Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• We advise against all but essential travel to the Central African Republic (CAR).  Although elections were held successfully in May 2005, order has yet to be restored to much of the country outside the capital, Bangui.  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.  
  
  
• The north and west of the country, especially the areas bordering Cameroon and Chad, are particularly dangerous and should be avoided. Rebel forces are active in the north east of the country, particularly in the Vakaga province and around the town of Birao; and the area remains volatile.  The far south east region has also been subject to periodic attacks. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is no British Embassy in the CAR.  There is an Honorary Consul, based in Bangui who will be able to assist in emergencies. The nearest British diplomatic mission is the High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon.  See the General (British Representation) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism in the Central African Republic (CAR). 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.
  
  
• We are not aware of any British nationals who required consular assistance in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2008.
  
  
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.