Central African Republic
Central Africa · Africa
- Capital
- Bangui
- Currency
- Central African CFA Franc (XAF FCFA)
- Language
- French and Sango (official)
- Timezone
- UTC+1
- Safety rating
- 1.5/10
- Best time to visit
- The drier months from December to March offer the best conditions, though security severely restricts travel year-round.
Overview
Landlocked in the heart of the continent, CAR holds extraordinary wilderness, including the gorilla- and elephant-rich Dzanga-Sangha rainforest. It is one of Africa's least-developed and least-visited nations, with rich Sango culture and dense jungle. Sadly, persistent conflict makes most of it inaccessible to travelers.
Visa requirements
Visas are required for nearly all travelers and must be arranged in advance through a consulate; yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.
Safety information
The Central African Republic experiences ongoing armed conflict and most governments advise against all travel. Kidnapping, armed groups and lawlessness affect much of the country, including areas around Bangui.
Travel tips
Bring all the CFA and US-dollar cash you need, as banking is minimal and unreliable. French and Sango are essential, and you should travel only with trusted local contacts or specialist operators. Communications are limited, so arrange reliable contacts and monitor security constantly.