Scam in Central African RepublicTheft
Armed road robbery in Central African Republic
How it works
Armed robbers target people travelling by road. Banditry and theft can affect bus journeys too. Armed groups also set up roadblocks that disrupt travel.
Warning signs
- Armed people block the road or stop your vehicle.
How to avoid it
- Plan journeys with an experienced guide.
- Check route conditions and security before departure.
- Keep valuables hidden and carry only what you need.
- Do not assume a bus journey is safe from robbery.
If it happens to you
Do not resist an armed robber or make sudden movements. Let belongings go if necessary. Seek help once you have reached a safe place.
- Get to safety. Do not chase a thief, resist an armed robber or argue with armed people.
- Check whether anyone is hurt. Seek medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Write down what happened once safe. Save receipts, payment records and details of missing items.
- Report the incident to police when safe and practical. If police were involved, contact your embassy for advice.
- Contact your embassy about a missing passport and notify your travel insurer. Keep any report reference or written record.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Central African Republic travel advice - GOV.UKThe FCDO reports that armed groups and bandits attack travellers at illegal roadblocks, stealing vehicles and injuring, kidnapping or killing passengers.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Central African Republic travel adviceCanadian authorities report armed robbery and carjackings on major roads, alongside theft and violence at roadblocks outside Bangui.Read on Government advice
- WebWikivoyageCentral African Republic – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community travel guide reports that armed robberies are common on roads throughout the country.Read on Web
Questions
What is the armed road robbery scam in Central African Republic?
Armed robbers target people travelling by road. Banditry and theft can affect bus journeys too. Armed groups also set up roadblocks that disrupt travel.
How can I spot it early?
Armed people block the road or stop your vehicle.
How do I avoid armed road robbery in Central African Republic?
Plan journeys with an experienced guide. Check route conditions and security before departure. Keep valuables hidden and carry only what you need. Do not assume a bus journey is safe from robbery.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist an armed robber or make sudden movements. Let belongings go if necessary. Seek help once you have reached a safe place.
Where in Central African Republic does this happen?
Roads across the country, including intercity travel routes
How common is this scam in Central African Republic?
Common. Checkpoint bribery and armed road robberies are common risks in the Central African Republic. Police may hold belongings until money is paid, and pickpockets outside Bangui airport may pose as helpers. Violent crime is also common in Bangui, even during daylight, so the risks go well beyond tourist scams.
Are there similar scams in Central African Republic?
Yes: airport pickpockets posing as helpers.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or robbery when it is safe and practical. Ask for a written record or reference for insurance purposes. Airport security: if theft happens outside Bangui airport, seek help from airport security once you are safe. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost or confiscated passport, or advice after an incident involving police. Your card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep payment records, evidence of loss and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck