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Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the Central African Republic due to unstable security conditions and violent crime.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic’s rainforests and savannas unfold in French and Sango, anchored by Bangui’s riverfront pulse.
Overview
At the heart of Africa, the Central African Republic blends French colonial legacies with Sango and local languages. Bangui sits at the crossroads of forest and savanna, with regional planning shaped by shifting local realities. Current-source review is essential for anyone considering a move.
At a glance
Languages
- French(Official)
- Sango(Official)
Population5,152,421
CurrencyCentral African CFA Franc (XAF)
1 XAF = 0.001739 USD
1 USD = 575.19 XAF
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Long-Stay Visa, Tourist / Visa Waiver.
Long-Stay Visa
Central African Republic embassy long-stay visa form for stays of forty-five to ninety days, with the form listing a 300 euro tariff.
- 90 days
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Short-Stay Visa
Central African Republic embassy short-stay visa form for stays of one to thirty days, with the form listing an 80 euro tariff.
- 30 days
Languages
- French(Official)
- Sango(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Central African Republic.
United Kingdom
FCDO advises against all travel; FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Central African Republic, including the areas of Bimbo, Begoua and Coline, except to the capital, Bangui. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport.
United States
Level 4Do not travel
Do not travel to Central African Republic due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health, and terrorism. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic. U.S. government employees working in the Central African Republic must get special authorization to travel outside of Bangui.
- They are required to travel in armored vehicles in Bangui and are subject to a curfew
- Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Central African Republic
Unrest There is a continuing risk of civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence. This includes renewed outbreaks of armed conflict occurring throughout the country.
- Unrest can happen in the capital of Bangui
- Armed groups and opposition forces control large areas of the country
- They regularly kidnap, injure, or kill civilians
- Airport, land border crossings, and road closures may occur without warning
Crime Violent crime is common. It includes homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated battery, and larceny. Kidnapping Criminal gangs and armed groups kidnap for ransom on a frequent basis, mainly outside of Bangui. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping. Other - Landmines Unexploded landmines are unmarked. They are a known risk.
Landmines may be present anywhere outside Bangui, particularly:
- Along the border with Cameroon
- In the tri-border region with Chad in Sector West
- Near Bambari in Sector East
Health Medical services in the Central African Republic are extremely limited. There is no adequate medical treatment available for routine and emergency procedures. Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at your expense. Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.
- Most U.S. plans do not
- If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance
- Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims
- We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation
Vaccinations Make sure you are up to date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Travelers are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers (at least 9 months old). CDC recommends that travelers going to the Central African Republic take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- World Health Organization Travel Advice
Terrorism Ineffective border controls may allow criminal and terrorist groups to seek temporary refuge in the Central African Republic. Be alert to your surroundings. Terrorists can attack without warning. They may target foreign and local government facilities as well as tourist areas.
Explore within Central African Republic
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