Central African Republic
Last update 21 April 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 4: Termination warning throughout the country (except in case of extreme necessity)
4
Select passport type
We recommend to the Bulgarian citizens to refrain from traveling!
Central African Republic (CAR)
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in the capital of CAR Bangui. Bulgarian citizens residing in the CAR for a short or long period of time may apply for consular services at 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
Tel .: + 234 9038600017; +234 8033078578
For emergencies only: +234 903 000 0275
Working hours: 9.00 - 17.30
Reception hours at the Consular Service: 09.00-12.00
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The CAR embassy in Brussels is accredited for Bulgaria.
CAR Embassy in Brussels
Address: Lambermontlaan 416, 1030, Brussels, Belgium
Tel .: +32 2 242 2880
Fax: +32 2 215 1311
Email: [email protected]
General information
(1.) Security level:
(2.) Healthcare:
(3.) Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advice:
(4.) Customs requirements:
(5.) Traffic on roads:
(6.) Practical advice:
(7.) Local currency:
(8.) Climatic characteristics:
(9.) Other:
Local currency
Central African Franc (CFA franc)
When traveling to the CAR, it is recommended that you carry mostly euros.
It will be easier for Bulgarian citizens to exchange euros than US dollars for Central African francs.
There are no international ATMs in the country and credit or debit cards are accepted at very few places.
Crime and security
It is recommended not to travel to and within CAR.
The country has a very high level of crime, kidnappings, robberies and pickpocketing in big cities. Avoid traveling at night and outside the capital.
There are tensions in Bangui and across the country. There are armed patrols everywhere that block roads throughout the CAR.
Bulgarian citizens who decide to visit the CAR should pay comprehensive medical insurance and travel insurance.
Legislation
Bulgarian citizens residing in the CAR should always carry with them a residence permit or a certified copy of their passport. The absence of an identity document can lead to an arrest by the police.
Penalties for drug use or possession are harsh.
Customs requirements
In the CAR you can import an unlimited amount of foreign currency after declaration, and local with a limit of 75,000 francs.
It is allowed to export foreign currency within the amount declared when entering, and local - up to 75,000 francs.
An authorization is required for the export of goods of animal and plant origin.
The purchase of diamonds or other precious stones is prohibited. It can be done through government-authorized representatives. The export of all cultural artifacts is subject to an export tax.
Traffic on the roads
There is no public transport in the country. Only taxis and private bus lines can travel.
The Bulgarian driving license is valid with an international one.
The roads are in poor condition.
Illegal roadblocks are taking place. Travelers may be forced to pay money, hand over valuables or luggage in order to be allowed to continue the journey. There have been indiscriminate attacks in remote areas, vehicles set on fire and passengers killed or injured. In most of these cases, the victims are robbed or taken hostage.
Healthcare
Low level of healthcare.
There are two private clinics in the capital.
A number of infectious diseases are widespread - cholera, hepatitis and others.
Travel papers and visas
You enter the country with a valid international passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the CAR.
Bulgarian citizens traveling to the CAR (holders of ordinary, official and diplomatic passports) need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days, which they can obtain at the CAR Embassy in Brussels.
The CAR authorities require a document for vaccination against yellow fever from people arriving from all countries. Cholera vaccination is also recommended.
When leaving the CAR with an international flight from the airport in the capital Bangui, an exit fee is paid (usually included in the price of the airline ticket).
Practical advice
Be careful when eating fruits and vegetables - after washing do not eat immediately, but leave in the sun for 10-15 minutes.
Water should be boiled or bottled.
Although there are no relevant prohibitions in the legislation, traditional society is stereotypical about demonstrating sexual orientation.
Travelling with children
There are no special requirements, but it is recommended that children travel with separate passports.
Competitive service
Certifications and legalizations
In order to be valid in Bulgaria, all documents issued by the CAR authorities to Bulgarian citizens should be stamped by the CAR Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They should then be certified either by the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja (in which case prior certification by the CAR Embassy in Abuja is required) or by the CAR Embassy in Brussels (in this case, the CAR Embassy's consular certification is to be certified 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 the Republic of Bulgaria.
Emergency Travel Document
In some cases - damage, loss or stolen passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for a European Emergency Travel Document (ETD) before an embassy of an EU Member State in the capital Bangui.