Travel Smart
Honest, sourced guidance so you travel confident. Most of any country is calmer than the headlines suggest.
Safety
Countrywide advisory (Government of Canada)
Do not travelAvoid all travel
Source: Government of Canada · Verified 2026-07-26
Bangui (with extreme caution)
Reconsider travelThe capital is volatile; armed groups, banditry, and inter-communal violence are ongoing. Carjackings and armed robbery occur. Avoid at night; stick to main areas.
Avoid: PK5 district, certain suburbs, central markets after dark, military checkpoints (often sources of harassment).
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
Eastern CAR (Bambara-Bangoran, Haut-Mbomou)
Do not travelArmed groups control vast areas; banditry and conflict are constant. No meaningful state presence; violence against civilians is routine. Avoid entirely.
Avoid: All eastern provinces.
Source: US State Department · Verified 2026-07-06
Northern and western regions
Reconsider travelBanditry, armed group activity, and minimal government control. Travel is dangerous; permits are often required. UNHCR and NGO presence indicates instability.
Avoid: Remote border areas; travel only with armed escort if absolutely necessary.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
South-central (Ombella-Mpoko, Lobaye) to protected areas
Exercise increased cautionSafer than north/east but still volatile. Dzanga-Sangha Reserve is accessible; hire reliable guides and travel in groups. Security can deteriorate rapidly.
Avoid: Night travel; isolated areas without guides.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
5 zones rated separately against Government of Canada, UK FCDO, US State Department. Oldest check on this page: 6 July 2026.
Emergency Contacts
Police Nationale
police · Bangui
SAMU (emergency medical)
ambulance · Bangui
Hopital Communautaire (public)
hospital · Bangui
Clinique Riad (private)
hospital · Bangui