Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the Central African Republic (CAR) due to Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[236] 21 61 0200; US Embassy in Bangui, Avenue David Dacko, PO Box 924, Bangui, Central African Republic; https://cf.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
236
Local Emergency Phone
police: +236 2161 3072, medical assistance: 114, firefighters: 118
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Central African Republic: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers
Currency (Code)
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (Central African CFA franc, XAF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, Sangho, tribal languages
Major Religions
Christian, Muslim, folk religion
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Boali Falls; Manovo-Gounda Saint Floris National Park; Bangui; Boganda Museum; Dzanga-Sangha National Park; Chinko Nature Reserve; Bouar Megaliths; Andre Felix National Park
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, rugby, boxing
Cultural Practices
Shaking hands is customary in the Central African Republic. Locals eat using their hands, so travelers are advised to eat with their hands out of respect. It is important to eat with the right hand, because the left is often considered unclean.
Tipping Guidelines
Tips of about 10% are customary for wait staff at restaurants. Small tips for hotel service staff are appreciated.
Souvenirs
Ebony wood carvings, native drums, handwoven baskets/mats, gold and gemstone jewelry, butterfly artwork
Traditional Cuisine
Makara — bread made from cassava flour
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
