Local laws

A residency permit or a certified duplicate of your passport should be carried with you at all times. This important local laws is one of Things to Know Before Traveling to Central African Republic. Failure to present identification may result in police custody. The consequences of drug usage and possession are severe. Purchasing diamonds or precious stones is only possible through government-approved agencies. An export tax applies to all cultural artifacts.

When photographing in public locations, be cautious because permission is frequently required. Detention, fines, and camera seizure may result from photographing government property, uniformed local law enforcement officials, military sites, and troops. Taking images of persons who the authorities consider to be detrimental to the country's image (e.g., street children, people with impairments) is prohibited.

Outside of the city, people are often more tolerant about having their pictures taken, although you should always ask beforehand. The Ministry of Tourism can issue you a permission for more serious photography. In Central African society, homosexuality is not commonly tolerated, and some sexual actions between members of the same sex are banned.