From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- CenAfRep
Date: 29 Dec 1992 11:02:45 -0600
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Central African Republic
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Central African Republic - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city 
of Bangui at Avenue David Dacko, B.P. 924; telephone (236) 61-02-00, 
61-25-78, 61-43-33, and 61-02-10.  

Country Description:  The Central African Republic is a developing 
African country.  Facilities for tourism are limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  For further 
information on entry requirements, the traveler can contact the 
Embassy of the Central African Republic, 1618 22nd Street, N.W., 
Washington, D.C., 20008, telephone (202) 462-4009.

Areas of Instability:  The potential for sporadic disturbances is 
widespread in the country.

Political Disturbances:  Although no specific threats have been 
directed against American citizens, political demonstrations in the 
capital city of Bangui have occasionally led to violence and looting.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in the Central African 
Republic are limited.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate 
cash payment for health services.  Not all U.S. medical insurance is 
valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance 
with specific overseas coverage has proved to  be of use.  For 
additional information on health matters, the traveler can contact 
the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, 
telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime such as pickpocketing is common. 
 There have been attacks by armed highway bandits on motorists in 
the central and northern parts of the country, which have resulted 
in the wounding or death of both foreigners and Africans.  Bandits 
are reported to be active in the central and northern parts of the 
country.  Useful information on safeguarding valuables and 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in 
the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.  

Prohibition on Photography:  Taking photographs of police or 
military installations, as well as government buildings, is 
prohibited.  These official buildings and installations are often 
unmarked.  Unauthorized photography may result in seizure of 
photographic equipment by Central African authorities.  Police or 
other government authorities can provide information and grant 
permission for photographing a particular subject or location.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.  It contains general information on travel 
in the region. 

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Bangui can obtain updated information on travel and security in the 
Central African Republic.

 No. 92-135


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