Travel.State.Gov US Department of State Homepage
Search button
Menu
Close button

Central African Republic

Review the latest State Department Travel Advisory about Central African Republic. Do not travel to Central African Republic for any reason. U.S. citizens are at risk due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, health, terrorism, and other.

Visit cm.usembassy.gov

Learn more about U.S. and Central African Republic relations at State.gov

Travel advisory - Central African Republic

Level 4 - Do not travel

Date issued: January 15, 2026 -
  • Unrest (U)
  • Crime (C)
  • Health (H)
  • Kidnapping or Hostage Taking (K)
  • Terrorism (T)
  • Other (O)

Do not travel

to Central African Republic due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health, and terrorism.

Advisory summary

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:

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.

For U.S. citizens in Central African Republic:

  • Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Review our information on Terrorism.
  • There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Central African Republic. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
  • Due to the risk of landmines, avoid travel to rebel-controlled areas near the border with Cameroon and Chad.
  • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Stay alert in tourist spots.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you'll confirm you're safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this.
  • Draft a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney.
  • Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
  • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
  • Bring enough supply of over the counter and prescription medicines to cover the duration of the trip.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for CAR.
  • Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for CAR.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
Scroll to review full advisory
Travel advisory levels
Learn more about
  1. Exercise normal precautions
  2. Exercise increased caution
  3. Reconsider travel
  4. Do not travel
Explore the full map

About Central African Republic

Central African Republic is located in Africa, in the Northern Hemisphere. It has no maritime borders. It shares land borders with Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, and Cameroon.

It is slightly smaller than Texas. There is 1 time zone, West Africa Time. It does not observe daylight saving time. Central African Republic is six hours ahead of Washington, D.C. during Eastern Standard Time.

Travel requirements

Tourist visa requirements

  • A visa is required. You can choose stays of 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or 1 year, based on your request. 
  • You must apply for a visa before you travel.

Vaccinations

Valid passport requirements

  • Your passport must be valid at the time of entry.
  • Must have 6 months validity beyond your arrival date.
  • 1 blank page required for entry.

Currency on entry and exit

  • Entry maximum: None. All currency must be declared upon entry.
  • Exit maximum: None.

Tips from the U.S. embassy

  • The U.S. embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon provides all consular services for U.S. citizens in Central African Republic. The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Central African Republic.
  • Transnational criminal organizations and armed groups operate openly. They regularly harass, kidnap, injure, or kill civilians.
  • Do not bring the following items or you may be arrested and detained for long periods: marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products or derivatives; firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, including spent shells or casings; lasers. 
  • It is illegal to photograph or record government and military buildings, personnel, or operations without prior authorization.
EMBASSY UPDATE
Previous messages

Review full alert

Message failed to load

We are unable to load the message. Visit the main U.S. embassy or consulate website for updates.

Get embassy updates right to your inbox
Enroll In Step
Review how STEP works

Travel guidance for Central African Republic

Explore our travel guidance topics to prepare for your trip abroad.

Select a topic

Entry, exit, and visa requirements

Traveling with children

  • Always bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate or other evidence of your legal relationship to each child.
  • When 1 parent is traveling with a child, a notarized consent letter is required from the absent parent. Otherwise, you must show proof of sole custody.
  • Parents and guardians should prepare a notarized, written permission letter. It should allow their minor children to travel to or from Central African Republic alone or with someone else.
  • All Central African Republic minors, including dual U.S. citizens, must have notarized, written permission from a parent or guardian to travel without that parent or guardian.
  • If you have concerns that your child may be abducted abroad by their other parent or guardian, review our information on how to prevent an international parental child abduction. You can also review our information on Parental Child Abduction in Central African Republic.
  • Review our information on Traveling with Minors.

HIV and AIDS restrictions

  • The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV and AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of Central African Republic.

Currency

  • The Central African France (XAF) is the official currency of Central African Republic.  
  • Banking infrastructure remains limited and facilities for monetary exchange exist only in the capital.
  • There are few ATMs in Central African Republic. Ecobank and the Ledger Hotel have ATMs that accept U.S.-issued bankcards. But ATMs are frequently out of order and may charge high fees.
  • Exchange bureaus and banks normally accept U.S. dollars and Euros. They may not accept West African Francs (XOF). 
  • Only a few establishments accept credit cards, usually requiring large additional fees. Be prepared to pay bills in cash.

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events. Mob violence targeting those blamed for crimes or road accidents can occur. Harassment of foreign nationals is common, as are demonstrations against international organizations and interests.

  • Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.  
  • Past demonstrations have turned violent.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

  • Transnational criminal organizations are present in Central African Republic and operate throughout the country.  
  • Please be aware:
    • Petty theft occurs in large market areas.
    • Armed gangs commit opportunistic crimes in Bangui and outlying residential areas.
    • Violent demonstrations, looting, burning of buildings, and roadblocks often take place during periods of civil unrest and conflict. 
    • Checkpoints manned by armed groups seek bribes and interrupt the work of peacekeeping forces.
    • Victims of crime in Bangui may have to pay to send a vehicle to pick up police officers. This is due to the shortage of police vehicles and fuel.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Central African Republic. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers often pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

  • People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
  • People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
  • Romance and online dating
  • Money transfers
  • Grandparent and relative targeting
  • Free trip or luggage
  • Lotteries
  • Inheritance notices
  • Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Central African Republic:

  • Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
  • Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
  • Meet in a popular public place.
  • Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
  • Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
  • Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
  • Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
  • Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
  • Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
  • Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 117 or contact the Gendarmerie by dialing 2161-2200.

  • Review our information for Victims of Crime.
  • For consular services for crime victims, please contact the U.S. embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The U.S. embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon can:

  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.
  • Help you find medical care.
  • Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
  • Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
  • Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
  • Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
  • Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

  • U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices.

  • Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
  • Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
  • Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
  • Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
  • Drones, satellite phones, or other technology may be illegal or restricted.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

  • Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
  • The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

  • Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.
  • Emergency response and medical treatment are not available.
  • U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
  • Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.

  • You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
  • Before you start a business or a profession in Central African Republic, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Identification

  • Local law requires you to always carry your passport. Not having it can lead to detention or a fine.

Drugs

  • There are severe penalties in Central African Republic for drug possession, use, or trafficking. Offenders face long jail sentences and high fines.

Photography

  • It is illegal to take photos of police or military sites, airports, or any government buildings. If you do, even unintentionally, authorities may take your equipment and detain you. Locals in Central African Republic might be sensitive about photography, so it’s best to get their approval first. 

Corruption

Corruption is a significant concern with security forces in Central African Republic. Travelers may experience harassment from security officials soliciting bribes. At night, unexpected checkpoints often appear and police or soldiers at these checkpoints might demand money.

Arrest notification

  • If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to immediately notify the U.S. embassy in Bangui and/or the U.S. embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Detention conditions

Central African Republic’s constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest. It allows people to challenge their detention in court, but laws are inconsistently applied.

  • Detainees often struggle to access quality, affordable legal services.
  • Security forces and armed groups detain people without legal grounds, especially during security operations. Investigations can be slow, leading to long pretrial detentions. 
  • The U.S. embassy may not be able to conduct regular prison visits or communicate with detainees, especially outside of Bangui. Detainees must obtain their own food, medicine, and hygiene items.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

  • They may be illegal according to local laws.
  • Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
  • You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work.

Prepare for your travel using these resources:

Gay and lesbian travelers

Penalties for "public expression of love" between people of the same sex include imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years and fines.

  • When 1 of the participants is underage, the adult may be sentenced to 2 to 5 years imprisonment, or a fine.
  • Many people in Central African Republic oppose gay and lesbian relationships.
  • Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

  • The law in Central African Republic does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities.
  • Expect accessibility to be extremely limited or nonexistent in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure in all parts of the country.
  • Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Women travelers

Sexual assault and domestic violence are widespread in Central African Republic.

Human rights

There have been credible reports of:

  • Unlawful or arbitrary killings
  • Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
  • Arbitrary arrest or detention
  • Serious abuses in a conflict
  • Unlawful recruitment or use of children in armed conflict by armed groups, the armed forces, and Kremlin-backed Wagner Group forces
  • Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom
  • Restrictions on religious freedom
  • Trafficking in persons, including forced labor; and existence of the worst forms of child labor
  • Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.
  • Review our information on Journalist Travelers.

Health

Health resources

Emergency phone numbers

Ambulance services

  • There are no ambulance or emergency medical services in Central African Republic.
  • Injured or very ill travelers must secure their own transportation to the nearest major hospital.

Medical payments and insurance

  • Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.
  • The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
  • U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
  • Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
  • Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
  • Medical care is not free in Central African Republic. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
  • Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 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

The government of Central African Republic requires a yellow fever vaccination for entry.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthcare facilities

  • Medical facilities in Central African Republic are extremely limited.
  • Adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine and emergency procedures, is often unavailable, and even minor health issues could require medical evacuation.
  • Public and private medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Care is significantly below U.S. standards of medical care.
  • Access to medicines, including antibiotics, can be limited.
  • Most clinics only provide very basic services.
  • Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
  • The availability of medicine in local stores or pharmacies is very limited. 
  • You should carry prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
  • Medical staff may speak little or no English.
  • Patients must cover all costs for transfers to or between hospitals.
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are extremely limited or non-existent.

Prescription medications

  • Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
  • Be sure to bring enough of your prescriptions (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the duration of your trip.
  • Review the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure the medication is legal in Central African Republic.
  • Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
  • Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, has the wrong strength, or has dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.
  • The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

Non-traditional medicine

  • U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Central African Republic.
  • We strongly recommend against receiving local medical care or treatment outside of emergency situations. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

  • Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Central African Republic. 
  • If you are considering traveling to Central African Republic to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

  • Tap water is not safe to drink.
  • In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
  • Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
  • You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
  • Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
  • Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
  • Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations in Central African Republic.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

  • Road conditions are extremely poor.
  • Many roads in Central African Republic are unpaved. Watch for large potholes and rough roadways.
  • Drivers often ignore traffic laws to find smoother sections.
  • There may also be unexpected checkpoints set up by armed groups or government organizations.
  • Avoid overland travel in the northern, eastern, and western regions due to the risk of armed attacks on motorists.
  • Avoid driving after dark.

Traffic laws

  • If you are involved in a traffic accident, wait until the police or the Gendarmerie arrive. Do not wait if your health or safety is threatened. 
  • Always carry travel documentation with you, including your passport and visa. Due to local law, you must carry your passport at all times. Failure to do so may lead to detention or a fine. 
  • Corruption is a serious problem among Central African Republic security forces. Some personnel have harassed travelers for bribes. At night, roads may be blocked by unexpected checkpoints where police or soldiers ask for money.
  • Police can pull over drivers for phone use or texting while driving. They do this to promote safe driving, even though no law specifically bans it.
  • The driving culture is chaotic. Vehicles often fail to follow basic traffic laws.

Taxis and ride-shares

  • Avoid renting taxis and ride-shares. 

Public and commercial transportation

  • Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.
  • Although the city of Bangui has a public transportation system consisting of green buses and yellow taxis, these vehicles are often dangerously overcrowded and poorly maintained.
  • Pickpocketing and purse snatching are common in public transportation.

Aviation safety oversight

  • The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Central African Republic’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.
  • FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

  • The rainy season in Central African Republic lasts from late April until the end of September.
  • Road travel outside the capital during rainy season is extremely limited.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

Embassies and consulates

U.S. Embassy Yaounde

U.S. Embassy Yaoundé, Cameroon
Avenue Rosa Parks
P.O. Box 817
Yaounde, Cameroon

The U.S. embassy in Bangui does not provide consular services. Contact the U.S. embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Main telephone:

 +237-222-51400 or +237-222-20150

Emergency after-hours:

+237-222-51400 or +237-22220-1500

Email:

YaoundeACS@state.gov

Website: https://cf.usembassy.gov/services/

Learn about another destination

Get embassy updates right to your inbox
Enroll In Step
Review how STEP works

Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Owned by Overseas Citizens Services