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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: November 8, 2006 11:46
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Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:55
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| Central African Republic |
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1. INTRODUCTION
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to this country. (IDW7)
On October 14, 2006, the Ministry of Interior has made a public statement to inform the population about some rumours regarding the presence of a rebel force that may attempt to bring instability in the current government by engaging in acts of violence and crime in the capital, Bangui. Canadians in Bangui should be extremely vigilant, maintain a high level of security awareness, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor developments as the situation unfolds. They should also keep in touch with the Consulate of Canada in Bangui or with the Embassy of Canada in Yaounde, Cameroon (see section 7 below).
Order has yet to be restored in much of the country outside the capital. Transborder rebel activity, armed attacks, banditry and kidnapping have recently intensified in the Northern and North Western provinces. The situation is particularly serious along the Sudanese, Chadian and Cameroonian borders, where disgruntled armed mercenaries control most villages. In these regions, instability tends to cause population movement.
The government's inability to pay civil servants' salaries represents potential motives for strikes, as well as political and social unrest throughout the country.
Military unrest is still common.
The Central African Republic closed its border with Sudan on April 14, 2006.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Travel outside of Bangui is still dangerous. The possibility of another outbreak of fighting cannot be ruled out. Regional wars have increased access to weapons, and armed attacks occur, often consisting of highway robbery. Overland points of entry are closed to tourists since no security arrangements are provided for foreigners travelling outside the capital. Security is unstable throughout the country. Foreigners are often the targets of armed gangs.
Street crime is common in downtown Bangui. Armed gangs operate in outlying residential areas, and robberies from expatriate residences occur. You should not go to the KM5 market. Victims of crime may have to pay to transport police officers to the scene due to a shortage of police vehicles. Demonstrations occur and should be avoided. Exercise caution at all times, ensure your personal belongings are secure, and do not show signs of affluence. It is recommended to carry only certified copies of your travel documents.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
All overland travel outside the capital should be done in a convoy of at least two vehicles.
Although remote areas can normally be accessed with four-wheel-drive vehicles, some roads may be impassable during the rainy season (May to October). In the event of an accident involving injuries, you should go to the nearest police station and contact the Consulate of Canada in Bangui. Police and military may set up roadblocks.
Roads are poor throughout the country, and the only paved roads lead out from Bangui 157 km northwest to Bossembélé, 188 km northeast to Sibut and 107 km southwest to M'Baiiki. Dirt roads can be closed for hours or for days during the wet season. Buses, trucks and minibuses are the normal means of transportation.
Fuel shortages are common. Fuel reserves are recommended when travelling.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
There is no rail network in operation.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from May to October and the dry season extends from December to April. Some roads may become impassable during the rainy season. The rainy season diminishes progressively to four months (June to September) as you head north. Flash floods are common during the rainy season. The temperature can reach 40°C in the north between February and May, and the humidity can be oppressive.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Penalties for drug use or possession are severe and may include a jail sentence.
A licence is required to buy or sell precious gems. Penalties are heavy for those involved in smuggling.
Photography of government buildings or police and military installations is prohibited. These sites may not be clearly marked. Ask permission before taking photographs.
Homosexual behaviour is illegal.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Central African Republic - BANGUI, Consulate of Canada
Address: Cabinet ARC, Bangui, Central African Republic
Postal Address: P.O. Box 514, Bangui, Central African Republic
Tel.: 236 61 30 39
Fax: 236 61 18 39
E-mail: consulatbangui@yahoo.fr
The High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé, Cameroon has consular responsibility for the Central African Republic. The address is as follows:
Cameroon - YAOUNDÉ, High Commission of Canada
Address: Immeuble SCI-TOM, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Postal Address: P.O. Box 572, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Tel.: 237 223-2311
Fax: 237 222-1090
E-mail: yunde@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.yaounde.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at (613) 996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Central African authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 28, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Central African Republic and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Central African Republic. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XAF), which is also used in Chad, Congo, Gabon and Equitorial Guinea. The West African CFA franc is not legal tender in the Central African Republic and can neither be used nor exchanged. Credit cards (VISA, the French Carte bleue) and traveller's cheques are accepted only in major hotels in Bangui (Sofitel, Central Hotel and Somba Hotel). It is recommended that traveller's cheques be issued in euros.
The exchange rate for cash is much lower than for traveller's cheques, but the banks that change cheques charge commissions. Bangui and Berbérati are the only cities where you can change money.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Central African Republic (capital: Bangui) is located in central Africa, bordering Chad, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and Cameroon. The official language is French. The Dzanga-Sangha National Park, a primeval rain forest, is located in the South Western region. Tourist facilities are not widely available.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring the continuing outbreak of poliomyelitis (polio) in the Central African Republic.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are poor to non-existent outside Bangui. Medicines are scarce and sanitary conditions are poor.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is very common and makes swimming unsafe everywhere. Water used for consumption should be primarily boiled or otherwise sterilized.
As the rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high in Central African Republic, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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