Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Health
- Additional information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security Status
Do not travel
Latest Travel Alert
The security situation in the Central African Republic is fluid. It can deteriorate significantly within a short period of time. Citizens of Ireland who consider it absolutely essential to remain in the country should be constantly vigilant and limit their non-essential movement within the Central African Republic. Armed militia may establish road blocks and detain persons. Adequate and continuous professional security arrangements are advised and should be regularly reviewed.
A curfew is operational between 22.00 and 05.00 and should be followed, as well as other government regulations on movement and travel that are periodically issued.
Health and travel advice issued by the local authorities in Central African Republic should be followed and monitored in the local media.
As there is no Embassy of Ireland or Consulate in the Central African Republic, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. If you in the Central African Republic you should Register your details with us. If you need consular assistance, please contact Consular Assistance at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at +353 1 408 2000
COVID-19 and Yellow Fever Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for the Central African Republic can change at short notice, including in respect of COVID-19. It is advisable to travel with a valid negative COVID-19 test result that has been issued within 48 hours. Non-vaccinated persons entering the country may be asked to provide a PCR test result within 72 hours. A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required to enter or transit the country. If transiting through a third country, you should also check the travel advice for that country too.
General Travel Advice
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to the Central African Republic at this time due to uncertain security conditions and the activities of armed groups. While the situation is more stable in Bangui, in situations of civil unrest, the road network, borders and airports may close to travellers at short notice.
Irish citizens require a visa to enter the Central African Republic. The nearest embassy of the Central African Republic is in France at 30 rue des Perchamps, 75116 Paris.
A valid passport is required for travel to Central African Republic. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from the country. Passport cards cannot be used.
Visitors to Central African Republic are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.
Consult a doctor or a travel health facility at least six weeks ahead of travel to get advice on the vaccines and medicines that you may require for travel to the Central African Republic.
Citizens of Ireland can also follow the Department of Foreign Affairs on social media @dfatravelwise to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.
Emergency Assistance
The best help is often close at hand if you have problems, try talking initially to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
Specific emergency numbers are:
- Police: 117
- Fire brigade: 118
- Ambulance: 1220
Our tips for Safe Travel:
- Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities, as well as medical evacuation.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
EU Directive on Consular Protection
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Unrest
The security status in the Central African Republic is extremely dangerous security status and there is a very high threat of terrorist attacks.
Terrorism
The Central African Republic is experiencing a prolonged period of political instability with reports of high levels of serious crime and human rights abuses across the country.
Demonstrations
Public gatherings and areas where demonstrations may occur should be avoided as they are liable to turn violent.
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Health
Health
Health
Get travel and medical insurance
Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Vaccinations
Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.
Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.
Medication
Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.
Additional information
Additional information
Entry requirements
If you are unsure about the entry requirements for the Central African Republic, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate.
You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.
Passports
It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to the Central African Republic and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.
If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.
What we can do:
- Issue you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
- Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.
We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in the Central African Republic there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.
You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
Please contact our Consular Assistance Unit if you need guidance on the nearest assistance and we will help you as best we can.
Our number is: +353 1 408 2000.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Iveagh House
80 St Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
D02 VY53
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 408 2000
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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