Central African Republic Travel Status

DISRUPTION

Travel to the Central African Republic is severely affected by armed conflict, kidnapping, violent crime, landmines and instability. International access through Bangui remains possible, but severe travel warnings apply across the country and security conditions outside the capital are extremely unstable.

Severe security situation

Security conditions are extremely unstable outside Bangui. Armed groups remain active in parts of the country, and incidents involving armed conflict, kidnapping, looting, carjacking and gunfire continue to occur.

Bangui

Conditions in Bangui are generally more stable than elsewhere in the country because of the presence of security forces. However, the situation can deteriorate rapidly and serious crime remains a risk.

Armed groups and roadblocks

Government forces, UN peacekeepers, armed groups and militias operate checkpoints and patrols. Both official and illegal roadblocks occur, and travellers can face demands for money, searches or detention.

Landmines and explosives

Landmines and unexploded or improvised explosive devices present a danger in parts of the country, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Visa requirements

Foreign visitors generally require a visa and should obtain it before travelling. Visa requirements can change at short notice, so travellers should confirm the latest rules with a Central African Republic diplomatic mission.

Passport requirements

Travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date and sufficient blank space for immigration procedures.

Yellow fever

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to pass border control.

Limited emergency assistance

Emergency and consular assistance is extremely limited. Government services outside Bangui are also limited, and emergency services may be unable to respond in many parts of the country.

Level 4 warning remains

The United States continues to classify the Central African Republic at Level 4, its highest travel advisory level, because of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health risks and terrorism.

Severe UK warning remains

Current UK guidance advises against all travel to the Central African Republic outside Bangui. It advises against all but essential travel even to Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport.

Regional instability continues

Armed groups remain active outside the capital, particularly in northern and southeastern areas. Security conditions can deteriorate without warning and overland travel remains particularly hazardous.

Check your airline, visa requirements, vaccination requirements, current security conditions and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.

Travellers should not assume that arriving successfully in Bangui means overland travel elsewhere in the country is safe. Security conditions vary significantly, and emergency assistance outside the capital can be extremely limited.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.