To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
25open jobs
10organisations hiring
14violent events in 3 months
27deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
presidential republic
Current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power through an election in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020. In August 2023, a constitutional referendum was passed, which included the removal of presidential term limits. Presidential elections are due in 2025.
Protests, marches and demonstrations can happen with little notice and have encountered a strong police and security force presence. Protests have previously resulted in deaths and injuries. Protests have taken place in front of Western embassies as well as areas of political significance in the capital. If you are near any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should leave the area immediately. Stay alert and follow the local news, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning. Stay away from any blockades set up by the police and security forces.
If the authorities suspect you of engaging and supporting activities that break the law in Central African Republic, you could be detained.
Baya 28.8%, Banda 22.9%, Mandjia 9.9%, Sara 7.9%, M'Baka-Bantu 7.9%, Arab-Fulani (Peuhl) 6%, Mbum 6%, Ngbanki 5.5%, Zande-Nzakara 3%, other Central African Republic ethnic groups 2%, non-Central African Republic ethnic groups .1% (2003 est.)
French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages
Roman Catholic 34.6%, Protestant 15.7%, other Christian 22.9%, Muslim 13.8%, ethnic religionist 12%, Baha'i 0.2%, agnostic/atheist 0.7% (2020 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
enormous natural resources; extreme poverty; weak public institutions and infrastructure; political and gender-based violence have led to displacement of roughly 25% of population; Bangui-Douala corridor blockade reduced activity and tax collection; strong agricultural performance offset COVID-19 downturn
5.5 MPopulation2025
44.6 %Urban population2025
$556GDP per capita2025
4.5 %GDP growth2025
1 %Inflation2025
71.6 %Extreme poverty (international line)2021
6.3 %Unemployment2025
42.4 %Adult literacy2019
13.8 %Internet users2024
18.2 %Access to electricity2024
427,479internally displaced people2025
55,307refugees hosted2025
8,454asylum seekers2025
756,822refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees Centrafricaines, FACA): Army (includes an air squadron, Escadrille Centrafricaine)Ministry of Interior: National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale), National Police (2025)
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Central African Republic | 6 | 15 |
| Government of Russia | 3 | 5 |
| PRNC | 2 | 3 |
| LRA | 2 | 4 |
| AAKG | 1 | 2 |
| CPC | 1 | 6 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Central African Republic, including the areas of Bimbo, Begoua and Coline, except to the capital, Bangui.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
There is no British Embassy in the Central African Republic, and consular support is severely limited. The British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, can provide limited remote consular support to British nationals.
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 4 · August 5 · September 5
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nana-Mambéré | 3 | 5 | 1 | ▲ up |
| Mbomou | 2 | 4 | 1 | new |
| Ombella-M'Poko | 2 | 3 | 2 | new |
| Vakaga | 2 | 3 | 1 | ▼ down |
| Ouham | 1 | 6 | 0 | stable |
| Haut-Mbomou | 1 | 2 | 0 | ▼ down |
| Kémo | 1 | 2 | 2 | new |
| Haute-Kotto | 1 | 1 | 1 | new |
| Mambéré | 1 | 1 | 1 | new |
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Central African Republic, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power through an election in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020. In August 2023, a constitutional referendum was passed, which included the removal of presidential term limits. Presidential elections are due in 2025.
Protests, marches and demonstrations can happen with little notice and have encountered a strong police and security force presence. Protests have previously resulted in deaths and injuries. Protests have taken place in front of Western embassies as well as areas of political significance in the capital. If you are near any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should leave the area immediately. Stay alert and follow the local news, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning. Stay away from any blockades set up by the police and security forces.
If the authorities suspect you of engaging and supporting activities that break the law in Central African Republic, you could be detained.
Tensions remain high following decades of violence between the Central African Republic government and rebel groups. The security situation could worsen without notice.
Outside of Bangui, security conditions are extremely unstable. Armed groups continue to occupy areas in the north and south east of the country. Government services are limited outside of Bangui. There are ongoing incidents of armed conflict, banditry and hostage-taking.
Outside of Bangui there are frequent cases of:
Attacks are unpredictable and have taken place against UN peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and foreign mining companies. There are unidentified improvised explosive devices in the north west of the country.
Security conditions in Bangui are more stable with a significant presence of security forces, but could deteriorate rapidly.
If you decide to remain in the Central African Republic against FCDO advice, you should have confidence in your security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance, especially outside of Bangui.
Government security forces, UN peacekeepers, rebel groups and militias conduct armed patrols across the Central African Republic, including in Bangui. Armed personnel control roadblocks (both official and illegal) where you may be asked for a bribe. Take particular care when approaching these. Travel in groups if possible and avoid travelling at night.
It is common for the police and armed groups to arbitrarily search and detain people, mainly Central African nationals but also foreign nationals.
Theft and robbery are common, and armed gangs operate in the outlying areas of Bangui, especially in the PK5 district. Bandits often target foreign nationals, including humanitarian workers. Weapons are common and can cause normal disputes in establishments such as bars to escalate quickly.
Be alert to the risk of street crime, armed robbery and bribery at all times.Take care around:
You can take precautions such as:
Armed groups and bandits have used illegal roadblocks and have indiscriminately attacked travellers in remote areas. The attackers have burnt or stolen vehicles, and injured, kidnapped or killed passengers.
Always keep vehicle and personal identification documents with you while travelling by road. Lock vehicle doors, keep windows closed and avoid driving off main routes. Medical help in the event of an accident is likely to be limited.
You must always carry ID by law, such as a certified copy of your passport or a residence permit. The police can detain you if you do not have ID with you.
It is only legal to buy diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.
There are severe penalties for drug use and possession. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a long jail sentence.
You often need permission to take photos in public places. You may be detained, fined and have your camera confiscated for photographing government property, uniformed law enforcement officers or military installations and personnel.
It is not permitted to take photographs the authorities think damage the country’s image (for example, street children and people with disabilities).
You can get a permit for more serious photography from the Ministry of Tourism.
While homosexuality is not illegal, same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Central African society. LGBT+ travellers may face arrest for “public expressions of love”.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It is easier to exchange euros for Central African francs rather than US dollars. You can exchange traveller’s cheques at banks.
There are very few ATMs. Most places, including hotels, do not accept international credit or debit cards.
If you are planning to drive in the Central African Republic, see information on driving abroad.
Roads are in extremely poor condition, especially in the rainy season from May to November. Most roads are unpaved, may close at short notice and require a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Outside of Bangui, there are very few roads.
You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.
Keep a private supply of fuel, food and drink if possible, especially if you are travelling any distance outside of Bangui.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
During the rainy season from May to November, roads outside of Bangui can become impassable. Flooding in Bangui is common and has killed people and destroyed homes. There is a risk of being cut off by floods in areas outside the capital, particularly in northern regions. There is also a risk of flash flooding.
Earthquakes are a risk in the Central African Republic. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
57.7yearsLife expectancy2024
89.7per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
692per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
343.8per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.07per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2023
36.5 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 610600 or 117 and ask for an ambulance.
Emergency numbers are unreliable in the Central African Republic. The emergency services are unlikely to respond outside of Bangui.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in the Central African Republic, including:
On 15 May the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Due to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
There are very few healthcare facilities in the Central African Republic. Facilities in Bangui are very basic. Strikes by government workers have affected medical services and hospitals. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation, including medical evacuation by air ambulance.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Central African Republic where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Central African Republic.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in the Central African Republic set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris (in French).
To enter the Central African Republic, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
You must have a visa to visit the Central African Republic.
Apply for a visa through the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris (in French). Requirements can change at short notice, contact the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris for the latest requirements.
To pass border control in the Central African Republic, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations for the Central African Republic, see TravelHealthPro’s Central African Republic guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Central African Republic. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
There is an export tax on cultural artefacts.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in Central African RepublicFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Central African Republic, including the areas of Bimbo, Begoua and Coline, except to the capital, Bangui.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport.
3 events · 5 deaths · 1 civilian
2 events · 4 deaths · 1 civilian
2 events · 3 deaths · 2 civilians
2 events · 3 deaths · 1 civilian
1 event · 2 deaths
1 event · 1 death · 1 civilian
1 event · 2 deaths · 2 civilians
1 event · 1 death · 1 civilian
1 event · 6 deaths
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.