Central African Republic
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 610600 or 117 and ask for an ambulance.
Emergency numbers are unreliable in the Central African Republic. The emergency services are unlikely to respond outside of Bangui.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Health risks and recommended vaccines
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for the Central African Republic
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Go to TravelHealthPro to see risks you’ll face in the Central African Republic, including:
- yellow fever
- malaria
- cholera
- Zika virus
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in the Central African Republic
There are very few healthcare facilities in the Central African Republic. Facilities in Bangui are very basic. Strikes by government workers have affected medical services and hospitals. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation, including medical evacuation by air ambulance.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Central African Republic where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Central African Republic.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.