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Central African Republic Travel Warnings

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Local Travel section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

We advise against all but essential travel to the Central African Republic (CAR). The north and west of the country, especially the areas bordering Cameroon and Chad, is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.

It is no longer safe to travel by any of the road routes between CAR and Cameroon even with a military/police escort. Rebel forces are active in the north east of the country, particularly in the Vakaga province and around the town of Birao; and the area remains volatile. The border with Sudan is closed.

Although elections were held successfully in May 2005, order has yet to be restored to much of the country outside Bangui, particularly in the north of the country. If you must travel outside Bangui, we strongly recommend that you check first on the current situation in the areas through which you plan to travel.

There is no British Embassy in the CAR. There is an Acting Honorary Consul who may be able to assist in emergencies. The nearest British diplomatic mission is the High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon. See the General section of this advice for more details.

There is a low threat from terrorism in the Central Africa Republic. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

We are not aware of any British nationals who required consular assistance in the CAR in 2006.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See: Travel Insurance.