Central African Republic

Tensions are high throughout the country. The security situation can worsen suddenly and without warning.

The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and other paramilitary groups regularly attacks civilians in the southeast of the CAR, especially Haut-Mbomou province. Be alert to possible threats.

A nationwide curfew is in place from 12am to 5am, except for Bangui. Avoid travelling at night in Bangui and to the PK5 district at any time due to security risks. Local authorities may impose curfews and restrictions without warning.

For your safety, be aware that:

• armed groups are active across the country
• many areas outside the capital are in a state of lawlessness
• armed groups and criminals set up illegal roadblocks without notice
• armed groups have killed foreigners, including aid workers and peacekeepers
• border areas are very dangerous

The security situation is unstable. This is despite the presence of a United Nations stabilisation mission. Inter-communal violence is frequent and widespread, particularly in rural areas. Thousands of people have been killed.

Law enforcement is unable to ensure your security.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Protests have previously resulted in deaths and injuries. You should leave the area immediately if you're near any protests, marches or demonstrations. Stay alert and follow the local news, as the situation can change quickly and without warning. Stay away from any blockades set up by the police and security forces. Avoid moving around Bangui during times of civil unrest.

If it's safe to do so, leave the CAR. If you stay in the CAR, take personal safety measures.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

The LRA operates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Uganda. It regularly attacks south-eastern parts of the CAR, especially Haut-Mbomou province.

Terrorist groups, including the LRA, target civilians. The LRA has killed many people and thousands more have fled the region.

Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping and violent crime occur in the CAR. Criminals have targeted foreigners, including aid workers. The risk of kidnapping for both nationals and foreigners has increased.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings - avoid distractions. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action if you sense danger
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It is essential to have a contingency plan
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to criminals that you have something worth taking
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
• notify family or friends of planned travel; share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
• If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

Avoid any road travel outside Bangui. If you decide to undertake road travel outside Bangui despite our advice, always travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, with convoy of at least 2 vehicles and during daylight hours.

More information: 

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers 

Bandit groups and crime are common throughout the CAR.

Serious, indiscriminate violence and looting occurs in the CAR. It has been widespread in parts of Bangui and regional areas. Incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence are common.

Local police and security forces sometimes set up random roadblocks.

At times people posing as officials set up roadblocks. Armed groups may attempt to extort money from travellers through fake fines or intimidation.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs regularly. 

Criminals target aid groups to get money, communication equipment and vehicles.

If you're carrying large amounts of money, be very careful. If possible, share the holding of it with your travelling companions.

Protests and civil unrest

Protests may occur spontaneously, and mob violence against individuals implicated in crimes or accidents can occur. Harassment of foreign nationals is prevalent, as are assertive protests against international organisations.

• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories
• Follow the advice of local authorities.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Extreme weather

The CAR experiences extreme weather and natural disasters including:

• earthquakes
• volcanic activity
• flooding

In the event of an earthquake, volcanic activity or other natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Flooding

The rainy season is from May to October. The dry season is from December to April.

You can't drive on some roads during the rainy season. Roads close due to flooding, including the three main routes entering Bangui.

Most roads outside Bangui are unpaved.

There’s no agreement between Australia and CAR for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities throughout the CAR are limited.

Medicines are in short supply and hygiene standards are poor. You're likely to have to pay up front for treatment.

Ambulance services are scarce in most parts of the country and limited in Bangui.

You'll need to be evacuated if you get seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation may not be possible and can be very expensive. Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to CAR.

Mpox

Mpox is endemic in parts of Africa, including CAR. Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials. 

In areas where mpox is found, you should avoid contact with animals, especially primates and rodents. 

Symptoms include:

• rash
• fever
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• back pain
• low energy
• swollen lymph nodes

Seek professional medical advice on mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any mpox symptoms.

More information:

• Mpox

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in the CAR. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel and carry your vaccination card. Some countries require you to present your yellow fever vaccination card if you have travelled to the CAR.

Other common insect-borne diseases include:

• malaria
• filariasis
• African sleeping sickness 

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:

• HIV/AIDS
• tuberculosis
• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• rabies
• dengue
• hepatitis
• polio

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food
• avoid fresh fruit and fresh fruit juice.
• don't swim in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Proof of identity

Always carry proof of identity. This can be a notarised copy. Police checks are common. Police might detain or fine you if you can't show them identity documents. 

Photography

Unauthorised photography is illegal. Don't take photos of:

• military zones
• military assets
• military or police personnel
• government buildings
• mining leases

If you do, police may confiscate your camera, fine you and detain you.

You need a government permit to take photos. The government will not grant permits for strategic sites such as:

• the airport
• military buildings
• the Presidential Palace

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

Gem licences

A licence is necessary to buy or sell gems. There are heavy penalties for illegally exporting precious gems. It's only legal to purchase diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.

LGBTQIA+ information

While same-sex relationships are not illegal, they are not widely accepted in Central African society. LGBTQIA+ travellers may face arrest for public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality is legally recognised in CAR.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visas

If you decide to travel to the CAR despite our advice, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Central African Republic for details of visa and entry requirements. The Consulate-General of France in Sydney may be able to help you get your visas for the CAR. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

Border measures

Land border crossings may not be open to tourists. Border crossings may close at short notice.

Yellow fever

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter CAR. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF). Cameroon, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea also use the XAF.

Very few ATMs are available in Bangui.

Bangui has several Western Union offices, but only a few banks. Most hotels, supermarkets and restaurants catering to foreigners only accept cash.

Bangui is the only city where you can change money. You can usually convert euros or US dollars into local currency. Keep alert when changing money through official or unofficial change agents.

Travel throughout the CAR is dangerous. You might encounter: 

• armed groups
• bandits
• poachers
• illegal roadblocks

Civilians and military travelling in convoys have been attacked and killed.

Road travel

Roads in the CAR are in a very poor condition. Driving at night is dangerous due to poor lighting. Most roads require a 4WD vehicle. Fuel shortages are common.

Avoid any road travel outside Bangui. If you decide to undertake road travel outside Bangui despite our advice, always travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, with convoy of at least 2 vehicles and during daylight hours. 

The rainy season is May to October. Sometimes flooding occurs and roads become impassable.

Authorities may close borders or set up roadblocks without warning. This is due to the presence of armed groups and risk of cross border incursions. 

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

Few commercial airlines fly to Bangui.

Be aware of your personal belongings even within the airport terminal.

Check the CAR's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Medical emergencies

Call 117 or 610 600.

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.

Police

Call 117 or 2161 2200.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

There are limits to what consular assistance we can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in the CAR. You can contact the Australian Embassy in Ethiopia. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in the CAR is severely limited. 

Australian Embassy, Addis Ababa

Turkish compound (off Cape Verde Street) 
Bole Sub City, Woreda 3, PO Box 3715
Ethiopia

Phone: +251 11 6672651 / +251 11 6672652 / +251 967 941 377 (during business hours)
Email: consular.addisababa@dfat.gov.au
Website: ethiopia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmb.ET
X: @AusEmbET

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 from within Australia