Central African Republic Travel Risk

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.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

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.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Limited consular support

There is no British Embassy in the Central African Republic, and consular support is severely limited. The British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, can provide limited remote consular support to British nationals.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Central African Republic

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Central African Republic, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power through an election in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020. In August 2023, a constitutional referendum was passed, which included the removal of presidential term limits. Presidential elections are due in 2025.

Protests, marches and demonstrations can happen with little notice and have encountered a strong police and security force presence. Protests have previously resulted in deaths and injuries. Protests have taken place in front of Western embassies as well as areas of political significance in the capital. If you are near any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should leave the area immediately. Stay alert and follow the local news, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning. Stay away from any blockades set up by the police and security forces.

If the authorities suspect you of engaging and supporting activities that break the law in Central African Republic, you could be detained.

Risk level

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to the Central African Republic due to unstable security conditions and violent crime.

Security situation

The political and security situation remains unstable in the Central African Republic. Military operations are regularly taking place throughout the country and armed criminal groups are committing acts of violence in several regions. The security situation is more stable in Bangui but could deteriorate rapidly.

Security forces cannot guarantee the safety of civilians. Humanitarian workers, travellers and foreigners have been targeted, especially outside Bangui.

If you are in the Central African Republic despite this advisory, take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Security conditions are fragile and can deteriorate suddenly. The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance in the Central African Republic is extremely limited.

Curfew

Armed groups are present throughout the country. To stabilize the situation, local authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew, in effect from 12 am to 5 am, except in Bangui, where there is no curfew.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur, particularly during election periods. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Avoid movement in the event of civil unrest

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

中非现有橙色（高风险）地区1个，其他地区均为红色（极高风险）。具体如下：

一、红色地区：首都班吉以外地区。外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往中非首都班吉以外地区，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

二、橙色地区：首都班吉（PK5区仍为红色）。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往中非首都班吉，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。