Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

Central African Republic

  • Reviewed: 14 July 2022, 12:44 NZST
  • Still current at: 29 March 2024

Related news features

COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) due to the unstable security situation, activities of armed rebel groups and the high level of violent crime (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders currently in CAR are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

New Zealanders who remain in CAR against our advice should avoid any unnecessary travel, keep a low profile, maintain a high degree of personal security awareness and take all possible security precautions to protect their safety. We recommend ensuring you have adequate stocks of essential supplies on hand, and monitor media reports and local information sources closely to keep up to date on the security situation. 

View Larger Map Close/Open map

Central African Republic

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
There is sustained violence in CAR and the security situation is unstable and dangerous. Rebel activity, inter-communal tensions and lawlessness is prevalent throughout the country and despite the presence of international peacekeeping forces the potential for sectarian violence remains high.

The security situation in the capital, Bangui, remains fragile and there continue to be reports of violence, killing and looting.

Violent Crime
In the absence of effective law and order, levels of violent crime in CAR, including armed robbery, banditry and sexual assault, are very high. Foreigners, including aid workers and peacekeepers, have been the targets of violence and kidnapping in the past. We strongly advise against travelling after dark or walking alone in isolated areas.

Travel outside Bangui is dangerous. Armed patrols operate in many areas and there have been attacks on travellers, vehicles and convoys, resulting in deaths. Illegal road blocks are used in some areas to extort money from travellers through bogus fines or intimidation. Road block operators may resort to violence in attempts to obtain money or possessions.

The security situation in border areas, especially with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is particularly dangerous. Land borders and crossings may not be open to tourists and may close at short notice.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in CAR, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to the CAR should consider.

New Zealanders travelling or living in CAR should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel to CAR as exclusions are likely to apply.

Due to the ongoing situation in CAR, access to medical treatment is limited and there are shortages of even the most basic medications and medical supplies. 

New Zealanders who decide to travel or live in CAR against our advice are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

Share this page:

Related News features

Related advice from other countries

Share this page:

Other pages in this section: