Central African Republic visa and entry requirements
The Central African Republic's embassy in Washington says all travellers must apply for a visa for entry. A 2013 CEMAC Additional Act gives nationals of CEMAC member states the right to travel without a visa and stay up to 90 days in any other member state. The UK, Canadian and Australian governments advise against travel to the country.
Every fact on this page verified on or after: Aug 26, 2026· How this site works
Check requirements for your passport
Requirements differ by nationality. Select your passport above, or scan the full table below.
Visas & entry authorisations
Tourist Visa
Fee
Not published
Processing
5–10 business days
The Embassy of the Central African Republic in Washington, D.C. lists the visa fee by length of stay: USD 150 for a short stay of 0-1 month, USD 175 for 45 days, USD 250 for a medium stay of 2-3 months and USD 300 for a long stay of 3 months and more, plus USD 50 for express processing (24-48 hours). Its visa application page says the application fee varies by visa type (USD 100-250).
Business Visa
Fee
Not published
Processing
5–10 business days
The Embassy of the Central African Republic in Washington, D.C. lists the visa fee by length of stay: USD 150 for a short stay of 0-1 month, USD 175 for 45 days, USD 250 for a medium stay of 2-3 months and USD 300 for a long stay of 3 months and more, plus USD 50 for express processing (24-48 hours). Its visa application page says the application fee varies by visa type (USD 100-250).
Entry requirements
Passport validity
The embassy in Washington says your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Yellow fever (International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card)) — The embassy in Washington says yellow fever immunization is required, and the UK FCDO says you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to pass border control.
No official source we could read states a travel-insurance requirement for the Central African Republic. The Government of Canada says health care is very limited and only available in Bangui, that medical expenses must generally be paid for before treatment, and advises getting travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
The embassy in Washington asks visa applicants for a flight itinerary and an invitation letter or hotel reservation, and its application page lists proof of travel arrangements (flight tickets, itinerary) and proof of accommodation.
The embassy in Washington lists proof of sufficient funds among the required documents for a visa application. No official source we could read states an amount.
The UK FCDO says it is only legal to buy diamonds or precious stones through government-authorised agents.
The UK FCDO says you often need permission to take photos in public places, and that you may be detained, fined and have your camera confiscated for photographing government property, uniformed law enforcement officers or military installations and personnel.
Yellow fever certificate
The embassy in Washington says yellow fever immunization is required, and the UK FCDO says you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to pass border control.
International Health Regulations (2005), Article 36 and Annex 7; WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1, 18 November 2022 (revised 3 January 2023)
Country in a nutshell
Currency
Central African CFA franc (XAF, FCFA)
Cards & payments
Canada's travel advice says the economy is cash-based, that only Bangui's major hotels accept credit cards, that ATMs are only available in a few banks and hotels in Bangui, and that you can only exchange currency in Bangui and Berbérati.
Safety — High risk
The UK FCDO advises against all travel outside Bangui and all but essential travel to Bangui; Canada advises avoiding all travel and Australia says do not travel. The FCDO says armed groups continue to occupy areas in the north and south-east of the country, and that outside Bangui there are frequent cases of homicides, criminal kidnapping and carjacking; among its precautions it lists taking professional security advice.Verified Oct 3, 2026 · Source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab) · archived copy Aug 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) Aug 5, 2026
Power plugs
C, E · 220V 50Hz
Emergency numbers
General emergencies: 117
Time zone
UTC+1
International Driving Permit
Central African Republic is a party to the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic (UN Treaty Collection). The UK government says you'll need both the 1968 version of the international driving permit and your UK driving licence with you in the car, and Canada's travel advice says that to drive in the Central African Republic, Canadians must have an International Driving Permit along with a valid Canadian driver's licence. No official source we could read states for how long a foreign licence may be used.
No official source we could read gives seasonal guidance for visitors. Canada's travel advice says that during the rainy season, from May to October, road conditions deteriorate to the point that dirt roads may be impassable for several days.
Tips & warnings
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to the Central African Republic except Bangui, and against all but essential travel to Bangui; Canada advises avoiding all travel and Australia says do not travel. The FCDO warns that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against its advice.
The embassy in Washington says all travellers must apply for a visa for entry. Its application page gives a standard processing time of 5-10 business days; its visa notice page says all visa requests take 72 hours, with express processing in 24-48 hours for USD 50 more.
Canada's travel advice says the economy is cash-based, that only Bangui's major hotels accept credit cards, that ATMs are only available in a few banks and hotels in Bangui, and that you can only exchange currency in Bangui and Berbérati.
Visa requirements by nationality
Visa requirements by nationality. Stay lengths are for ordinary tourist visits. Click a nationality for its full guide.
Do I need a visa for the Central African Republic?
The embassy in Washington says all travellers must apply for a visa for entry. A 2013 CEMAC Additional Act gives nationals of CEMAC member states, on presentation of a valid national identity card or passport issued by a member state, the right to travel without a visa and stay up to 90 days in any other member state.
How do I get a Central African Republic visa?
The embassy in Washington takes applications in person or by mail and asks for a flight itinerary, a copy of the yellow fever vaccination card and an invitation letter or hotel reservation. Its application page gives a standard processing time of 5-10 business days, and its visa notice page says all visa requests take 72 hours.
Is the Central African Republic safe to visit?
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to the Central African Republic except Bangui, and against all but essential travel to Bangui; Canada advises avoiding all travel and Australia says do not travel. Australia says outbreaks of intercommunal violence and armed conflict can happen without warning throughout the country, including in Bangui.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for the Central African Republic?
Yes. The embassy in Washington says yellow fever immunization is required, and the UK FCDO says you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to pass border control.
Which nationalities can enter the Central African Republic without a visa?
A 2013 CEMAC Additional Act makes movement free for nationals of CEMAC member states throughout the Community from 1 January 2014, on presentation of a valid national identity card or passport issued by a member state, with the right to travel without a visa and stay up to 90 days in any other member state.
Sources & verification
Every fact on this page is compiled from and periodically re-checked against these official sources: