Central African Rep.

Security situation — check travel advice before booking

The Central African Republic experiences armed conflict, banditry, and major restrictions on movement; medical and evacuation capacity is extremely limited. The Swiss FDFA advises against travel to most of the country. Consult current FDFA travel advice and arrange comprehensive evacuation insurance before any trip.

Swiss FDFA / EKRM ↗ · Updated 2026

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry

The Central African Republic requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers aged 9 months and older. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival to be valid, and in Switzerland is only available at approved yellow-fever vaccination centres.

CDC / WHO IHR yellow fever requirements ↗ · Updated 2026

Meningitis belt — dry season risk

The Central African Republic sits in or adjacent to the African meningitis belt, where meningococcal disease risk rises during the dry season (roughly December to June). Meningococcal vaccination (ACWY) is recommended, especially for longer stays or close contact with the local population.

CDC / EKRM ↗ · Updated 2026

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip — per the Swiss BAG schedule. These include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• COVID-19

CDC reports no current active cholera transmission and the vaccine is generally not recommended; reassess if an outbreak is declared or for high-risk humanitarian/healthcare work.

Recommended for all travelers. Note for Swiss travelers: Hepatitis A is not part of the routine Swiss BAG childhood schedule, so most adult travelers will need vaccination.

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers. Routine in the Swiss childhood schedule since 1998, so younger travelers are usually covered; older travelers should check their status.

Recommended (ACWY) for travel during the dry season (December–June), and for longer stays or close local contact, given proximity to the meningitis belt.

Rabid dogs are common and post-exposure treatment is rarely available outside larger urban facilities. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for long stays, remote travel, cyclists/bikers, animal workers, and young children.

Recommended for most travelers given widespread food and water exposure, especially those visiting rural areas, staying with friends or relatives, or on longer trips.

Required for entry (certificate checked, ≥9 months) AND medically recommended — the country is yellow-fever endemic. Single dose gives lifelong protection; must be given ≥10 days before arrival. In Switzerland, available only at approved yellow-fever vaccination centres.