Genvisec advises against all  travel to the Central African Republic (CAR).

 

Foreign nationals should leave now if practical means are available, if it is safe to do so, and if a safe destination is available. Those who remain should take all precautions and maintain sufficient stocks of food and water. Those who remain or visit against our advice should be aware that many governments are unable to provide consular services nor organise or assist your evacuation from the country. If the situation deteriorates further, leaving the country by commercial means will become increasingly difficult. Only one regional airline, Asky, operates flights out of Bangui to Douala. 

 

Given the current situation it is unlikely that consular assistance will be available. The UK Government is unable to provide consular assistance within CAR at this time.

 

The security situation in Bangui has improved slightly since the beginning of the year, but overall remains poor. Reports of violence, reprisal killings, looting and human rights abuses across the country continue.

 

Crime

 

Incidents of theft and robbery occur regularly and armed gangs are known to operate in the outlying areas of Bangui. Take personal security precautions and be vigilant in public places. Avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public. Don’t walk alone at night. Avoid isolated or poorer areas.

There are reports of rebel activity, banditry and hostage-taking across the country. The situation in the capital, Bangui remains fragile with reports of continued isolated killings, looting and gunfire. There is an official curfew of 8pm to 5am. We strongly advise you not to travel around Bangui after dark. At other times, you should take extreme care, and travel in groups if possible. There are armed patrols at night in Bangui and you may encounter several roadblocks - official and unofficial - that are likely to be manned by armed personnel. Take particular care when approaching these.

 

Road travel

 

Roads are poorly maintained and most require a four-wheel drive vehicle. Road travel is particularly difficult during the wet season (May to November). If you do decide to travel by road, you should keep a private supply of fuel if possible and carry supplies with you if travelling outside Bangui.

 

Illegal road blocks operate in remote areas. You may be forced to hand over money or possessions in order to continue your journey. There have been indiscriminate and violent attacks on travellers in remote areas. Vehicles have been fired on, and passengers killed or injured. In many of these cases victims have been robbed or taken hostage and vehicles taken or burnt.

 

Seek local advice before travelling and we recommend that you do not travel after dark.

 

Air travel

 

There is a Departure Tax of 10,000 CFA per person when leaving the Central African Republic on international flights from Bangui airport.

 

Political situation

 

The armed rebel coalition Seleka seized power on 24 March 2013. The interim leader, Michel Djotodia, stood down on 11 January 2014 and was replaced by Catherine Samba-Panza following a vote by the National Transitional Council. Despite this change and an increase in the number of international security forces in CAR, the situation in Bangui and the rest of the country remains fragile as reports of widespread looting and violence continue.

 

You should keep up to date with local political developments and avoid all political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical facilities are extremely limited and strikes by government workers have affected medical services and hospitals. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation, including medical evacuation by air ambulance.

 

Cholera is known to occur in the Central African Republic.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 610600 and ask for an ambulancer, it is not guaranteed that you will receive any help.

You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

It is easier to exchange euros rather than US dollars to the Central African Franc – CFA. Travellers cheques may be exchanged at banks.

 

There are no international ATM machines and very few places (including hotels) accept major international credit or debit cards.

 

Local laws and customs

You should carry a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport at all times. Failure to produce ID can lead to detention by the police.

 

Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe.

 

Buying diamonds or precious stones is prohibited except through agents authorised by the government. All cultural artefacts are subject to an export tax.

 

Be careful when taking photographs in public places as permission is often required. Photographing government property, uniformed law and enforcement officers, military installations and personnel, may lead to detention, fines and confiscation of your camera.  

 

Taking photographs which the authorities deem as damaging the image of the country (street urchins, people with deformities) is not permitted.  

 

The situation is more relaxed outside of the capital, where people are generally open to having their picture taken, but you should ask first.  You can get a permit for more serious photography from the Ministry of Tourism.

 

Satellite telephones should be registered 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.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Central African Republic.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries. If you fail to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival a further vaccination  may be administered, for which a charge is made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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