Central African Republic travel advice

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 travelling 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 organisations 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