Safety and Security

Indiscriminate violence and looting followed the March 2013 overthrow of the Government of the CAR, and the newly elected transitional government has been unable to provide for security in the capital Bangui or elsewhere in the CAR. Armed clashes between Christian and Muslim militias frequently result in bloodshed. In the absence of basic law and order, criminality has sharply risen. United Nations, French, and European Union peacekeepers are present in CAR, the capital has led to several casualties by stray bullets, and easily accessible hand grenades have been used indiscriminately on civilians.  

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in the CAR from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind you that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations. You should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Armed rebel groups, bandits, and poachers present real dangers, and the Central African government is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in most parts of the country.

There have been repeated attacks on Central African and expatriate travelers throughout the CAR over the last 10 years. Armed militias have targeted Westerners for attack, along with individuals who are known to work for foreign missions and international organizations. The continued presence of the Lord’s Resistance Army in eastern CAR poses a safety and security threat. Bandits, militias, and armed group activity throughout the country also threaten the security of residents and travelers. Travel in the interior is strongly discouraged.

Bangui itself, in addition to ongoing insecurity, also suffers from severely limited transport and medical options. Armed actors staff checkpoints throughout the city, frequently harassing local and expatriate travelers for bribes, and impeding the work of peace-keeping forces. The U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to the CAR. Please see the Department of State’s Travel Warning for the CAR for more information.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow us on Twitter, the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and U.S. Embassy Bangui’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before travel to consider your personal security and review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

CRIME: Crime remains a concern in the capital and has increased since the March 2013 overthrow of the government. You should exercise extreme caution while traveling around the city and its immediate environs. Petty theft remains a problem in large market areas, particularly in the crowded markets near KM 5 on the outskirts of the city. Armed gangs may operate in outlying residential areas. During periods of civil unrest and conflict citizens engage in violent, sometimes deadly, demonstrations which include widespread looting, burning of buildings, and blocking of roads. In the interior of the country, there are frequent reports of armed robbery and kidnapping by highway bandits (called “coupeurs de routes” or “zaraguinas”), especially during the December to May dry season. When a crime does occur in Bangui, the victim may have to pay to send a vehicle to pick up police officers due to the shortage of police vehicles and fuel. 

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In the CAR, this is the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, or the French Embassy in Bangui. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in the Central African Republic is 117, and you can call the Gendarmerie at 2161-2200.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.