Centralafrikanska Republiken

Översikt

The Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the most insecure countries in the world. CAR can be classified as a failing state. Since independence, the country has witnessed instability and civil war. Even with the support of troops from France, the government only effectively controls the capital city and even there crime rates are high. Criminal gangs are operating throughout the city. Democratic elections were held in 2005, but didn’t change the situation. Outside the capital, rebel movements and bandits are often in control of swathes of the country. In particular along the northern and western border with Cameroon and Chad, violence, kidnapping, robbery and murder is very common. Embroiled in sectarian conflict and a vacuum of government authority, militias roam the countryside. The capital, Bangui, is secured only by a deployment of international troops under the aegis of the UN. Among various rifts, Christian anti-Balaka militias are fighting against predominantly Muslim forces from the Seleka coalition. A simmering civil war escalated in 2013 after Seleka, a loosely-organised northern rebel alliance, overthrew the administration of President Francois Bozize. The installation of Seleka leader Michel Djotodia as president failed to calm the situation, as Seleka fighters acted with complete impunity, leading to the collapse of state authority and a major humanitarian catastrophe. The situation has begun to stabilise with the deployment of African Union forces. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccinations are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for CAR.

The following vaccinations are recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Typhoid and Tetanus-Diphtheria. It is also recommended to get vaccination for meningococcal meningitis, which is common during the dry season in December, in particular in the north of the country. A Certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination is required.

The use of anti-malaria medicine (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of CAR. Hepatitis E and cholera are known to occur in CAR and hepatitis B is hyper-endemic.

Travel Diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem. Take all the necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country. Only drink water from sealed bottles. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Schistosomiasis is also present. Contact with fresh water should be avoided.

Medical facilities are extremely limited in CAR and medication is often unavailable. Sanitation is poor and the majority of doctors and hospitals expect payment in advance regardless of travel insurance, which is essential and should include medical evacuation. Outside of the capital, medical facilities are generally unavailable.

Pass

Passports valid for six months after your date of entry are required for the Central African Republic.

Visum

Visa requirements for visits to the Central African Republic are dependent on nationality and in all instances visitors are advised to contact their embassy or consulate to enquire about their individual travel document necessities. The cost of a visa also varies according to nationality.

Business visas are generally issued for stays of up to three months in the country and should be sought from your nearest Central African Republic consular office prior to travelling to the country.

Business travellers are required to submit a business letter of responsibility to be typewritten on company letterhead.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/