Central African Republic Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Central African Republic
General travel safety in Central African Republic on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Central African Republic
Updates
Updated: 2 Oct 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 4 - Do not travel
Your health and safety is at extreme risk. This may be because of a high threat of terrorist attack, conflict, violent social unrest, widespread infectious disease or critical levels of violent crime. It could be a combination of risks. If you travel to this location you're at a high risk of death, imprisonment, kidnapping or serious injury. You should not travel to this location, but if you're already in a 'Do not travel' area, consider leaving. Note that your travel insurance policy might be void.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Road conditions are poor throughout the country. The only paved roads are those from Bangui to Bossembélé, from Bangui to Sibut and from Bangui to Mbaïki. Any road travel outside Bangui should be avoided. If you decide to undertake road travel outside Bangui despite this warning, keep in mind that all overland travel outside the capital should be done in a convoy of at least two vehicles, during daylight hours. Regional wars have increased access to weapons, leading to armed attacks, particularly highway robbery. Points of entry at land borders are closed to tourists, since there are no security provisions for foreigners travelling outside the capital. Fuel shortages are common. You should carry extra fuel when travelling. During the rainy season, dirt roads may be closed for hours or even days. Buses, trucks and minibuses are the main means of transportation. Although remote regions can be normally accessed using four-wheel-drive vehicles, some roads are impassible during the rainy season (May to October). The police and army sometimes set up road blocks.
Women's safety
Based on the crime situation of the Central African Republic, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of precaution during travel.
Crime
Theft is common. Exercise caution at all times, keep your valuables in a safe place and do not show signs of affluence. You should carry only certified copies of your travel documents. The country is affected by rebel activity, armed attacks and banditry. Some attacks are random. Shootings and looting occur frequently. Westerners and employees of international organizations have been the target of attacks and abductions.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police117
- Fire118
- Ambulance1220
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Bangui
AddressAvenue David Dacko
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Central African society and some sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to the Central African Republic.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe
Driving
An International Driving Permit is required.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Central African Republic.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements
Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Central African Republic
Wysokie
Areas with malaria
All
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.
Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.
Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Cameroon
