The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19. For more information, see the Department’s Global Health Advisory.
April 2 Update
The Ministry of Health of the Central African Republic (CAR) has confirmed there are cases of COVID-19 in the country.
The government of CAR closed the Bangui airport, with exceptions for commercial, humanitarian, medevac, and technical stops. If you need assistance departing the country, please contact us at BanguiConsular@state.gov.
We are monitoring the potential for an Ethiopian Air/Asky charter flight from Bangui to Lome at the end of this week or the beginning of next. For details, please contact Asky directly. If you need assistance departing the country, please contact us at BanguiConsular@state.gov.
The government of CAR has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. The government of CAR established a coronavirus hotline (French and Sango) – call 1212 if you have questions or to report possible exposure.
- Anyone coming from a country with local-transmission of COVID-19 is banned from entering (exceptions: Central African citizens, diplomats, and NGOs.
- Preschools, schools, and universities are closed
- Bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes, and refreshment stalls are closed
- Gatherings of more than 15 (including religious services) are banned; weddings and funerals are limited to close family members
- Self-quarantine of 21 days (increased from 14 days) is mandatory for any person entering CAR from a location with local transmission of COVID-19. (see “Actions to Take” below)
- Quarantined individuals are banned from leaving their domicile
- Movements are restricted outside of Bangui (exceptions for MINUSCA and humanitarians)
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic. For emergency American Citizens Services, please visit our website for additional information.
On March 18, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. personnel in Bangui.
Visit the local government COVID-19 website http://www.msp-centrafrique.net/ for updated information.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the World Health Organization’s daily sitrep to determine if a country has local transmission
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Central African Republic.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Bangui, Central African Republic
Ave. David Dacko
Bangui, CAR
Phone: (236) 2161 – 0200
Fax: (236) 2161 – 4494
BanguiConsular@state.gov
https://cf.usembassy.gov/ - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Central African Republic Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook
Country-Specific Information:
- The Central African Republic has confirmed 8 cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
- There are confirmed cases of local transmission
- On March 18, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees in Bangui.
- The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic. For emergency American Citizens Services, please visit our website for additional information.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Anyone coming from a country with local-transmission of COVID-19 is banned from entering (exceptions: Central African citizens, diplomats, and NGOs)
- Medical personnel are stationed at the country’s primary point of entry, Bangui’s M’Poko International Airport, taking infrared temperatures of arriving passengers along with reviewing coronavirus-specific questionnaires.
- The airport is closed (except for humanitarian, medevac, and technical stops)
- We are working closely with the State Department on the possibility of an evacuation flight. Please monitor our website and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to be sure to receive the latest information.
Quarantine Information:
- The Ministry of Health requested all public hospitals in Bangui to prepare one isolation room each for suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients. In addition, an Italian construction firm will be renovating six rooms at a local hospital, to be used as Bangui’s infectious disease isolation facility. The facility, with Italian NGO funding, will be reportedly ready for occupancy by mid-March.
- Self-quarantine of 21 days is mandatory for any person entering CAR from a location with local transmission of COVID-19.
- Quarantined individuals are banned from leaving their domicile
Local Resources:
- CAR Ministry of Health website: http://www.msp-centrafrique.net/
