How to Stay Safe in Central African Republic (CAR)
1. Introduction & CRITICAL WARNING
| ⚠ DO NOT TRAVEL: The Central African Republic (CAR) carries a DO NOT TRAVEL designation from virtually all Western governments. CAR has been in a state of violent civil conflict since 2013, with multiple armed groups controlling different parts of the country. Even the capital Bangui has experienced attacks, massacres, and significant violence. The country is not a viable tourist destination and this guide is provided only for humanitarian workers, journalists, and those with critical operational reasons to enter. |
CAR is consistently ranked among the world’s lowest on the Human Development Index. It is landlocked, sparsely populated, and largely covered by tropical rainforest. Despite having significant natural resources including diamonds, gold, uranium, and timber, its population lives in extreme poverty exacerbated by decades of political instability and conflict.
Armed groups including the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) and many others control large swathes of territory. The government, supported by Russian Wagner Group forces (now rebranded), controls Bangui and some urban centres. MINUSCA (UN peacekeeping mission) has a significant presence but has been unable to bring lasting peace.
2. Security Landscape
Armed conflict is active in most of CAR’s territory outside Bangui. Armed groups conduct roadblocks, loot villages, execute civilians, and specifically target humanitarian workers and journalists in some areas. Several aid workers have been killed in recent years. Kidnapping for ransom does occur. Mines and unexploded ordnance are present in conflict areas.
Bangui itself has experienced inter-communal violence, massacres, and attacks. There are ‘PK’ (Protestant kilometre marker) areas in Bangui that function as ethnic enclaves following communal violence and effectively cannot be safely entered by outsiders. Curfews have been in effect at various times.
| ⚠ Entire Country High Risk: There is no ‘safe’ tourist zone in CAR. Even Bangui can see violent outbreaks. All travel should be considered extremely high risk and undertaken only with comprehensive security arrangements and operational necessity. |
3. If You Must Travel: Bangui Basics
Bangui sits on the Ubangi River (border with DRC). The city has extremely limited infrastructure—frequent power outages, poor roads, limited clean water, and inadequate medical facilities. The main international hotel is the Ledger Plaza. The MINUSCA compound and embassy zones provide some degree of security.
Movement in Bangui should be planned and minimised. Vary routes and routines. Do not move at night. Maintain constant contact with your organisation or embassy. Know the location of the nearest MINUSCA position. Have an evacuation plan that does not require road travel.
4. Transportation
The only safe entry into CAR is by air. Bangui M’Poko International Airport connects to Douala, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Paris. All road travel outside Bangui is extremely dangerous—armed group roadblocks, ambushes, and vehicle seizures are documented on virtually all major routes. Travel to Dzanga-Sangha (the main wildlife attraction, including western lowland gorillas and forest elephants) requires armed escort and extensive logistical planning.
| ⚠ Road Travel: All road travel outside Bangui requires armed escort and security planning. There are no safe unescorted routes in CAR. Contact MINUSCA or your organisation’s security officer before any road movement. |
5. Health & Medical Safety
Health risks in CAR are extremely serious. Malaria is endemic and frequently fatal without treatment. Yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, Ebola (historical outbreaks), meningitis, Lassa fever, and sleeping sickness are all present. The HIV prevalence rate is among the highest in central Africa. Medical facilities are catastrophically inadequate—Bangui’s Hôpital de l’Amitié and Community Hospital are severely under-resourced. Medical evacuation to Yaoundé or Nairobi is the only real option for serious illness.
| ⚠ Medical Evacuation: There is effectively no medical care adequate for serious illness in CAR. Medical evacuation insurance with air ambulance coverage is not optional—it is a basic requirement for travel to CAR. |
6. Key Risks Summary
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Armed Group Roadblocks | Armed militias set up roadblocks demanding money, goods, vehicles, or taking hostages. | Do not travel on roads outside Bangui without armed escort and security clearance. |
| Kidnapping for Ransom | Foreigners are targeted for kidnapping by armed groups and criminal networks. | Maintain absolute minimum profile. Follow all security protocols. Vary routines. |
| Corrupt Officials / Extortion | Officials at all levels demand payments for permits, passage, or fabricated violations. | Carry official documentation. Stay calm. Work through your organisation’s established channels. |
| Counterfeit Currency | Counterfeit CFA francs may be passed at markets and exchange points. | Use only official banking channels. Carefully check all notes received. |
| Fraudulent NGO Credentials | Individuals claim NGO affiliations to gain trust and extract information or money. | Verify all claimed affiliations through official channels of the relevant organisation. |
7. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Info |
| MINUSCA Emergency Line | +236 75 04 81 81 |
| Police / Gendarmerie | +236 75 04 81 81 |
| Community Hospital Bangui | +236 21 61 44 66 |
| French Embassy Bangui | +236 21 61 30 00 |
| US Embassy (evacuated—contact Yaoundé) | +237 222 20 15 00 |
| UN OCHA CAR | +236 77 00 55 00 |
8. Pre-Departure Checklist (Emergency Travel Only)
- Obtain full security briefing from your organisation, UN OCHA, and government
- Register with every relevant embassy in Bangui or their CAR-monitoring mission
- Get Yellow Fever vaccination and full travel health suite
- Begin antimalarials before departure
- Purchase comprehensive K&R (kidnap & ransom) and evacuation insurance
- Arrange vetted, armed security through your organisation before arrival
- Have multiple evacuation plans (air primary; no road contingency)
- Maintain satellite communication at all times
- Brief trusted contacts with detailed itinerary and check-in schedule
- Know location of nearest MINUSCA position from any location you’ll be in
