Central African Republic travel advice
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Last updated: ET
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- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
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Risk level
Central African Republic - AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Avoid all travel to the Central African Republic due to unstable security conditions and violent crime.
Safety and security
Security situation
The political and security situation remains unstable in the Central African Republic. Military operations are regularly taking place throughout the country and armed criminal groups are committing acts of violence in several regions. The security situation is more stable in Bangui but could deteriorate rapidly.
Security forces cannot guarantee the safety of civilians. Humanitarian workers, travellers and foreigners have been targeted, especially outside Bangui.
If you are in the Central African Republic despite this advisory, take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Security conditions are fragile and can deteriorate suddenly. The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance in the Central African Republic is extremely limited.
Curfew
Armed groups are present throughout the country. To stabilize the situation, local authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew, in effect from 12 am to 5 am, except in Bangui, where there is no curfew.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur, particularly during election periods. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
- Avoid movement in the event of civil unrest
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Crime
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently. In Bangui, be particularly vigilant in the PK5 district and its surroundings.
During your trip:
- be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- keep your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents in a secure place
- avoid showing signs of affluence, wearing expensive jewellery or visibly displaying electronics
- do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
- avoid walking alone after dark
Violent crime
Violent crime occurs frequently, particularly at night, outside Bangui and on major roads. Incidents include:
- armed robbery
- assault, including sexual assault
- home invasions
- burglary
- carjackings
During your trip:
- do not travel at night
- stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
- keep doors and windows locked at all times
- do not leave valuables within reach or in plain sight
- avoid isolated areas
- do not resist an attack
Kidnapping
Armed groups and criminals target foreigners, employees of international organizations and Central African nationals. The risk is particularly high outside of Bangui.
Women’s safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.
2SLGBTQI+ persons
Central African law does not explicitly criminalize sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could face arrest under other charges, such as “public indecency,” which is punishable by up to 2 years in prison.
Homosexuality is not socially accepted.
2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to the Central African Republic.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Roads
Road safety
There are major road safety issues in the Central African Republic. Armed and criminal groups are present on roads outside Bangui. Fatal accidents are common and often involve pedestrians. Police and emergency services are limited in Bangui and unavailable outside the capital.
Roadblocks
In Bangui, police and military roadblocks are set up at night to control crime. However, drivers are regularly extorted by security forces.
Outside Bangui, armed groups and criminals frequently set up roadblocks. There have been cases of theft, assault and violence.
- Avoid travelling at night, including in Bangui
- Avoid all road travel outside Bangui
Road conditions
Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. The only paved roads are those from Bangui to Bossembélé, Sibut and Mbaïki. During the rainy season, from May to October, road conditions deteriorate to the point that dirt roads may be impassable for several days.
Driving habits
Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws and speeding is common. Priority is not given to pedestrians or other drivers. Drinking and driving is common.
If you plan to travel by car, consider hiring a driver.
If you choose to drive in the Central African Republic:
- always drive defensively
- always keep doors and windows closed and locked
- never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk
- consider using a four-wheel drive vehicle during the rainy season
Public transport
Public transport services are limited and unsafe. Avoid using them.
Taxis
Taxis are frequently involved in traffic accidents. Passengers are sometimes mugged or robbed by taxi drivers.
If you must take a taxi:
- ask for your taxi at the front desk if you’re using hotel services
- only use registered taxis
- make sure the driver does not pick up other passengers on the way to your destination
- ask the driver to start the meter or negotiate the fare in advance
- have small bills available for payment
Power outages
Access to the electricity network is very limited outside Bangui. Power outages occur regularly throughout the country. Not all buildings are equipped with generators.
Power outages impact essential services, such as:
- public lighting and traffic lights
- medical services
- the public water supply
- telecommunications
Fuel shortages
Fuel shortages occur regularly.
Local authorities may impose rationing measures for fuel. These measures may lead to the reduction of essential services and line-ups at gas stations.
- Never let your tank go lower than half-full
- Ensure access to fuel
- Plan your car trips accordingly
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Entry and exit requirements
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Central African authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Central African Republic.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Measles: Advice for travellers - 13 November, 2025
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 12 May, 2025
- Polio: Advice for travellers - 24 September, 2025
This section has information and advice about health risks you might face when travelling. Following this advice can help reduce your risk of getting sick. Not all risks are listed here.
It's best to talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.
Routine vaccines
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.
These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.
Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.
The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is recommended.
- Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to arrange for vaccination.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Rabies
In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).
Polio
Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country.
Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.
Recommendations:
- Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
- One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult.
Measles
Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads easily. It spreads through the air, and can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. You can also get measles by direct contact with an infected person or by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from measles. In Canada, the measles vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule. If you’re unsure whether you’re protected, talk to a healthcare provider.
Learn more:
Meningococcal disease
This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection.
Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease. Most of the time, it spreads when people are in close contact with others who are infected with the virus. It spreads through respiratory particles, or through an infected surface or object.
Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from developing serious complications from COVID-19. Talk to a healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccine before travelling. Evidence shows that the COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
In addition to vaccination, use personal protective measures to help protect yourself and others.
Learn more :
Vaccine for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated
COVID-19: Spread, prevention and risks
Influenza
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
- In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Malaria
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.
Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.
Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:
- Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
- Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
- Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
- Wear permethrin-treated clothing.
If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.
Safe food and water precautions
Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:
- Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
- Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated
- Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs
Travellers' diarrhea
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Schistosomiasis
There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and rural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.
Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.
Tick and insect bite prevention
Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.
To protect yourself from bites:
- use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
- wear socks and closed-toe shoes
- sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
- do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities
Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents
African trypanosomiasis
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a tsetse fly. Tsetse flies usually bite during the day and the bites are usually painful. If untreated, the disease is eventually fatal. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from bites especially in game parks and rural areas. Avoid wearing bright or dark-coloured clothing as these colours attract tsetse flies. There is no vaccine available for this disease.
Chikungunya
There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:
- season
- year
- region
- elevation
The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
Insect bite and pest prevention
A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya is approved in Canada. Talk to your healthcare provider about how best to prevent chikungunya, including the benefits and risks of vaccination based on factors such as your age, itinerary and personal preferences.
Learn more:
Dengue
- In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue.
Learn more:
Dengue
Insect bite and pest prevention
Rift Valley fever
Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.
Onchoceriasis
Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is an eye and skin disease caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected female blackfly. Onchocerciasis often leads to blindness if left untreated. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from blackfly bites, which are most common close to fast-flowing rivers and streams. There is no vaccine available for onchocerciasis although drug treatments exist.
Zika virus
Zika virus is a risk in this country.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
During your trip:
- Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
- Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.
For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Animal precautions
Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.
Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:
- travelling in rural or forested areas
- camping, hiking, or visiting caves
- visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets
To reduce your risk of getting sick:
- avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
- stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
- avoid eating undercooked meat
Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.
Mpox
Mpox (monkeypox) is a risk in this country. It is a viral disease that can cause serious illness in some circumstances. Risk is generally low for most travellers.
Mpox spreads in 3 ways:
- from animals to humans through direct contact or by eating or preparing undercooked meat of infected animals or coming into contact with an infected animal's body fluids
- from person to person through close contact, including direct contact with the skin lesions, blood, body fluids, or mucosal surfaces (such as eyes, mouth, throat, genitalia, anus, or rectum) of an infected person
- through direct contact with contaminated objects such as bedding and towels, or by sharing personal objects used by an infected person
Follow recommended public health measures and avoid contact with animals such as rodents and primates to help prevent getting or spreading the infection.
Person-to-person infections
When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:
- staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
- wearing a well-fitting mask, especially:
- if you’re sick and need to be around others
- when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
- cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
- covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures
To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:
- get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
- practise safer sex methods
- use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.
Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Health care is very limited and is only available in Bangui. The quality of care is not at the same level as in Canada. Hospitals lack medical supplies and equipment. Medical expenses must generally be paid for before treatment.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Health and safety outside Canada
Medication
Some prescription medications may not be available in the Central African Republic.
- Bring enough medication for your stay
- Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
- Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Trading of precious stones
You must obtain a government licence to buy or sell precious stones. Those accused of smuggling face heavy fines.
Photography
It’s illegal to photograph:
- government buildings
- military and police facilities
- the presidential palace
- airports
- power plants
Power plants may not be clearly marked. Unauthorized photography may result in immediate seizure of your equipment by authorities. Never photograph people without their permission.
Identification
Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time.
- Always carry valid photo identification or a notarized copy of it
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa in a safe place in case they’re lost or seized
- Keep a digital copy of your identification and travel documents
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Central African Republic.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Central African Republic, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the Central African Republic.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Central African Republic by an abducting parent:
- act as quickly as you can
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in the Central African Republic to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Useful links
- International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
- Children and travel
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Request emergency assistance
Driving
To drive in the Central African Republic, you must have an International Driving Permit along your valid Canadian driver’s licence.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe and can include jail time.
Traffic accidents can quickly draw large crowds. Remain calm if there is a dispute, particularly in a public place. If you feel threatened by a crowd, ask the local police to intervene.
Money
The currency in the Central African Republic is the African Financial Community franc (XAF). The economy is cash-based. Only Bangui’s major hotels accept credit cards. ATMs are only available in a few banks and hotels in Bangui.
You can only exchange currency in Bangui and Berbérati.
Natural disasters and climate
Climate change
Climate change is affecting the Central African Republic. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.
Rainy season
The rainy season extends from May to October. As you head north in the country, the length of the rainy season gradually decreases to four months, from June to September. Flash floods are common during this season. Some roads may become impassible and floods may cause extensive material damage. If you are in the Central African Republic during the rainy season:
- stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- follow the instructions of local authorities
Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 117
- medical assistance: 114
- firefighters: 118
Consular assistance
Bangui - Honorary consul of Canada
Yaoundé - High Commission of Canada
Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon
For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé, Cameroon and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
Risk Levels
Take normal security precautions
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
Exercise a high degree of caution
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Avoid non-essential travel
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
Avoid all travel
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
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