Central African Republic - Consular Information Sheet
February 18, 1994

Country Description:  The Central African Republic is a developing African 
country.  Facilities for tourism are limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  For further 
information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the 
Central African Republic, 1618 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 
telephone (202) 462-4009.

Areas of Instability:  The potential for sporadic disturbances is widespread 
in the country.

Political Disturbances:  Although no specific threats have been directed 
against U.S. citizens, political demonstrations in the capital city of 
Bangui have occasionally led to violence and looting.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in the Central African Republic are 
limited.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for 
health services.  Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United 
States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved to be useful.  For additional information on health matters, 
travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime such as pickpocketing is common.  There 
have been attacks by armed highway bandits on motorists in the central and 
northern part of the country, which have resulted in the wounding or death 
of both foreigners and Africans.  Bandits are reported to be active in the 
central and northern part of the country.  Walking in the capital, Bangui, 
at any time of the day or night is unsafe, and only motorized transport 
should be used for travel within the city.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately 
to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The 
pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan 
Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Border Crossings:  There are three ferry crossing points for overland 
traffic between the Central African Republic and Zaire.  They are located at 
Bangui, Mobaye and Bangassou.  Beginning in the summer of 1993, the crossing 
points at Bangui and Mobaye have been closed to overland tourist traffic on 
the direct order of President Mobutu of Zaire for security reasons.  The 
ferry crossing point at Bangassou is not affected and remains open.  The 
ferry serving that crossing point has, however, a history of breaking and 
can be down for weeks at a time, waiting for someone to pay for repairs.  In 
the event it is not functioning, overland groups will be stranded on either 
side of the border, unable to use the other working, but restricted, ferry 
crossing points.  Local citizens are not affected by these orders, but may 
also be temporarily stranded at times.

Prohibition on Photography:  Taking photographs of police or military 
installations, as well as government buildings, is prohibited.  These 
official buildings and installations are often unmarked.  Unauthorized 
photography may result in seizure of photographic equipment by Central 
African Republic authorities.  Police or other government authorities can 
provide information and grant permission for photographing a particular 
subject or location.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Bangui can 
obtain updated information on travel and security in the Central African 
Republic.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of Bangui 
at Avenue David Dacko, B.P. 924; telephone (236) 61-02-00, 61-25-78, 61-43-
33, and 61-02-10.  The fax number is (236) 61-44-94.

No. 94-019

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to add 
information on border crossings between the Central African Republic and 
Zaire.