Travel advisory · Central African RepublicGovernments advise against all travel to Central African Republic.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Bimbo · avoid all travel · France, UK
- Bangui · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
Also named by one government: Bamingui-Bangoran (Italy), Begoua (UK), Coline (UK), Nana-Grebizi (Italy), Vakaga (Italy), 3rd arrondissement of Bangui (PK5) and surroundings (France), Bossangoa (Italy), Bouar (Italy), Bozum (Italy), Cameroon border areas (Italy), Colline aux Panthères (France), Douala-Bangui axis (Italy), Lobaye (Italy), Mambere-Kadei (Italy), Ombella-Mpoko (Italy), Sangha-Mbaere (Italy), Sibut (Italy)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | Advises against all travel to the whole country except Bangui | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Do not travel | Jan 15, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Avoid all travel | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Reisewarnung: Vor Reisen wird gewarnt | Oct 22, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Do not travel | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Formellement déconseillée sur l'ensemble du territoire (hors Bangui et Bimbo) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Bangui
Bangui is the capital of the Central African Republic, a river city on the Ubangi with markets, a cathedral and access to the country's national parks.
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Bangui is the capital of the Central African Republic, a landlocked country in Central Africa. The city sits on the north bank of the Ubangi River, which forms the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo across the water. The central market and the riverside streets are good places to start, and the cathedral is one of the city's best-known buildings. The streets, churches and neighborhoods along the river give a clear sense of how the capital works day to day.
People come to Bangui for work, as a stop on an overland route, or as a base for trips to the national parks and reserves, which lie far from the capital and need planning. Before you book, check current government travel advice for the Central African Republic and arrange transport and lodging in advance. Plan to move around in daylight. The dry season, roughly December to March, is the easiest time to get around. Plan a short stay in the city before you head into the wider country.
Bangui in five
- Check security advice before you bookArmed conflict and serious security incidents have affected the Central African Republic for years. Read your government's current travel advice before you book, and again before you fly.
- Get a visa before you flyMost passports need a visa for the Central African Republic. Apply through an embassy or consulate well ahead of your flight.Visas and entry
- Carry cash in CFA francsCards may not work in Bangui, so bring enough cash to cover the trip and change it on arrival. Keep the cash split between several places on you.Money and costs
- Set up a phone plan before you landMobile coverage is patchy outside the capital. Arrange an eSIM or local SIM before you leave home so you can reach your lodging and contacts.Phones and eSIM
- Book your airport transfer in advanceArrange the ride from Bangui M'Poko airport with your lodging before you land.Getting around
Need to know
- Currency
- Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Entry
- Visa needed for most passports; check with the embassy before you book
- Emergency
- Confirm local numbers with your lodging or embassy before you travel
- Tipping
- Ask your lodging or guide what is customary before you pay
- Time
- UTC+1, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, dusty
- FebruaryDry, harmattan haze
- MarchDry, hot
- AprilHot, rains start
- MayRainy season
- JuneRainy season
- JulyRainy, humid
- AugustRainy, humid
- SeptemberPeak rain
- OctoberRains easing
- NovemberDry season starts
- DecemberDry, harmattan
Right now in Bangui
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 91%
- Wind
- 2 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 69%
Bangui
11:03 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today32°21°69%Monday: Fog. High 32°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Tue34°23°67%Tuesday: Rain. High 34°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Wed32°23°61%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Thu31°23°69%Thursday: Rain. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Fri29°22°49%Friday: Fog. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 49%.
- Sat31°22°67%Saturday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Sun29°23°53%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 53%.
Updated 09:21 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 587.8 XAF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Boali fallstravel time depends on road conditionsA waterfall on the Mbali River, a common outing from Bangui when road conditions allow.
- Mbaïkitravel time depends on road conditionsThe capital of Lobaye prefecture, on the road south-west of Bangui.
- Ubangi river banka short taxi ride from the centerWalk or drive along the bank for views of the river and its traffic.
Before you go to Bangui
Rules for Bangui, checked
- The security situation in the Central African Republic has been unstable for years. Check your government's current advice before you book.Source
- Declare large sums of cash at customs on arrival and departure. Check the current limit with customs before you travel.
- Do not photograph checkpoints, government buildings or the airport without asking first.
- Medical care in Bangui is limited. Carry your insurance details and emergency contacts at all times.
Plan around Bangui
The country guide for a Bangui trip
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa rules and how to apply for a Bangui trip
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, CFA francs and typical prices for a day in Bangui
Read the guidePhones and eSIMCoverage outside the capital and how to stay online
Read the guideWhere to stayLodging options and areas to base yourself in Bangui
Read the guideGetting aroundAirport transfers, taxis and leaving the city by road
Read the guideBangui FAQ
Is Bangui safe to visit?
Security has been unstable for years. Read your government's current advice before you book and check that your insurance covers the trip.
How do you get to Bangui?
By air to Bangui M'Poko International Airport, the city's airport. Airlines and routes change, so check current flights before you book.
How many days do you need in Bangui?
The city has few fixed sights, so plan your time around your work, contacts or the trip you are making from it.
When is the best time to visit Bangui?
December to March, in the dry season. Harmattan dust can haze the air in these months.
What language do you need in Bangui?
French is the official language and Sango is widely spoken. Learn a few French greetings, since English is less common.