How to Enter Central African Republic
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
A valid passport, visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required for entry. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Central African Republic, 2704 Ontario Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone: (202) 483–7800 / 7801, fax: (202) 332–9893. Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Central African Republic Embassy or Consulate. NOTE: In any country where there is no Central African Republic diplomatic mission, the French Embassy has the authorization to issue a visa for entry into the Central African Republic. The Embassy of the Central African Republic does not have a website.The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the Central African Republic.
Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
There are several restrictions on foreigners who wish to travel within the CAR. Both residents and tourists must ensure that they have proper paperwork with them at all times, and additional permissions for any travel outside of Bangui. Travel to the southwest in particular requires a permit for all foreign travelers due to the presence of sensitive mining areas. You are encouraged to check with the authorities in Bangui, such as the Gendarmerie National, about possible restrictions in the areas where you wish to travel.
Special Travel Circumstances in Central African Republic
Photography: Taking photographs of police or military installations, airports, or any other government buildings, is prohibited. Unauthorized photography may result in the seizure of photographic equipment by the CAR authorities. Police or other government authorities can provide information and grant permission for photographing a particular subject or location.
Corruption: Corruption remains a serious problem among the CAR security forces, some members of which have harassed travelers for bribes. At night, the roads in the capital are often manned with impromptu checkpoints, at which police or soldiers ask motorists and travelers for money.
Banking: Banking infrastructure remains limited in the CAR, and facilities for monetary exchange exist only in the capital. Banking services were further limited following looting in Bangui in March and April 2013. There are no ATMs in the CAR. Exchange bureaus and banks normally accept dollars and euros, but not West African Francs (CFA). Credit cards are not used in the CAR, and purchases of goods and services are made in cash, including hotel rooms and airline tickets.
Same Gender Sexual Relations: Same-gender sexual relations are illegal in CAR and the penal code criminalizes consensual same-gender sexual activity. The penalty for "public expression of love" between persons of the same gender is imprisonment for six months to two years or a fine of between 150,000 and 600,000 CFA francs ($295 and $1,185). When one of the participants is under age, the adult may be sentenced to two to five years imprisonment or a fine of 100,000 to 800,000 CFA francs ($200 and $1,600); however, there have been no recent reports [in 2011] that police arrested or detained persons under these provisions.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, and health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.