Central African Republic Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Central African Republic
US State Department Travel Advisory
Do Not Travel
Updated November 10, 2025
Central African Republic recorded 20.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2016, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Central African Republic #21 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Central African Republic at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
20.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#175 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2016
Homicide Rate Trend (2016-2016)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Central African Republic Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Central African Republic, the homicide rate for men is 2.8× higher than the rate for women — 29.8 vs 10.6 per 100,000 (2016).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Central African Republic has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
177(2024)
Military Spending
2.5% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Central African Republic:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "Health" risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to the Central African Republic due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health, and terrorism. Advisory summary The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic. U.S. government employees working in the Central African Republic must get special authorization to travel outside of Bangui. They are required to travel in armored vehicles in Bangui and are subject to a curfew.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Central African Republic
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 22, 2026).
Demonstrations
occur spontaneously. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Mob violence targeting those implicated in crimes or road accidents can occur. Harassment of foreign nationals is common, as are demonstrations against international organizations and interests. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Armed Conflict
: There are ongoing military operations throughout CAR; armed groups remain active in large parts of the country. Outside Bangui, criminals and various armed actors frequently perpetrate violence against civilians to include foreigners and humanitarian workers; road travelers and those operating outside Bangui are especially vulnerable. Armed robberies, physical and sexual assaults, ambushes, homicides, illicit taxation and extortion, arbitrary search and seizures, unlawful detentions, and kidnappings of civilians are common. Armed actors in northwestern CAR have increasingly used landmines and other explosive devices along roads and in areas near the Cameroonian border. Outbreaks of intercommunal violence and armed conflict can happen without warning anywhere in the country including Bangui.
Crime
Crime in Bangui is common. Beware of: Petty theft in large market areas; Armed gangs in Bangui and outlying residential areas; Violent demonstrations, looting, burning of buildings, and roadblocks during periods of civil unrest and conflict; and Checkpoints staffed by armed actors seeking bribes and impeding the work of peacekeeping forces. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 117 (local equivalent of “911”) or the Gendarmerie at 2161-2200 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon at +(237) 22220-1500 ext. 4341/4023. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. Victims of crime in Bangui may have to pay to send a vehicle to pick up police officers due to the shortage of police vehicles and fuel. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon for assistance.
Tourism
No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Central African Republic Population & Demographics
Population of 5,330,690, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central African Republic safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Central African Republic at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). Cited risks include crime, terrorism, kidnapping, health, landmines. The homicide rate of 20.1 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Central African Republic?
Central African Republic has an intentional homicide rate of 20.1 per 100,000 people (2016, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #21 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Central African Republic?
Central African Republic is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Central African Republic compare to other countries?
Central African Republic's homicide rate of 20.1 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.