Getting In and Around

Visas: You can either obtain a visa from a Central African Republic embassy before entering the country, or buy a visa at the airport for $100. Also necessary are a valid passport and a yellow fever vaccination card.
 
Transportation: It is possible to fly into Bangui on Air France, along with several African carriers. In theory, it is possible to drive into the Central African Republic from neighboring countries, but traveling through Sudan, Chad, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo is highly inadvisable. Due to a recent cholera outbreak, driving in through Cameroon can be dangerous. If you decide to undertake the drive, make sure to have a Carte du Sejour (a residency card for short- and long-term travelers) from both Cameroon and the Central African Republic, along with your visa.
 
Although most roads are unpaved, those connecting the Central African Republic’s major towns are very reliable in the dry season. Buses run between the main towns, but motor vehicles are generally not used outside of urban areas. If you are considering driving outside of the cities, carry gas and spare parts.

Safety and Security

The U.S. Department of State’s dedicated page on the Central African Republic has a wealth of information that we strongly urge you to read before making plans to travel to the country. The Department has issued a travel warning for the Central African Republic, particularly emphasizing the dangers of traveling outside of Bangui.
 
Within Bangui, stay as alert as you would in any developing country: avoid night travel, and keep your valuables close. The military and civilian police (along with scammers imitating them) have set up checkpoints throughout the city and will often use these to demand bribes, especially from foreigners. Keep a certified copy of your passport with you at all times.
 
Additionally, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation has created a security ratings system called the Ibrahim Index, according to scores based on each country’s quality of government. This information can be useful for planning.