Flights to Central African Republic

Flights and travellers

Bangui M'Poko International Airport is the only regular international gateway, with a handful of flights each day. Most people flying there work for the United Nations, aid agencies or embassies, or are visiting family. Journeys from London usually take 12 to 18 hours, and some routes need two connections. Roads outside the capital are poor and often unsafe, so travel is normally arranged by employers.

History

The territory, known as Ubangi-Shari, became part of French Equatorial Africa in the colonial period. The country gained independence in 1960. Jean-Bédel Bokassa seized power in 1966 and crowned himself emperor in 1977 before being removed two years later. Fighting between armed groups began again in 2012 and 2013, and a United Nations peacekeeping mission has operated in the country since 2014.

Forests, rivers and parks

Dzanga-Sangha, in the far south-west, is part of a protected forest area shared with Cameroon and Congo and listed by UNESCO. Western lowland gorillas live there, and forest elephants gather in the clearing at Dzanga Bai. The Boali Falls lie north-west of Bangui. The Ubangi River forms the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is busy with boats and canoes.

Entry, money and advice

Visitors need a visa arranged before travel and a yellow fever certificate. The Central African CFA franc is the currency, and cash is essential. The country is one hour ahead of the UK in winter. UK government travel advice for the Central African Republic is highly restrictive, and most insurers exclude it. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

Climate

The climate is tropical. The rains run from roughly May to October, and the drier months from December to February are hotter and dustier.

Need flights to Bangui? Call 020 7871 4545 and our team will check what is flying.