Why the US Warns Against Visiting the Central African Republic

The US government has a warning system for travel. It ranks countries from safe to dangerous. The most severe warning is for places like war zones or countries with no US ties. As of late 2025, 22 countries are on this highest warning list. This includes places like North Korea, Iran, and Russia. Traveling to these countries means big risks. The US embassy might not be able to help if something goes wrong. One country on this list is the Central African Republic (CAR). It's a landlocked nation surrounded by six others. CAR has some of the lowest human development ratings globally. This is due to long-standing conflicts and clashes. It's often called the most dangerous place in the world for children. There's widespread hunger, poor infrastructure, and ongoing fights. Because of these issues, US officials need special permission to leave the capital, Bangui. Regular travelers are advised to stay away. The latest warning update highlights health risks. Medical services in CAR are very limited. Even small health problems might need expensive medical evacuation. Major airlines like Qatar Airways and Air France fly to CAR. But leisure travel is rare due to poor conditions. Most visitors come for medical or humanitarian work. These groups often face dangers amid the conflict. Criminal gangs and armed groups frequently kidnap people for ransom. Local police lack the resources to handle these threats.