Sub Saharan Africa

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Incidents of theft and robbery occur regularly and armed gangs are known to operate in the outlying areas of Bangui. Take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places.  We recommend that you avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public.  You should avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night.

For more information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Central African Republic (CAR) Country Profile

In May 2005, General Bozize was elected as President, having taken power in a coup in 2003. The elections were widely accepted as representative of the will of the people. Outside Bangui, the situation remains especially unstable and potentially dangerous; armed groups are present in some areas.

In 2008 there were non-violent strikes and demonstrations in Bangui linked to the non-payment of salaries to government workers. You should avoid all political rallies, demonstrations and large public gatherings.

In December 2008 an Inclusive Political Dialogue between the government and rebels and political opposition was held and a measure to form a government of national unity was adopted.

In January 2009 President Bozize formed a new government.  Two rebel groups, the APRD [People's Army for Restoration of Democracy] and UFDR [Union of Democratic Forces for Rally] entered into the new government. However clashes between government forces and rebels have continued in 2009.

We advise against all but essential travel to the Central African Republic (CAR).  Although peaceful elections were carried out in May 2005, order has yet to be restored to much of the country outside Bangui following the 2003 coup d’etat.  If you must travel outside Bangui we recommend that you check first on the current situation in the areas through which you plan to travel, with your local contacts, the local authorities and diplomatic missions in country.

The north and west of the country, especially the areas bordering Cameroon and Chad, is particularly dangerous and should be avoided.  Armed gangs have ambushed and attacked villages for the purpose of robbery and kidnap for ransom.  Road convoys have not been exempt from these attacks.  The active presence of CAR armed forces in the region has not been effective in reducing the number of attacks on civilians and their property.

It is not safe to travel by any of the road routes between CAR and Cameroon. The south west region of Berberati is now prone to frequent attacks by road bandits, who have sometimes taken local people hostage, and burned vehicles.

Rebel forces are active in the north east of the country, particularly the Vakaga province, and the area remains unstable.  In March 2008, armed assailants fired on well-marked NGO vehicles travelling in convoy outside Birao, killing one patient.

Since March 2008, there have been credible reports of periodic incursions into South East of CAR by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). There have been reports of LRA raids in Mboki, Obo and surrounding district. The South East corner of CAR is remote and should be avoided.

On 6 & 7 March 2008, rebel forces entered the town of Obo (east Central African Republic [CAR]) and some surrounding villages where they looted properties and took a number of people hostage. 

You should be aware that the ability of the nearest British High Commission, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to assist you in the event of an incident would be constrained by the remoteness of the region and the lack of communications.
 

Roads are poorly maintained and most require a four-wheel drive vehicle.

 

You may find local travel difficult in current circumstances. You should keep a private supply of fuel available if possible and to carry supplies with you if travelling outside Bangui.

 

You should seek local advice before travelling and we recommend that you do not travel after dark.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.  

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

There is a Departure Tax of 10.000 CFA per person when leaving Central African Republic (CAR) in International flights from Bangui airport.

For more general information see Airline Security.