Living in Central African Republic
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Central African Republic , including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
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Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Central African Republic. There is no British Embassy in Central African Republic but read about how our Embassy in Kinshasa can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Central African Republic authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy in Kinshasa on Facebook and Twitter
Before you go
See our travel advice for Central African Republic for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Coronavirus
Follow the advice of the Central African Republic government and your local authority. You should also read the CAR travel advice for our latest guidance.
For information on vaccines abroad, see our COVID-19 travel guidance.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Central African Republic. All British passport holders require a visa to travel to CAR. You need to apply for your visa from the French Consulate General, which is the representive of the Central African Republic in the United Kingdom. Address Consulate of France in London, United Kingdom, 21 Cromwell road, London, United Kingdom, SW7 2 EN.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Central African Republic.
Check the Central African Republic travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Central African Republic
There is no reciprocal formal healthcare agreement between the UK and CAR.
There is no legal requirement for you to register for healthcare as a resident in Central African Republic.
It is advisable that you ensure you have private healthcare cover for Central African Republic, see List of medical facilities in CAR
Travellers to CAR are recommended to take out comprehensive medical insurance. See CAR travel advice section on health and security.
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in CAR. Certain medicines may not be available in CAR (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Central African Republic to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines
Working in Central African Republic
All British passport holders require a visa to travel to CAR. You should apply for your visa at the French Consulate General in London, which is the representive of the Central African Republic in the United Kingdom. Address Consulate of France in London, United Kingdom, 21 Cromwell road, London, United Kingdom, SW7 2 EN.
Studying in Central African Republic
If you plan to study in Central African Republic, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Central African Republic to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Central African Republic. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Central African Republic
Read guidance on:
tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
tax on your UK income if you live abroad
tax if you get a pension and live abroad
paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Central African Republic, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
British nationals living in CAR are not entitled to social security pensions.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
It is easier to exchange euros rather than US dollars to the Central African Franc – CFA. Traveller’s cheques may be exchanged at banks.
There are no international ATM machines and very few places (including hotels) accept major international credit or debit cards. Make sure you have arrangements in place before leaving the UK to have funds sent to you in case of emergency.
Accommodation and buying property
Driving in Central African Republic
You need to have a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in CAR. IDPs issued before 1968 by the UK may no longer be accepted for use in CAR. From 1 February 2019, you can only get IDPs over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices They cost £5.50 and you must be over 18, have a full driving licence and live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland to qualify for one. It may be extremely difficult to obtain an IDP in CAR. We recommend buying one in the UK before departure.
The British Embassy cannot issue or renew a UK driving licence. Please contact the DVLA for information about renewing a licence or applying for a new licence.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA).
Please note that driving in Bangui can be dangerous. Police can demand bribes for no reason. Car doors should be kept locked at all times in case of thieves.
Roads are poorly maintained and most need a four-wheel drive vehicle. Road travel is particularly difficult during the wet season (May to November). If you do decide to travel by road, you should keep a private supply of fuel if possible and carry supplies with you if travelling outside Bangui.
Illegal road blocks operate in remote areas. You may be forced to hand over money or possessions in order to continue your journey. There have been indiscriminate and violent attacks on travellers in remote areas. Vehicles have been fired on, and passengers killed or injured. In many of these cases, victims have been robbed or taken hostage and vehicles taken or burnt.
See guidance for travelling by road in CAR
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see taking vehicles out of uk.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in CAR, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
Only CAR citizens have the right to vote and foreigners do not have the right to vote. Voting generally takes place every four years.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in CAR you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate: register a birth
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport. Get a child passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in CAR read our guidance on:
What to do if someone dies abroad
English-speaking funeral directors in CAR
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Pets
Foreigners can own and import pets as long as they follow CAR regulations on pets.
Emergencies
Dial +236 2161 3072 for the police, ambulance, fire brigade, or to report a missing child.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Central African Republic read the Central African Republic: Information for victims of rape and sexual assault. See also guidance on rape or sexual assault abroad.
English Speaking lawyers in Central African Republic
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Kinshasa.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Updates to this page
Last updated 26 March 2024 + show all updates
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