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Central Africa

🇨🇫 Vaccines for Central African Republic

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Central African Republic

The Central African Republic requires Yellow Fever vaccination for entry — a firm requirement. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and Rabies are also recommended. The Central African Republic has experienced prolonged conflict and instability, and most governments advise against all travel — this is the dominant consideration for the country, far outweighing vaccine planning, and the security situation has remained serious for an extended period with limited improvement. Healthcare infrastructure is extremely limited and has been severely affected by the ongoing instability. Anyone travelling for essential humanitarian or specific professional reasons requires current, specific guidance well beyond general travel health information.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required for entry.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available — ask your clinic.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
Meningococcal
Meningitis belt.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 5 years. Booster if ongoing risk.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (high risk)
  • ⚠Yellow Fever
  • ⚠Ebola (border risk)
  • ⚠Sleeping sickness
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€498
(~$543)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
Meningococcal ACWY (1 dose)€60 ($65)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
CameroonDR CongoRepublic of CongoChad
Common questions
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Central African Republic?
Yes, this is a firm requirement for entry for all travellers, and proof of vaccination is checked. The certificate must be at least 10 days old before arrival. However, this is a secondary consideration to the overriding security situation — see the safety guidance.
Do I need malaria tablets for Central African Republic?
Yes, malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country and antimalarial medication is essential for any visit. Again, this should be considered within the context of the serious and prolonged security situation that most governments advise against all travel for.
What other vaccines are needed for Central African Republic?
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and Rabies are all recommended. Healthcare infrastructure has been severely affected by prolonged conflict — anyone travelling for essential humanitarian or professional purposes needs current, specific guidance on both medical access and security.
Is tap water safe in Central African Republic?
No. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in the Central African Republic. Use bottled water, though this is a minor consideration relative to the overriding security context.