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Middle Africa

Central African RepublicTravel guide

Explore Central African Republic visa rulesCommon scams in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is a country in central Africa with tropical rainforests and varied wildlife. It is extremely dangerous because of violent crime and armed conflict, including in the capital, Bangui. Many governments advise against all travel outside Bangui and all but essential travel to Bangui.

Why go

  1. Rainforests and wildlife in Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve.

  2. Boali waterfalls, about two hours from Bangui.

  3. Prehistoric rock paintings around Bambari.

  4. Ancient stone circles near Bouar.

Getting there

By air

  • Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) is the country's only international airport and its only airport with scheduled flights.
  • Air France serves Paris, Ethiopian Airlines serves Addis Ababa, and Kenya Airways connects Nairobi, Bangui and Douala.
  • Royal Air Maroc connects Casablanca, Douala and Bangui. TAAG Angola Airlines connects Luanda and Bangui through Brazzaville or Douala.

By land

  • Buses run from Cameroon and Chad, but long journeys and dangerous roads make services infrequent.
  • The source describes buses as safer and easier at checkpoints than travelling in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Bus journeys still face serious security risks.
  • Roads and land borders may close with little or no notice during unrest.

By sea

  • Boats and barges travel infrequently along the Ubangui River to other African cities and countries.
  • Slow barges connect Bangui with Kinshasa and Brazzaville, but they have no fixed schedule.

Getting around

  • Taxis

    Taxis reach much of Bangui. Agree on the fare before leaving because taxis have no meters. Violent crime is common in Bangui, even during daylight.

  • Buses and minibuses

    A few companies run buses between Bangui and other major cities. Road journeys can involve banditry, theft and roadblocks run by armed groups. You must arrange minibus rides yourself and negotiate the price. Allow plenty of time for travel outside the capital, especially during the rainy season.

  • Off-road vehicles

    The source advises using an off-road vehicle and an experienced guide for travel in the provinces. Armed robberies are common on roads. Police checkpoints may involve demands for bribes.

  • River boats

    Traditional trade uses dugout boats that can travel in shallow water. The Oubangui River is navigable all year for boats needing no more than 0.6 metres of water.

What to see and do

  • Barthélémy Boganda National Museum

    This museum in Bangui displays local instruments, weapons and tools. It also covers traditions, religion and architecture.

  • Bambari rock paintings

    Some of the country's best prehistoric rock paintings are around Bambari.

  • Boali waterfalls

    These scenic waterfalls are about two hours from Bangui. They are more impressive during the rainy season.

  • Bouar stone circles

    Ancient standing stones near Bouar are arranged in circles.

  • Local markets

    Markets display a wide range of crafts. Petty theft and violent theft are common.

  • Look for wildlife in Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve

    Forest walks offer the chance to look for gorillas, forest elephants and chimpanzees.

Food and drink

  • Bangui restaurants

    Choices include local, Chinese, Lebanese and French food. Restaurants owned by foreigners are very expensive.

  • French bakeries

    Central Bangui has many French bakeries offering baked goods and meals at moderate prices.

  • Markets and street sellers

    Food can be cheaper than in supermarkets. Eat food that has been cooked or peeled because hygiene is a concern.

  • Local beer

    Brands include 33, Mocaf and Crystal.

  • Palm wine

    Palm wine is common.

  • Wine

    Some French wine shops sell wine, but it can be very expensive.

Money

Central African CFA franc (XAF), also written FCFA.

  • Many goods are expensive because they must be flown or shipped into the country.
  • Basic goods brought from nearby countries, such as rice, beans and water, can cost slightly less.
  • Supermarket food is very expensive. Local markets and street sellers offer cheaper food.
  • The currency has a fixed exchange rate of 655.957 francs to one euro.

Typical costs

  • Meals at restaurants owned by foreigners can cost US$10–20 per dish or more.
  • A half-day taxi trip to Boali waterfalls costs XAF 70,000.
  • Entry to Boali waterfalls costs XAF 5,000.
  • Local beer and soft drinks cost about the same as similar products in Europe and the United States.

Language

  • French is the official language, but many people know only a few words.
  • Sängö is the common shared language and is spoken by about 80% of people.
  • Many local languages are also spoken.
  • Almost no one speaks English, even in Bangui.
Balâo
Hello in Sängö.
Balâo mïngï
A reply to Balâo that the source suggests using to identify a Sängö speaker.

Staying safe

  • Violent crime is widespread, including in Bangui, and armed groups control large areas. Many governments advise against all travel outside Bangui and all but essential travel to the capital.
  • Airports, roads and land borders may close with little or no notice during unrest.
  • Outside Bangui, a nationwide curfew runs from midnight to 05:00.
  • Foreign governments have limited ability to provide emergency help to their citizens.
2 common scams in Central African Republic, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Use your right hand if you eat with your hands alongside local people.

Don't

  • Do not eat with your left hand. It is associated with toilet use and is considered rude at meals.

Staying healthy

  • Buy bottled water, or boil or filter water before drinking. Water purity is unreliable, including in Bangui.
  • Outside the capital, there is no guarantee that water is safe to drink.
  • Eat food that has been cooked or peeled, especially food bought at local markets.
  • If you become ill, the source suggests seeking advice from a doctor at the French or United States embassy, or a clinic such as Institut Pasteur.

Where to stay

  • There is almost no tourist infrastructure outside Bangui and the Dzanga-Sangha nature reserve.
  • Visits to Dzanga-Sangha are often combined with a stay in a forest community.

Outdoor adventures in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic has tropical rainforest, jungle wildlife treks and impressive waterfalls. Travel is extremely dangerous because of violent crime, armed groups and unrest, and emergency help is limited. Many governments advise against all travel outside Bangui and all but essential travel to the capital.

  • Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve jungle wildlife trek

    Trek

    Visit the reserve to trek through the jungle in search of wildlife. Visits are often combined with a stay in a local forest community. Transport and guide arrangements are not described.

    • Many governments advise against all travel outside Bangui.
    • Armed groups control large areas of the country, and emergency help is limited.

  • Chutes de Boali waterfall visit

    More to donear Bangui

    Half-day trip; the waterfalls are about 2 hours from Bangui. Rainy season, when the waterfalls are more impressive.

    Take a taxi from Bangui for a half-day visit.

    • Cost: XAF 70,000 for the taxi trip, plus an entrance fee of XAF 5,000.
    • Armed robberies are common on roads.
    • Floods are common in the country.

  • Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

    Wildlife

    Visitor access and tour arrangements are not described. The park is in an insecure region and has no visitor facilities.

    • The park is in an insecure region.
    • There are no visitor facilities.

  • Kembé Falls visit

    More to doNear Kembénear Bangassou

    The falls are about 80 km from Bangassou, near Kembé on the road towards Bangui. Transport and tour arrangements are not described.

    • Armed robberies are common on roads.
    • Many governments advise against all travel outside Bangui.

  • Bamingui-Bangoran National Park

    Wildlife

    Visitor access and tour arrangements are not described. The park is in an insecure region and has no visitor facilities.

    • The park is in an insecure region.
    • There are no visitor facilities.

Airports, metros and trains in Central African Republic

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BGFBangui M'Poko International AirportBanguiMain international airport

People and safety in Central African Republic

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian90%
  • Muslim15%
  • No religion1%
  • Folk religions1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #179 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

50% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 15 of 198 countries can visit Central African Republic easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required14
  • Visa on arrival1
  • eVisa3
  • Visa required180

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa13 of 53 countries
  • Asia2 of 50 countries
  • Europe0 of 46 countries
  • Americas0 of 35 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries

Questions

Is the Central African Republic safe for a first visit?

It is extremely dangerous because of violent crime and armed conflict. Many governments advise against all travel outside Bangui and all but essential travel to Bangui.

Which airport would I arrive at?

Bangui M'Poko International Airport is the only international airport and the only airport with scheduled flights.

How do I use a taxi in Bangui?

Agree on the fare before the journey starts. Taxis have no meters.

What money is used?

The Central African CFA franc is used. Its currency code is XAF, and it is also written FCFA.

Can I get by with English?

Almost no one speaks English, even in Bangui. Sängö is widely spoken, while French is the official language.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Water purity is unreliable. Bottled, boiled or filtered water is safer.

What food can I find?

Bangui has local, Chinese, Lebanese and French food. Central Bangui also has French bakeries with moderately priced meals and baked goods.

Is accommodation widely available outside the capital?

There is almost no tourist infrastructure outside Bangui and the Dzanga-Sangha nature reserve.

What is the climate like?

The climate is generally tropical, and flooding is common. Northern areas have hot, dry winds carrying dust.

Which hand should I use when eating with local people?

Use your right hand when eating with your hands. Eating with the left hand is considered rude.

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