Security and orientation briefing: in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a perennially weak state that sits at the crossroads of ethnic and linguistic groups in the center of the African continent. Among the last areas of Sub-Saharan Africa to be drawn into the world economy, its introduction into trade networks around the early 1700s fostered significant competition among its population. The local population sought to benefit from the lucrative Atlantic, trans-Saharan, and Indian Ocean trade in enslaved people and ivory. Slave raids aided by the local populations fostered animosity between ethnic groups that remains today. The territory was established as a French colony named Ubangui-Shari in 1903, and France modeled its administration of the colony after the Belgian Congo, subcontracting control of the territory to private companies that collected rubber and ivory. Although France banned the domestic slave trade in CAR in the 1910s, the private companies continued to exploit the population through forced labor. The colony of Ubangi-Shari gained independence from France as the Central African Republic in 1960, but the death of independence leader Barthelemy BOGANDA six months prior led to an immediate struggle for power.

CAR’s political history has since been marred by a series of coups, the first of which brought Jean-Bedel BOKASSA to power in 1966. Widespread corruption and intolerance for any political opposition characterized his regime. In an effort to prolong his mandate, BOKASSA named himself emperor in 1976 and changed the country’s name to the Central African Empire. His regime’s economic mismanagement culminated in widespread student protests in 1979 that were violently suppressed by security forces. BOKASSA fell out of favor with the international community and was overthrown in a French-backed coup in 1979. After BOKASSA’s departure, the country’s name once again became the Central African Republic.

CAR’s fifth coup in 2013 unseated President Francois BOZIZE after the Seleka, a mainly Muslim rebel coalition, seized the capital and forced BOZIZE to flee the country. The Seleka's widespread abuses spurred the formation of mainly Christian self-defense groups that called themselves the anti-Balaka, which have also committed human rights abuses against Muslim populations in retaliation. Since the rise of these groups, conflict in CAR has become increasingly ethnoreligious, although focused on identity rather than religious ideology. Elections in 2016 installed independent candidate Faustin-Archange TOUADERA as president; he was reelected in 2020. A peace agreement signed in 2019 between the government and the main armed factions has had little effect, and armed groups remain in control of large swaths of the country's territory. TOUADERA's United Hearts Movement has governed the country since 2016, and a new constitution approved by referendum on 30 July 2023 effectively ended term limits, creating the potential for TOUADERA to extend his rule.

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.

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.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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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.

Security situation

Tensions remain high following decades of violence between the Central African Republic government and rebel groups. The security situation could worsen without notice.

Outside of Bangui, security conditions are extremely unstable. Armed groups continue to occupy areas in the north and south east of the country. Government services are limited outside of Bangui. There are ongoing incidents of armed conflict, banditry and hostage-taking.

Outside of Bangui there are frequent cases of:

• homicides
• looting
• criminal kidnapping
• house burglary
• unlawful detention
• gunfire
• carjacking

Attacks are unpredictable and have taken place against UN peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and foreign mining companies. There are unidentified improvised explosive devices in the north west of the country.

Security conditions in Bangui are more stable with a significant presence of security forces, but could deteriorate rapidly.

If you decide to remain in the Central African Republic against FCDO advice, you should have confidence in your security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance, especially outside of Bangui.       

Armed patrols and roadblocks

Government security forces, UN peacekeepers, rebel groups and militias conduct armed patrols across the Central African Republic, including in Bangui. Armed personnel control roadblocks (both official and illegal) where you may be asked for a bribe. Take particular care when approaching these. Travel in groups if possible and avoid travelling at night.

It is common for the police and armed groups to arbitrarily search and detain people, mainly Central African nationals but also foreign nationals.

Crime  

Theft and robbery are common, and armed gangs operate in the outlying areas of Bangui, especially in the PK5 district. Bandits often target foreign nationals, including humanitarian workers. Weapons are common and can cause normal disputes in establishments such as bars to escalate quickly.

Be alert to the risk of street crime, armed robbery and bribery at all times.Take care around:

• government buildings
• military sites
• hotels
• restaurants
• bars

You can take precautions such as:   

• taking professional security advice
• travelling in pre-arranged transport with trusted operators
• not taking valuables or wearing jewellery in public
• not walking alone at any time, especially at night
• keeping valuables in a safe location
• keeping copies of documents, including your passport
• staying away from isolated areas

Violent attacks in remote areas  

Armed groups and bandits have used illegal roadblocks and have indiscriminately attacked travellers in remote areas. The attackers have burnt or stolen vehicles, and injured, kidnapped or killed passengers.

Always keep vehicle and personal identification documents with you while travelling by road. Lock vehicle doors, keep windows closed and avoid driving off main routes. Medical help in the event of an accident is likely to be limited.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry ID by law, such as a certified copy of your passport or a residence permit. The police can detain you if you do not have ID with you.

Buying diamonds

It is only legal to buy diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.

Illegal drugs penalties

There are severe penalties for drug use and possession. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a long jail sentence.

Using cameras

You often need permission to take photos in public places. You may be detained, fined and have your camera confiscated for photographing government property, uniformed law enforcement officers or military installations and personnel.

It is not permitted to take photographs the authorities think damage the country’s image (for example, street children and people with disabilities).

You can get a permit for more serious photography from the Ministry of Tourism.  

LGBT+ travellers

While homosexuality is not illegal, same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Central African society. LGBT+ travellers may face arrest for “public expressions of love”.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

It is easier to exchange euros for Central African francs rather than US dollars. You can exchange traveller’s cheques at banks.

There are very few ATMs. Most places, including hotels, do not accept international credit or debit cards. 

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in the Central African Republic, see information on driving abroad.

Roads are in extremely poor condition, especially in the rainy season from May to November. Most roads are unpaved, may close at short notice and require a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Outside of Bangui, there are very few roads.

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.      

Keep a private supply of fuel, food and drink if possible, especially if you are travelling any distance outside of Bangui.  

Extreme weather and natural disasters  

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

During the rainy season from May to November, roads outside of Bangui can become impassable. Flooding in Bangui is common and has killed people and destroyed homes. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in northern regions. There is also a risk of flash flooding.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a risk in the Central African Republic. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 610600 or 117 and ask for an ambulance.

Emergency numbers are unreliable in the Central African Republic. The emergency services are unlikely to respond outside of Bangui.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for the Central African Republic
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in the Central African Republic, including:

• yellow fever
• malaria
• cholera
• Zika virus
• mpox

Ebola 

On 15 May the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro  and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 

Due to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in the Central African Republic

There are very few healthcare facilities in the Central African Republic. Facilities in Bangui are very basic. 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.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Central African Republic where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Central African Republic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.