
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Central African Republic
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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - CAUTION
 May 29, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise
caution when traveling to the Central African Republic [C.A.R.].
Although there are no specific threats directed at American citizens
and bandit attacks have abated, the possibility of social unrest and
random criminal violence exists.  Caution should be used when taking
photographs.  End summary.

The public protests that occurred in the C.A.R. in 1991 have
largely ended, and the few demonstrations that occurred in 1992 were
small and non-violent.  Nonetheless less, U.S. citizens should avoid
traveling in any areas of Bangui, the capital city, where
demonstrations or rallies are taking place.

There have been no reported highway bandit attacks on foreigners in
recent months.  Rumored bandit activity in the northern parts of the
C.A.R. and near the western town of Carnot have not been confirmed.
However, U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution when
traveling by road in these areas.

Travelers are also advised to exercise caution when taking
photographs anywhere in the C.A.R., particularly in Bangui.  Taking
photographs of police or military installations, as well as
government buildings, is prohibited.  Such buildings and
installations are often unmarked, but unauthorized photography may
result in seizure of photographic equipment by Central African
authorities.  Travelers should seek prior permission before
photographing a particular subject or location.

U.S. citizens should also be careful when walking or riding in cars
in Bangui.  There have been numerous confirmed reports of thieves
attacking pedestrians and automobile passengers riding in cars with
the windows open.  Particular care is needed in the downtown area,
the central market area, and the kilometer 5 neighborhood northwest
of downtown.  U.S. citizens should visit these areas only in groups,
and avoid them entirely at night.

U.S. citizens are urged to register their presence  with the
consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangui upon arrival in the
country.  The Embassy is located on Avenue President David Dacko,
telephone 61-02-00, 61-25-78, and 61-43-33.

 No. 92-114

This replaces the travel advisory dated December 5, 1991, and
advises that civil unrest and banditry have abated, but that crime
remains a problem.


