Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / Central African Republic
Level published by the State Department on 14.01.2026 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
Central African Republic — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 4/4 ("Do Not Travel"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
8 recorded incidents (UCDP)hover, click to open it in the briefing
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
near Avenue Barthélémy Boganda
near Rue du Languedoc
near Rue Joseph Degrain
near Rue d'Uzès
near Rue du Port
24/7
near Avenue Barthélémy Boganda
near Rue des Missions
near Avenue de l'Indépendance
near Avenue de l'Indépendance
near Rue du Port
108 Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser
near Boulevard du Général de Gaulle
near Avenue de Normandie
near Avenue du Président Mobutu
No named airport, station, bus or taxi in the radius read.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-16 577.1 · 10-17 589.2 · 10-18 609.9 · 10-19 638.7 · 10-20 676.6 · 10-21 738.6 · 10-22 826.9 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
8 incidents recorded in the country, all pinned on the map above (zoom out) — the 8 closest to Bangui are listed here, nearest first.
Source: UCDP — GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv. Closed period, Clear coding, precise location.
No news located around Bangui in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Areas of active cholera transmission are localized to Bangui (last case reported in the past 3 months) in the Central African Republic. Cholera is rare in travelers. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the Central African Republic. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to the Central African Republic.
CDC recommends that travelers going to the Central African Republic take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Transmission areas All Drug resistance 1 Chloroquine Species P.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to areas of the Central African Republic that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season (roughly December to June).
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
In the Central African Republic, poliovirus has been identified in the past year. Travelers to the Central African Republic are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in the Central African Republic. If rabies exposures occur while in the Central African Republic, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
Recommended for most travelers. Typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective. Practicing safe food and water habits , including washing hands at key times , can also help prevent typhoid fever .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old. Country entry requirements: Vaccine is required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old Updated April 23, 2025
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
High incidence: a long stay or time in care settings warrants a test on return.
Coverage too low to stop the virus circulating: check your two MMR doses before leaving.
Strong transmission: discuss preventive treatment with a doctor before leaving; bed net and repellent on site.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 15.10.2026
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
La chikungunya est une maladie virale transmise par l’intermédiaire de moustiques infectés. Cette maladie se manifeste par l’apparition de symptômes grippaux (fièvre, douleurs musculaires et articulaires). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin ; le traitement est uniquement symptomatique. Les moyens de prévention reposent sur la vaccination et la protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. Il est conseillé avant le départ de se référer à son médecin traitant et/ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter la rubrique risques sanitaires .
La dengue est une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont de type grippal (fièvre, maux de tête, courbatures, parfois éruption cutanée). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin. Il n’existe pas de traitement curatif. La prise en charge médicale repose uniquement sur le traitement des symptômes. Il faut impérativement éviter la prise d’anti-inflammatoire. La prévention individuelle repose essentiellement sur les moyens de protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. La vaccination des voyageurs peut être indiquée dans certains cas. Il est conseillé de se référer, avant son départ, à son médecin traitant et /ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère de la Santé et le site de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé .
Le paludisme (ou malaria) est une maladie parasitaire transmise par piqûres de moustiques infectés. Les formes bénignes associent des symptômes de type grippal : fièvre, frissons, fatigue, maux de tête, courbatures, vomissements. Des formes graves potentiellement…
Le choléra est une infection digestive bactérienne qui se transmet par ingestion d’aliments mal cuits (fruits de mer, par exemple) ou souillés (fruits et légumes) et/ ou ingestion d’eau contaminée. Cette maladie, dite « des mains sales », se traduit par des troubles digestifs sévères (diarrhée liquide abondante, crampes abdominales, vomissements), un état de faiblesse générale et parfois de la fièvre.
La prévention repose sur la vaccination et le respect des règles d’hygiène alimentaire (se laver régulièrement les mains, ne consommer que de l’eau en bouteille, peler les fruits et légumes, manger de la nourriture cuite ; utilisation des installations sanitaires). Les personnes présentant les signes de la maladie doivent consulter un médecin en urgence.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site Santé publique France et le site du ministère de la Santé .
La fièvre typhoïde est une maladie infectieuse causée par des bactéries présentes dans l’eau contaminée par des matières fécales d’origine humaine. L’infection résulte le plus souvent de l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés, ou d’une transmission directe de personne à personne. Les symptômes surviennent en moyenne 3 semaines après la contamination et associent fièvre, maux de tête, perte d’appétit, douleurs abdominales avec diarrhée ou constipation, fatigue et parfois, éruption cutanée. Dans les formes plus graves, la fièvre typhoïde peut être fatale en l’absence de traitement.
Les mesures de prévention reposent sur les règles élémentaires d’hygiène générale vis-à-vis de l’eau, des aliments et du lavage des mains ainsi que sur la vaccination.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter le site de l'Institut Pasteur .
L’hépatite A est une maladie virale du foie…
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
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.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in the Central African Republic , including:
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.
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 .
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 .
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
At least one official reading covers the whole country; 1 region is also named, fully or partly.
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — advises against all travel to the whole country.
an official reading covers the whole country; every trip calls for a written management decision, justified by a pressing reason, with reinforced conditions.
Foreign Office
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport.
France Diplomatie (in French)
Les déplacements à Bangui et Bimbo sont déconseillés sauf raison impérative.
France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
Les déplacements, en particulier en dehors de la capitale, sont à proscrire.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (14.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (12.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: Addition of information about a declaration of an Ebola outbreak in DRC on 15 May (‘Health page’).
Updated 14.01.2026
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.
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.
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:
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.
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…
Central African Republic: Cholera Outbreak - Jun 2026ReliefWeb ↗read 16.10.20262026-06-30
Source: ReliefWeb (OCHA), via HDX — CC BY
10-16 577.1 · 10-17 589.2 · 10-18 609.9 · 10-19 638.7 · 10-20 676.6 · 10-21 738.6 · 10-22 826.9 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Over 1 January 2026 → 30 June 2026, UCDP (Uppsala University) recorded 8 geolocated violent incidents in this country, for 9 documented deaths.
Most affected areas
Haut-Mbomou prefecture 2 · Nana-Mambéré prefecture 2 · Ouaka prefecture 1 · Ouham-Fafa prefecture 1 · Mambéré prefecture 1 · Ouham prefecture 1
Most recent incidents
Source: UCDP Georeferenced Event Dataset (Uppsala Conflict Data Program), file GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv, CC BY 4.0 licence. We keep only incidents UCDP codes as "Clear" and whose location is precise enough to be placed — about 58% of the dataset. An incident may be revised, moved or withdrawn by UCDP in a later release: these figures describe a closed period, not a live situation.
Reading: The homicide rate is 34 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 17 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
L’intégralité du territoire est formellement déconseillée ou déconseillée sauf raison impérative.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Vigilance areas — France Diplomatie (in French) updated 12.03.2026official map ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
- Présentation de la République centrafricaine
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Dernière actualisation le 12/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
L’intégralité du territoire est formellement déconseillée ou déconseillée sauf raison impérative.
En raison de la présence de groupes armés particulièrement actifs, la situation sur l’ensemble du territoire (hors Bangui et Bimbo) est difficilement contrôlable et le niveau d’insécurité élevé. Les déplacements, en particulier en dehors de la capitale, sont à proscrire.
Les déplacements à Bangui et Bimbo sont déconseillés sauf raison impérative. Le 3e arrondissement de Bangui (PK5) et ses alentours sont à éviter en raison de troubles récurrents et violents. La Colline aux Panthères (où se trouve le panneau « Bangui la Coquette ») est également à éviter pour des raisons sécuritaires (zone de patrouilles des forces de sécurité et de défense, et de risques liés à la délinquance).
Il convient de s’informer de la situation sécuritaire avant d’y envisager tout déplacement. En cas de déplacement à Bangui pour raison impérative, il convient de se manifester auprès des services de l’ambassade de France, de se montrer vigilant, de s’informer de la situation sécuritaire, et d’adopter des mesures de sécurité renforcées.
Les conditions de sécurité sont très précaires dans l’ensemble du pays et peuvent se dégrader soudainement. À Bangui, malgré une importante présence des forces de sécurité, le risque de violences incontrôlées reste élevé. Dans la capitale, le 3e arrondissement (PK5) et les quartiers limitrophes sont à éviter en raison des violences qui peuvent y survenir.
Avant de se rendre dans le pays, il est fortement recommandé de prendre toutes les dispositions et les garanties nécessaires, en attachant la plus grande importance aux aspects logistiques (accueil, hébergement, transport). L’ambassade pourra être contactée en tant que de besoin. Il convient de se tenir éloigné de toute manifestation ou rassemblement et de faire preuve de modération et de prudence dans les conversations en dehors du cercle privé.
Il est rigoureusement et formellement déconseillé de se déplacer en dehors de la capitale.
Les personnes présentes en République centrafricaine sont invitées à adopter une attitude irréprochable dans leurs agissements au quotidien, à prendre particulièrement garde lors des contrôles par les forces de sécurité et à contacter immédiatement l’ambassade de France en cas d’arrestation.
Il est rappelé que dans le cas d’une arrestation ou d’une incarcération, il est recommandé de :
Le taux de criminalité est élevé. Les tentatives d’enlèvement sont rares mais ne peuvent être exclues.
Il est fortement recommandé de faire preuve de la plus grande prudence, d’éviter de sortir la nuit en dehors des quartiers connus et sécurisés et de privilégier les déplacements en véhicule (portières verrouillées).
La plus grande vigilance doit être observée sur le trajet depuis et vers l’aéroport (en restant sur l’axe principal), ainsi que dans les quartiers périphériques.
Les risques routiers sont d’autant plus importants que les services de secours ne sont pas en capacité de prendre en charge les blessés.
La détérioration constante des voies de circulation, la présence de nombreux deux-roues (motos-taxis) et le comportement imprévisible des conducteurs entraînent une insécurité permanente et impliquent une vigilance accrue et une conduite prudente.
En cas de passage d’un convoi officiel ou convoi armé (même file ou en sens inverse), se garer sans délai sur le bas-côté et patienter, durant le passage du convoi, jusqu’à ce que la voie soit complètement dégagée.
En raison de l’établissement de barrages de fortune dans plusieurs quartiers de la capitale, il est fortement déconseillé de circuler dès la tombée de la nuit en dehors du centre-ville.
Des coupeurs de route sont présents sur certains axes (routes principales et secondaires). En cas d’attaque, il convient de n’opposer aucune résistance et de prévenir la police et l’ambassade.
L’utilisation des taxis est fortement déconseillée.
Il est recommandé de :
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Le chapitre Situation générale a été actualisé. Toujours valable: les voyages à destination de la République centrafricaine ainsi que les séjours de tout genre dans ce pays sont déconseillés. (published 29.06.2026)
Les voyages à destination de la République centrafricaine ainsi que les séjours de tout genre dans ce pays sont déconseillés. Les personnes de nationalité suisse qui, contrairement à cette recommandation, séjournent dans le pays sont priées d'informer l'Ambassade de Suisse à Yaoundé de leur présence: yaounde@eda.admin.ch Les moyens permettant à la Suisse de porter assistance à ses ressortissants peuvent se révéler limités voire inexistants. La situation sécuritaire en République centrafricaine est fragile et volatile. Une grande partie du territoire national se trouve sous le contrôle de divers groupes armés, qui poursuivent des intérêts politiques, économiques ou ethniques divergents. Ces groupes sont régulièrement engagés dans des affrontements armés avec les forces armées nationales, qui sont soutenues par la Mission des Nations unies (MINUSCA). Des actes de violence, tels que des attaques ciblées, se produisent régulièrement, en particulier dans les régions frontalières du nord-est et du sud-est du pays. Bien qu'ils visent principalement la population civile ainsi que les forces de sécurité de l'État, les organisations humanitaires en sont également fréquemment victimes. Ces incidents entraînent régulièrement de nombreuses victimes et blessés. Dans plusieurs régions, on observe l’utilisation d’engins explosifs improvisés ainsi que la présence de mines. Des enlèvements sont également signalés à plusieurs reprises. Le risque d’attaques et d’enlèvements existe aussi pour les personnes étrangères. Prenez également en considération la rubrique Terrorisme et enlèvements Le taux de criminalité est très élevé. Le risque d'être victime d'actes criminels violents est élevé dans tout le pays - y compris dans la capitale Bangui. En cas d'absence de pièce d'identité, une arrestation peut avoir lieu. La situation générale de l'approvisionnement est précaire.
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 15.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 29.06.2026 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Regions covered by the Foreign Officegov.uk ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026

Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026
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.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
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.
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.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026
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 .
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Theft and robbery are common, and armed gangs operate in the outlying areas of Bangui,…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Central African Republic - Level 4: Do Not Travel 2026-01-14travel.state.gov ↗updated 14.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
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.
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.
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:
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.
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…
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the Central African Republic due to unstable security conditions and violent crime.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 14, 2026 09:10 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
You must obtain a government licence to buy or sell precious stones. Those accused of smuggling face heavy fines.
It’s illegal to photograph:
Power plants may not be clearly marked. Unauthorized photography may result in immediate seizure of your equipment by authorities. Never photograph people without their permission.
Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the Central African Republic. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Central African Republic by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
To drive in the Central African Republic, you must have an International Driving Permit along your valid Canadian driver’s licence. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe and can include jail time. Traffic accidents can quickly draw large crowds. Remain calm if there is a dispute, particularly in a public place. If you feel threatened by a crowd, ask the local police to intervene. International Driving Permit
The currency in the Central African Republic is the African Financial Community franc (XAF). The economy is cash-based. Only Bangui’s major hotels accept credit cards. ATMs are only available in a few banks and hotels in Bangui. You can only exchange currency in Bangui and Berbérati.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 14, 2026 09:10 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
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.
It is only legal to buy diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.
There are severe penalties for drug use and possession. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a long jail sentence.
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.
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.
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.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 09:00 (Africa/Bangui)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
No value published by the World Bank in the last eight years for the Central African Republic: hospital beds per 1,000 people.
Reading: With 0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (98% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 54 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
- Présentation de la République centrafricaine
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Le passeport en cours de validité et le visa sont obligatoires. Le passeport doit être valide pendant au moins 6 mois après la date prévue du départ de la République centrafricaine.
Le certificat de vaccinations internationales (notamment contre la fièvre jaune) doit pouvoir être présenté à l’entrée.
Pour de plus amples informations, prendre l’attache de l’ambassade de la République centrafricaine à Paris (30, rue des Perchamps, 75016 Paris).
Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 29.06.2026 · read 15.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in the Central African Republic set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris (in French).
To enter the Central African Republic, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual Citizenship .
You must have a visa to visit the Central African Republic.
Apply for a visa through the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris (in French). Requirements can change at short notice, contact the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris for the latest requirements.
To pass border control in the Central African Republic, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations for the Central African Republic, see TravelHealthPro’s Central African Republic guide .
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Central African Republic . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
There is an export tax on cultural artefacts.
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 14.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · Theft and robbery are common, and armed gangs operate in the outlying areas of Bangui, especially in the PK5 district. Violent crime occurs frequently, particularly at night, outside Bangui and on major roads.
What the texts say · In Bangui, police and military roadblocks are set up at night to control crime. Outside Bangui, armed groups and criminals frequently set up roadblocks.
What the texts say · The rainy season extends from May to October. Flash floods are common during this season.
What the texts say · There are severe penalties for drug use and possession.
What the texts say · Demonstrations occur, particularly during election periods. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026 (updated 28.05.2026 · read 27.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 14.10.2026 · read 27.09.2026)
Reading: The homicide rate is 34 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 17 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — With 0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (98% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 54 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
+33 1 75 79 40 29 · France Diplomatie
Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Ambassade de Suisse au Cameroun Helpline DFAE
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
+236 2161-0200
https://cf.usembassy.gov ↗updated 14.01.2026 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 28.05.2026 · read 15.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Telephone: 117 (ambulance, fire, police)
or
Ambulance: 610600
Fire: 118
Military police (‘gendarmerie’): 2161 2200
Emergency numbers are unreliable in the Central African Republic. The emergency services are unlikely to respond outside Bangui.
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.
| Help! | Au secours ! |
| Call an ambulance! | Appelez une ambulance ! |
| I need a doctor. | J'ai besoin d'un médecin. |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | Où est l'hôpital le plus proche ? |
| Call the police! | Appelez la police ! |
| I am allergic to penicillin. | Je suis allergique à la pénicilline. |
| I have international medical insurance. | J'ai une assurance médicale internationale. |
| I want to contact my embassy. | Je voudrais contacter mon ambassade. |
| Please take me to this address. | Emmenez-moi à cette adresse, s'il vous plaît. |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais ? |
Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Les déplacements restent formellement déconseillés en dehors de Bangui et de Bimbo. Dans la capitale, il est recommandé de limiter la circulation aux activités courantes et d’observer une prudence particulière, en veillant à s’arrêter aussitôt au passage de convois officiels. Les sorties pédestres sur les flancs de la colline de Bangui (où se trouve le panneau « Bangui la coquette ») sont à éviter en raison du caractère sensible de cette zone (particulièrement dans la partie…
France Diplomatie (in French) · posted 24 March 2025 · updated 7 April 2026diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 15.10.2026Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
October 14, 2026 09:10 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 4/4 — Do Not Travel, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 14.01 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10DFAE · updated 29.06 · read 15.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 28.05 · read 15.10State Department · updated 14.01 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 28.05 · read 15.10State Department · updated 14.01 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: police 117 · ambulance 1220 · fire 118
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
At today's level 4/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10OMS · read 15.10Foreign Office · updated 28.05 · read 15.10
0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
20.1 homicides per 100,000 people (2016) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 12.10DFAE · updated 29.06 · read 15.10
At least one official reading covers the whole country; 1 region is also named, fully or partly.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 14.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 28.05 · read 15.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 15.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 14.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 28.05 · read 15.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 15.10eda.admin.ch · updated 29.06 · read 15.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: South Sudan · Syria · Chad · Ukraine · Yemen · Afghanistan
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Bangui. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Bangui
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