Central African Republic
Last update 18 August 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 4: Termination warning throughout the country (except in case of extreme necessity)
4
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We call on Bulgarian citizens to refrain from travelling!
Central African Republic (CAR)
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Bangui, the capital CAR. Bulgarian citizens residing in CAR on a short or long-term basis may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Nigeria
Address: 10 Euphrates Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Telephone: +234 9038600017;+234 8033078578
Emergency only out-of-hours hotline: +234 903 000 0275
Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Opening hours of the Consular Office: 09:00 – 12:00
E-mail of the Embassy: [email protected]
E-mail of the Consular Office: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The Embassy of CAR in Brussels is accredited to Bulgaria.
Embassy of CAR in Brussels
Address: Lambermontlaan 416, 1030, Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32 2 242 2880
Fax: +32 2 215 1311
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.diplobel.org
General information
Security level:
It is recommended that travel to and within the CAR is not undertaken.
The country has a very high level of crime, kidnapping robbery and pickpocketing in the major cities. Avoid travelling at night and outside the capital.
There is tension in Bangui and across the country. There are armed patrols everywhere, blocking roads throughout the CAR.
Bulgarian citizens who decide to visit the CAR should take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
Specifics of the legislation
Bulgarian citizens residing in the territory of the CAR should carry their residence permit or a certified copy of their passport at all times. Failure to show ID may result in arrest by police.
The penalties for use or possession of narcotics are severe.
Healthcare:
Low level of healthcare.
There are two private clinics in the capital.
A number of infectious diseases are widespread — cholera, hepatitis, etc.
Customs requirements:
You can bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency into the CAR after declaration, and local currency is limited to 75,000 francs.
Exports of foreign currency are allowed within the declared limit and of local currency of up to 75,000 francs.
An export permit is required for goods of animal and plant origin.
The purchase of diamonds or other gemstones is prohibited. It can be done through representatives empowered by the government. Export of all cultural artifacts is subject to an export tax.
Practical advice:
Be careful when eating fruit and vegetables — after washing them, do not eat them immediately, but leave them in sunlight for 10—15 minutes.
Water should be boiled or bought bottled.
Although there are no relevant prohibitions in legislation, traditional society in the CAR stereotypes the display of sexual orientation.
Road traffic:
There is no public transport in the country. Only taxis and private bus services can be used for transportation.
The Bulgarian driving license is valid with an international one.
The highways are in poor condition.
Illegal roadblocks are being carried out. Travellers may be forced to pay money, hand over valuables or luggage to be allowed to continue their journey. There have been indiscriminate attacks in remote areas. Vehicles are burned and commuters killed or injured. In most of these cases, the victims are robbed or taken hostage.
Local currency:
Central African franc (CFA franc)
When travelling to the CAR, it is recommended that you carry mainly euro.
It will be easier for Bulgarian citizens to exchange euro than US dollars for Central African francs.
There are no international ATMs in the country and very few places accept credit or debit cards.
Travel papers and visas
A valid international passport is required to enter the country. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the CAR.
Bulgarian citizens travelling to the CAR (holders of regular, office and diplomatic passports) need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days, which can be obtained at the CAR Embassy in Brussels.
The CAR authorities require proof of yellow fever vaccination from persons arriving from all countries. Vaccination against cholera is also recommended.
When leaving the CAR on an international flight from the capital Bangui airport, an exit fee is payable (usually included).
Competitive service
Certifications and legalizations
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be able to serve before Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the authorities in the CAR to Bulgarian citizens should bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the CAR.
They should then be authenticated either by the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja (in which case a prior authentication by the CAR Embassy in Abuja is also required) or by the CAR Embassy in Brussels (in which case the authentications of the CAR Embassy's Consular Office are also authenticated at the Bulgarian Embassy in the Belgian capital).
Thereafter, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized Translation Agency in Bulgaria, and the translation certified by the Department of Certification and Legalization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria.
European Emergency Travel Document
In extreme situations — in case of damage, loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at an Embassy of an EU Member State in the capital Bangui.