Central African Republic (CAR)

The Central African Republic (CAR) is an EXTREME RISK country. Violent conflict involving armed groups, critically poor infrastructure, and unrest present the greatest risks to travellers within the country

Essential Precautions:

• Avoid travel to Bangui's PK5 district and to any destination outside of Bangui.
• Do not display overt forms of wealth.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, as they can often turn violent.
• Avoid street food in general and only drink bottled water.
• Only use secure transportation.
• Do not photograph government buildings, civil infrastructure, or military installations.

Insurance becomes a priority if you intend to travel or work in the Central African Republic (CAR).Travelling to the Central African Republic (CAR) involves significant risks due to ongoing political instability, armed conflict, and security concerns. The situation can change rapidly, so it's essential to consult up-to-date travel advisories from your government or reliable sources like the U.S. State Department, UK Foreign Office, or your country's equivalent. Here are some factors to consider:

Political Instability

The Central African Republic has experienced political instability and conflict for many years, including coups, rebellions, and sectarian violence. The government has struggled to maintain control over the country, particularly outside the capital, Bangui. Political tensions and disputes may lead to unrest and violence, disrupting travel and posing risks to personal safety.

Armed Conflict

CAR has been affected by armed conflict between government forces, rebel groups, and armed militias. Violence and attacks targeting civilians, humanitarian workers, and peacekeepers are common. Travellers may encounter risks such as armed robbery, carjacking, and roadblocks, particularly in areas with a history of conflict or where armed groups are active

Crime and Security Concerns

Travel outside of Bangui is extremely dangerous due to regular clashes between armed rebel groups and government forces. Within Bangui, criminals regularly target foreigners for crimes of opportunity, including robbery, kidnap for ransom, and carjackings, due to the perception that they are wealthy. Other financially motivated crimes including theft are common, especially in Bangui's PK5 district. CAR is prone to periodic unrest; all political gatherings can escalate to violence quickly. As a result of the unchecked violence throughout CAR, roughly 1.3 million people have fled their homes since 2013. Law enforcement lacks the personnel and resources to effectively combat crime. All major roadways are targeted by bandits, while armed gangs dominate the country's borders with Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad. Militant groups are also active in Haut-Mbomou prefecture, Sam-Ouandja, and Moanda.

Humanitarian Crisis

CAR faces significant humanitarian challenges, including widespread poverty, food insecurity, and displacement. The country has one of the highest rates of internal displacement in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced by violence and insecurity. Travellers may encounter overcrowded refugee camps, limited access to basic services, and widespread suffering among civilian populations.

Health Risks

Medical care in CAR is virtually nonexistent and falls far short of international standards, including in Bangui. Medical staff are unlikely to speak English, many medicines are not available, and emergency services are dysfunctional. Disease risks in the Central African Republic are severe and varied. CAR has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world and malaria is endemic. The country regularly faces outbreaks of cholera, tuberculosis, yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, Zika virus, and parasitic infections including African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), onchocerciasis, and schistosomiasis. The tap water is not safe to drink

Transport & Infrastructure Risk

Infrastructure in the Central African Republic is highly underdeveloped and poorly maintained. Roads throughout the country are unpaved and in extremely poor condition, causing CAR to have one of the highest road-related death rates in the world. Public transportation is rare outside of Bangui, though these vehicles are universally overcrowded and unsafe. Reliable power is so scarce that Bangui M'poko International Airport (BGF) does not operate after dark due to insufficient runway illumination. Likewise, the electrical grid in CAR is not always reliable and does not extend far beyond Bangui.

Environmental Risk

CAR's rainy season runs between May and October and usually makes already poor roads impassable due to a combination of landslides and erosion of the unpaved road surfaces. Landslides are most likely to occur in the mountainous regions in the far west and northeast of the country. During the dry season, indiscriminate burning to clear land and to dispose of trash creates smoke to a level that can cause health issues and obscure airport runways around the country. Flooding easily overwhelms the poor drainage infrastructure in urban centres, including Bangui, increasing the risk of mosquito- and waterborne diseases.

Ethnic and Religious Tensions

CAR has experienced inter-communal violence between different ethnic and religious groups. Tensions between communities can flare up, leading to localised violence and displacement. Travellers should be aware of the sensitivities around ethnic and religious identity and avoid sensitive topics or actions that could provoke tensions.
Overall, travel to the Central African Republic is discouraged due to the high level of risk posed by political instability, armed conflict, and security concerns. Travellers should carefully consider the risks and challenges associated with travelling to CAR and may want to explore alternative travel destinations with greater stability and safety. It's essential to heed travel advisories and warnings issued by governments and international organisations and to take necessary precautions to protect oneself from harm.

Choosing the right cover for your trip to the Central African Republic

Many insurers exclude cover for travel to CAR. It is vital to ensure that your policy covers journeys to this nation. Understand if your policy coverage includes medical expenses, repatriation, crisis management, and kidnap for ransom cover. CAR has limited healthcare infrastructure and faces challenges in providing adequate medical care to its population. Access to medical treatment may be limited or unavailable in many areas. It is certain that it will be necessary to evacuate you for medical and other critical care.

Required Vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Carry a copy of your passport.
• Bring a necessary supply of prescription medication.
• Bring a copy of your prescription in case medication is lost or stolen.
• Consider bringing mosquito repellant, long sleeves, and pants.
• Use a VPN on all internet-connected devices and download the VPN prior to travel.

LGBT travel advice for the Central African Republic

For LGBTQIA+ individuals considering travel to the Central African Republic (CAR), it's crucial to be aware of the risks and challenges associated with visiting a country where LGBTQIA+ rights are not recognised and where social attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ individuals may be hostile. Overall, travelling to CAR as an LGBTQIA+ individual requires careful consideration and preparation due to the challenging social and legal environment. Prioritise your safety, stay informed, and take appropriate precautions to mitigate risks while enjoying your travels in CAR.