Central African Republic Travel Guide

Central African Republic — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
British	Yes	Yes	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other EU	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passport valid for six months after entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist/Business and Transit: €50 (for stays of up to 30 days); €152.50 (for stays of up to three months). Fees paid in other currencies depend on exchange rates.

Validity

Tourist and Business visas are valid for stays of maximum three months. For transit through the Central African Republic, enquire at the consulate (or consular sections at embassy).

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Working Days Required

Normally two days unless application is referred to the authorities in the Central African Republic.

Travel Warnings

There are no travel restrictions to the capital, Bangui, but the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Central African Republic (CAR). If you must travel outside Bangui, the FCO recommends that you check first on the current situation in the areas through which you plan to travel.

You should avoid all travel to the following areas:

Vakaga Province: Rebel forces are active in the North East of the country in particular around the regional capital Birao. In March 2008 a well marked NGO vehicle traveling in convoy was fired upon by armed assailants, killing one patient. In November 2009 two French aid workers were abducted from Birao at gunpoint.

Bamingui-Bangoran province: Heavy fighting broke out in November 2009 when rebel forces attacked the town of Ndele. During the course of the attack there are reports of violence against the civilian population by rebels. Ndele and the surrounding province remain unstable with fighting between rebel groups and government forces.

Haut Mbomou Province: Since March 2008, there have been credible reports of periodic incursions into South East of CAR by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). There have been reports of LRA raids on towns and roads around the provincial capital Obo despite government troops present there. On 21st September 2009 a truck carrying aid workers was attacked on the road between Mboki and Obo and 8 passengers were killed.

You should be aware that the ability of the nearest British High Commission, in Yaounde, Cameroon, to assist you in the event of an incident would be constrained by the remoteness of the region and the lack of communication.

There is an Honorary Consul in Bangui, should you require assistance during an emergency: Mark Pearson; (21) 618 513; Mark.LindsayPearson-HonCon@fconet.fco.gov.uk.

The threat from terrorism is low but visitors should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Full health insurance is essential, and should include air evacuation to Europe in case of serious accident or illness. Medical facilities are severely limited outside the major centers and visitors should travel with their own supply of remedies for simple ailments such as stomach upsets: pharmaceutical supplies are usually very difficult to obtain.