctica French Southern and Antarctic Lands South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China East Timor Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia (Central Asia) Russia (Far East) Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Cuba Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Haiti Jamaica Martinique Montserrat Puerto Rico Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten St Barthelemy St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Virgin Islands Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Isle of Man Italy Jan Mayen Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey UK Ukraine British Indian Ocean Territory Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Mayotte Reunion Seychelles Bermuda Canada Greenland Mexico St Pierre and Miquelon USA American Samoa Australia Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Midway Island Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Island Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wake Island Wallis and Futuna Algarve Azores Madeira Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Balearic Islands Canary Islands England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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Central African Republic Healthy Travel Packing List

Pack items for your health and safety.

  • You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
  • This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work.
  • Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays.

Prescription medicines

  • Your prescriptions
  • Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
  • Suture/syringe kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
  • Altitude sickness medicine
  • Medicine to prevent malaria

Medical supplies

  • Glasses Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged
  • Contact lenses Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
  • Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example) Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
  • Suture kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
  • Diabetes testing supplies
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
  • Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Over-the-counter medicines

  • Antihistamine
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Cough drops
  • Cough suppression/expectorant
  • Decongestant
  • Medicine for pain and fever Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
  • Mild laxative
  • Mild sedative or other sleep aid
  • Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

  • Hand sanitizer or wipes Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes
  • Water purification tablets See CDC recommendations: Water Disinfection .
  • Water purification tablets May be needed if camping or visiting remote areas
  • Insect repellent Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites
  • Permethrin Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.
  • Bed net For protection against insect bites while sleeping
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection. See Sun Exposure .
  • Sunglasses and hat Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.
  • Personal safety equipment Examples: child safety seats, bicycle helmets
  • Latex condoms

First-aid kit

  • 1% hydrocortisone cream
  • Antifungal ointments
  • Antibacterial ointments
  • Antiseptic wound cleanser
  • Aloe gel For sunburns
  • Insect bite treatment Anti-itch gel or cream
  • Bandages Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
  • Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
  • Elastic/compression bandage wrap For sprains and strains
  • Disposable gloves
  • Digital thermometer
  • Scissors and safety pins
  • Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Health insurance documents Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination If required for your trip, take your completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis card or medical waiver
  • Copies of all prescriptions Make sure prescriptions include generic names. Bring prescriptions for medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.
  • Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
  • Health care provider(s) at home
  • Lodging at your destination
  • Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination
  • US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Update April 12, 2024

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Central African Republic

Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Central african republic - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Do not travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) due to Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

Country Summary : Although there have been no specific incidents of violence or threats targeting U.S. citizens, civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence (including renewed outbreaks of armed conflict) may occur throughout the country, including the capital of Bangui.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide, is common.

Armed groups control large areas of the country and they regularly kidnap, injure, and/or kill civilians.  In the event of unrest, airport, land border, and road closures may occur with little or no notice.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic; U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside the Embassy compound.  Family members cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in the Central African Republic.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to CAR.

If you decide to travel to Central African Republic (CAR): 

  • Enroll your trip in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs, if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.   Find a suggested list of such documents here .
  • Be sure to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and Members of Congress, if you are taken hostage or detained.
  • Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
  • Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups.
  • Leave your expensive/sentimental belongings behind.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Review the Country Security Report for Central African Republic (CAR).
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp.

Yellow Fever.

All currency must be declared upon entry.

Embassies and Consulates

The U.S. Embassy in Bangui does not provide consular services at this time. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde.

U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon

Avenue Rosa Parks P.O. Box 817 Yaounde, Cameroon Telephone: +(237) 22220-1500 ext. 4341/4023 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. local time) Emergencies: +(237) 22220-1500, ext. 4531 or +(237) 22222-25-893 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Travelers entering CAR are required to have:

  • A valid passport with at least one blank page
  • Evidence of yellow fever vaccination

Visas are no longer available upon arrival in the Central African Republic. You must obtain your visa in advance of travel to avoid excessive fees and unexpected potential travel interruptions imposed at the port of entry. Visit the  Embassy of CAR website  for the most current visa information.

For visa and entry requirement information contact:

  • The  Embassy of the Central African Republic , 2704 Ontario Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone: (202) 483–7800 / 7801, fax: (202) 332–9893. 
  • Outside the United States, contact the nearest CAR Embassy or, if none in the country, the nearest French Embassy.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of CAR.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

The U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to CAR. U.S. Embassy Bangui cannot provide consular services to U.S. citizens in CAR at this time. U.S. citizens in need of assistance should contact the  U.S. Embassy in Cameroon .

U.S. citizens should carry all proper paperwork at all times, including their passport.

Demonstrations occur spontaneously. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Mob violence targeting those implicated in crimes or road accidents can occur. Harassment of foreign nationals is common, as are demonstrations against international organizations and interests.

  • Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
  • Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Armed Conflict : There are ongoing military operations throughout CAR; armed groups remain active in large parts of the country. Outside Bangui, criminals and various armed actors frequently perpetrate violence against civilians to include foreigners and humanitarian workers; road travelers and those operating outside Bangui are especially vulnerable. Armed robberies, physical and sexual assaults, ambushes, homicides, illicit taxation and extortion, arbitrary search and seizures, unlawful detentions, and kidnappings of civilians are common. Armed actors in northwestern CAR have increasingly used landmines and other explosive devices along roads and in areas near the Cameroonian border. Outbreaks of intercommunal violence and armed conflict can happen without warning anywhere in the country including Bangui.

Crime:   Crime in Bangui is common.  Beware of:

  • Petty theft in large market areas;
  • Armed gangs in Bangui and outlying residential areas;
  • Violent demonstrations, looting, burning of buildings, and roadblocks during periods of civil unrest and conflict; and
  • Checkpoints staffed by armed actors seeking bribes and impeding the work of peacekeeping forces.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the  U.S. Embassy in Cameroon for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 117 (local equivalent of “911”) or the Gendarmerie at 2161-2200 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon at +(237) 22220-1500 ext. 4341/4023. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. Victims of crime in Bangui may have to pay to send a vehicle to pick up police officers due to the shortage of police vehicles and fuel. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon can:

  • Help you find appropriate medical care.
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
  • Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
  • Provide a list of local attorneys.
  • Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the  U.S. Embassy in Cameroon  for assistance.

Tourism:  No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws and penalties. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Identification:  Local law requires passports to be carried on your person at all times. Failure to produce your passport may result in detention and/or a fine.

Drugs:  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in CAR are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Photography:  Taking photographs of police or military installations, airports, or any other government buildings is prohibited.  Unauthorized photography will result in the seizure of photographic equipment and detention of the photographer, by CAR authorities. Police or other government authorities can provide information and grant permission for photographing a particular subject or location. Locals in CAR may be very sensitive to all photography; you should obtain permission first. Corruption:  Corruption remains a serious problem among CAR security forces, some members of which have harassed travelers for bribes. At night, the roads in the capital are often manned with impromptu checkpoints, at which police or soldiers ask motorists and travelers for money.   Banking:  Banking infrastructure remains limited in CAR, and facilities for monetary exchange exist only in the capital. There are few ATMs in CAR.  Exchange bureaus and banks normally accept dollars and euros, with the exception of West African Francs (CFA). Credit cards are not widely accepted in CAR, and purchases of goods and services, including hotel rooms and airline tickets, are cash transactions. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report   – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report   – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  The penalty for "public expression of love" between persons of the same sex is imprisonment from six months to two years or a fine. When one of the participants is underage, the adult may be sentenced to two to five years imprisonment or a fine.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Central African Republic does not prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   Sexual assault and domestic violence are widespread in CAR. See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in the Central African Republic, dial 117 (local equivalent of “911”) or 2161-2200 (the Gendarmerie.)

Ambulance services are:

  • Not present throughout the country.
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

U.S. Embassy Bangui does not pay medical bills for U.S. citizens.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance and often medical facilities in CAR require payment before treatment.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most healthcare providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on the types of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Medical facilities are extremely limited in CAR, and the quality of care is unreliable. Sanitation levels are low. Many medicines are not available. You should carry a sufficient supply of properly labeled prescription drugs and other medications with you for your entire visit.

The following diseases are prevalent:

  • Meningococcal meningitis
  • Diarrheal diseases
  • Schistosomiasis
  • Tuberculosis

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in the Central African Republic.

Vaccinations:  Be current on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  •   World Health Organization
  •   U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions are extremely poor.  Watch out for:

  • Large potholes and degraded roadways
  • Unpaved roads throughout CAR
  • Drivers ignoring traffic laws to drive on the smoothest section of roads
  • Impromptu checkpoints by armed groups and or government organizations
  • National Government Curfew is in effect from 2200-0500

U.S. Embassy Bangui advises against:

  • Overland travel in the northern, eastern, and western regions due to the risk of armed attacks on motorists
  • Driving after dark

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident, you should wait until the police or the Gendarmerie arrive unless your health or safety is threatened. There are currently no distracted driving laws in effect in the Central African Republic, but police may pull over drivers who talk or text while driving for not following safe driving procedure.

Public Transportation:  The city of Bangui has a public transportation system consisting of green buses and yellow taxis, though these vehicles are often dangerously overcrowded and very badly maintained.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in CAR, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of CAR’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

 For additional IPCA-related information, please see  the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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Central African Republic

Central african republic travel advice and travel advisories, central african republic travel vaccines and advice.

fco travel advice central african republic

Land of adventure, the Central African Republic will seduce those who want to spend a good time with their loved ones. Its natural diversity will allow you to enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking. Its streams and waterfalls are great to practice water-related activities. Its wild forests are filled with wild animals, and its natural landscapes are of an incredible beauty that you will never get tired of admiring. All of this is for the delight of tourists who love nature and are curious. Change the scenery by taking a tour of Bangui, a city rich in important historical sites. In this historic center, it is not unusual to find a good traditional restaurant which you should not hesitate to enter. You can order a variety of typical dishes such as python meat, crocodile meat or even monkey meat.

fco travel advice central african republic

Recommended travel vaccinations for Central African Republic

Recommended medication for travelling to the central african republic, current weather in central african republic, medical care in the central african republic.

The medical system is still unreliable in the Central African Republic. The city center only offers 3 hospitals, and these are poorly equipped with insufficient sanitary conditions. In remote regions, medical services are even more difficult to find. For this reason, medical emergencies will involve medical evacuation to a country with a better quality of care with facilities that meet international standards.

In order to enjoy your stay in the Central African Republic, bring a first aid kit and any prescribed medications with you because pharmacies are scarce and accessing pharmaceuticals remains very difficult.

You can dial  114  for medical assistance.

Is Central African Republic Safe for Travel?

Do i need a visa to visit central african republic.

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Both, a  visa  and a  passport  are required to enter the Central African Republic. The passport must be  valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure .

Proof of immunization  against  yellow fever  is also required.

Please click  here  for more information.

Embassy of Canada to Central African Republic information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

  • A legal problem
  • A lost passport
  • The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian Consulate to Central African Republic (BANGUI) Street Address: Cabinet ARC, Bangui, Central African Republic

Tel.:  236 70 50 22 39  or  236 75 50 22 39 Fax:  236 21 61 18 39

Email:   [email protected]

Canadian High Commission to Cameroon (YAOUNDE) Street Address: Les Colonnades building, Bastos, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Tel.:  (237) 222-50-39-00 Fax:  (237) 222-50-39-04

Please note that this is the website for the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon.

Click here to access the high commission’s website

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  1. Central African Republic travel advice

    FCDO travel advice for the Central African Republic. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  2. Central African Republic

    There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the Central African Republic. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

  3. Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central African Republic

    Advice. Travellers'. Diarrhea Kits. Available. Although a difficult country to travel to, the Central African Republic (CAR) has a lot to offer visitors. It gained its independence from France in 1960 and has a blend of old meets new throughout the cities. Bangui still has its French roots with architecture from the colonial era and touches ...

  4. Visiting Central African Republic

    The Central African Republic is one of the least visited countries in the world and visiting Central African Republic really isn't for everyone. It has struggled to find its feet since its independence from France in 1960. Today it ranks as the poorest country in Africa. The official language is Sangha, but French is widely spoken.

  5. Central African Republic travel guide

    FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Central African Republic due to unpredictable security conditions.. See Safety and security for more information.. Limited consular support. There is no British Embassy in the Central African Republic, and consular support is severely limited. The British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, can provide limited remote consular ...

  6. Central African Republic

    Advice for All Destinations COVID-19. Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.. Vaccinations and malaria risk. Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

  7. Central African Republic

    The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to the Central African Republic at this time due to uncertain security conditions and the activities of armed groups. While the situation is more stable in Bangui, in situations of civil unrest, the road network, borders and airports may close to travellers at short notice.

  8. Central African Republic Travel Advice & Safety

    Latest update:We've reviewed our advice for Central African Republic (CAR) and continue to advise do not travel due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime. Outbreaks of intercommunal violence and armed conflict can happen without warning throughout the country, including in Bangui.

  9. Central African Republic (Travel Restrictions, COVID Tests & Quarantine

    A nationwide State of Emergency is in force. The Central African Republic's airspace is closed to foreign governments and NGOs. Some incoming passengers need to undertake a (COVID-19) test on arrival. You should arrange to take a private test. Some air companies and airports also require a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding to CAR.

  10. Central African Republic Travel Advisory

    Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Do not travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) due to Embassy Bangui's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping.. Country Summary: Although there have been no specific incidents of violence or threats targeting U.S. citizens, civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence ...

  11. Travelling to Central African Republic

    FCDO travel advice for the Central African Republic. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  12. Central African Republic

    The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the Central African Republic (CAR) due to Embassy Bangui's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. ... PO Box 924, Bangui, Central African Republic; https://cf.usembassy.gov/ LGBTQIA+ Travelers. Lesbian, gay ...

  13. PDF Central African Republic: Travel Advice

    CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Bangui M'Poko International Airport BANGUI Central African Republic: Travel Advice FCO 307 Edition 7 (August 2017) Users should note that this map has been designed for briefing purposes only and it should not be used for determining the precise location of places or features.

  14. PDF Central African Republic: Travel Advice

    CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO SUDAN SOUTH SUDAN CONGO ... Central African Republic: Travel Advice FCO 307 Edition 6 (May 2015) Users should note that this map has been designed for briefing purposes only and it should not be used for determining the precise location of places or features.

  15. Central African Republic travel advice

    Check the latest travel advice on visiting the Central African Republic from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions. UK traveller advice for the Central African Republic - UK FCDO; Irish traveller advice for the Central African Republic - Department of Foreign Affairs ...

  16. Central African Republic Healthy Travel Packing List

    Hand sanitizer or wipes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes. Water purification tablets. See CDC recommendations: Water Disinfection. Water purification tablets. May be needed if camping or visiting remote areas. Insect repellent. Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations ...

  17. Travel advice and advisories for Central African Republic

    The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in the Central African Republic is extremely limited. Prefecture of Haut-Mbomou. Elements of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) continue to carry out attacks and abductions in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, in southeastern Central African Republic. The security situation is volatile.

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    Travel advice and advisories by destination. ... central-african-republic Central African Republic: Avoid all travel. 2024-03-13 16:02:43: chad Chad: Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories) 2024-03-13 16:03:23: chile Chile: Exercise a high degree of caution ...

  19. Central African Republic International Travel Information

    Visit the Embassy of CAR website for the most current visa information. For visa and entry requirement information contact: The Embassy of the Central African Republic, 2704 Ontario Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone: (202) 483-7800 / 7801, fax: (202) 332-9893. Outside the United States, contact the nearest CAR Embassy or, if none ...

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    This travel guide for the Central African Republic includes all recommended vaccines and medications to travel to the Central African Republic, safety advice and in-country recommendations for medical care in the Central African Republic.