Sub Saharan Africa
Central African Republic
|
Still current at: 25 July 2008
|
|
Updated: 24 July 2008
|
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
Travel Summary
-
We advise against all but essential travel to the Central African Republic (CAR). The north and west of the country, especially the areas bordering Cameroon and Chad, is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
-
It is no longer safe to travel by any of the road routes between Central African Republic (CAR) and Cameroon even with a military/police escort. 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 border with Sudan is closed.
-
Although elections were held successfully in May 2005, order has yet to be restored to much of the country outside Bangui, particularly in the north of the country. If you must travel outside Bangui, we strongly recommend that you check first on the current situation in the areas through which you plan to travel.
-
There is no British Embassy in the Central African Republic (CAR). There is an Honorary Consul 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 2007.
- We strongly 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.
Safety and security
Terrorism
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.
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.
Crime
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.
Crime
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.
Following two years of internal conflict, there was a military coup on 15 March 2003, when forces loyal to General Bozize took over the capital Bangui and ousted the incumbent President Patasse.
In May 2005, General Bozize was elected as President, in elections that were widely accepted as representative of the will of the people. Outside Bangui, the situation remains especially unstable and potentially dangerous. Order has yet to be restored to much of the country and armed groups are present.
This year there have been 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.
Local Travel
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 strongly 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.
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 strongly 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 instability in this region has intensified since the first quarter of 2006 and appears to be spreading further south than in the past. The Mayor of Bossangoa was killed in one of these attacks in March 2006, and rebels attacked the town of Paoua on 15 January 2007, although they were quickly repulsed by the Central African Republic (CAR) armed forces. A French volunteer with the humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was shot and killed just outside Paoua on 11 June 2007.
It is no longer safe to travel by any of the road routes between Central African Republic (CAR) and Cameroon even with a military/police escort. The south west region of Berberati is now prone to frequent attacks by road bandits, who have sometimes taken local people hostage, and burnt vehicles.
Rebel forces are active in the north east of the country, particularly the Vakaga province, and the area remains unstable. The towns of Birao and Ouanda Djalle fell to rebels at the beginning of November 2006. Both towns were subsequently recovered in military action at the end of November 2006, however the situation remains volatile. There have also been unconfirmed reports of rebel activity in the neighbouring province of Bamingui-Bangoran, specifically near to the town of Ndele. Central African Republic (CAR) closed its border with Sudan in April 2006.
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.
Road Travel
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 strongly recommend that you do not travel after dark.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Air Travel
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: Air Transport Portal of the European Commission - latest news.
For more general information see Airline Security.
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: Air Transport Portal of the European Commission - latest news.
For more general information see Airline Security.
Local laws and customs
You should carry identification at all times (either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport). Failure to produce such identification can lead to detention by the police.
Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe.
The purchase of diamonds or precious stones is prohibited except through those agents authorised by the Government. All cultural artefacts are subject to an export tax.
Caution and discretion must be used in the taking of photographs in public places, as permission is often required. Taking photos of Government property, uniformed Law and Enforcement Officers, Military installations and personnel, may lead to detention, subsequent fines and the impounding of cameras. The taking of any photographs which the Central African Republic (CAR) authorities deem as damaging the image of Central African Republic (CAR) (such as street urchins, people with handicaps/deformities) is also not permitted. The situation is more relaxed outside of the capital, where people are generally open to having their picture taken, but it is always advisable to ask first. A permit may be obtained for the more serious photographer from the Ministry of Tourism.
Satellite telephones should be registered [fee applicable] with the Bangui or regional Agence chargée de la Régulation des Télécommunications (ART) Government Telecommunication offices.
Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Central African society and some sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal.
For more general advice for different types of travellers see the Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe.
The purchase of diamonds or precious stones is prohibited except through those agents authorised by the Government. All cultural artefacts are subject to an export tax.
Caution and discretion must be used in the taking of photographs in public places, as permission is often required. Taking photos of Government property, uniformed Law and Enforcement Officers, Military installations and personnel, may lead to detention, subsequent fines and the impounding of cameras. The taking of any photographs which the Central African Republic (CAR) authorities deem as damaging the image of Central African Republic (CAR) (such as street urchins, people with handicaps/deformities) is also not permitted. The situation is more relaxed outside of the capital, where people are generally open to having their picture taken, but it is always advisable to ask first. A permit may be obtained for the more serious photographer from the Ministry of Tourism.
Satellite telephones should be registered [fee applicable] with the Bangui or regional Agence chargée de la Régulation des Télécommunications (ART) Government Telecommunication offices.
Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Central African society and some sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal.
For more general advice for different types of travellers see the Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals need a visa to visit Central African Republic (CAR). To apply for a visa and to obtain further information on entry requirements, please contact the Embassy of Central African Republic in Paris at 30 rue des Perchamps, 75116 Paris.
British nationals need a visa to visit Central African Republic (CAR). To apply for a visa and to obtain further information on entry requirements, please contact the Embassy of Central African Republic in Paris at 30 rue des Perchamps, 75116 Paris.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
You will be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in the country. Failure to do so may result in a further vaccination being administered, for which a charge is made.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the Central African Republic in Paris.
Health
Medical facilities are extremely limited and strikes by government workers have affected medical services and hospitals. You should ensure that you are covered for medical evacuation by air ambulance.
Malaria and water-borne diseases are common to Central African Republic (CAR) and meningitis outbreaks are common during the six-month dry season that starts in December, especially in the country's north, which lies within the African meningitis belt stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia.
You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Central African Republic (CAR) you should seek immediate medical attention.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 230,000 adults aged 15 or over in Central African Republic (CAR) were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 10.7% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Central African Republic (CAR) and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Malaria and water-borne diseases are common to Central African Republic (CAR) and meningitis outbreaks are common during the six-month dry season that starts in December, especially in the country's north, which lies within the African meningitis belt stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia.
You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Central African Republic (CAR) you should seek immediate medical attention.
In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 230,000 adults aged 15 or over in Central African Republic (CAR) were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 10.7% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Central African Republic (CAR) and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
General
Insurance
We strongly 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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
British Representation
We strongly 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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
British Representation
There is no British Embassy in the Central African Republic (CAR). However, there is an Honorary Consul who will be able to assist in emergencies. His name is Mark Pearson and his contact numbers are:
Cell: +236 75 561 456
Tel: +236 21 618 513
Fax: + 236 21 614 639
E-mail: Mark.LindsayPearson-HonCon@fconet.fco.gov.uk
The nearest British diplomatic mission is the High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
In an emergency, the French Embassy in Bangui may also be able to offer some consular assistance (tel +236 613 000; +236 610 584).
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
