Central African Republic Visa Types
The CAR has different visa options for visitors who don't qualify for visa-free entry. You can avail of any of them if you meet all the conditions established by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Here are the available options below.
- rTourist visarequired
- rBusiness visarequired
- rMissionary visarequired
- rOfficial visarequired
- nTourist visanot required
Visa is not required for a stay up to 90 days
Visa is not required for a stay up to 90 days
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a surcharge associated with this service.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Business Support Letter. A support letter from the sending company which introduces the applicant, states the nature of the trip, and specifies the type and desired validity of the visa,where it is specified that the reason for the stay is exclusively for business, commercial negotiations, etc
The sample format for this letter can be found hereVisa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a surcharge associated with this service.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Proof of accommodation. A copy of hotel reservations or other lodgings for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on the reservation.
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a surcharge associated with this service.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Proof of accommodation. A copy of hotel reservations or other lodgings for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on the reservation.
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a surcharge associated with this service.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Business Support Letter. A support letter from the sending company which introduces the applicant, states the nature of the trip, and specifies the type and desired validity of the visa,where it is specified that the reason for the stay is exclusively for business, commercial negotiations, etc
The sample format for this letter can be found hereVisa application form. Fully completed and signed application 2 forms. Any file with only a single visa application form will be rejected.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
State Department Letter. A letter from the US Department of State addressed to the "Embassy of Central African Republic, Washington D.C. ", giving a detailed description of the purpose of travel, the names and addresses of any organizations to be visited, and the dates of the trip. The letter must contain the applicant's name and the passport number and should have a statement confirming that the US Embassy in Central African Republic will take full responsibility for the applicant.
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed 2 application forms. Any file with only a single visa application form will be rejected.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
Proof of status. A copy of immigration status in the country of residence such as a resident card, work, or study permit. VisaHQ cannot assist US B1/B2 visa holders at this time.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Missionary Letter. A letter of invitation from the sponsor or host in the country of destination explaining the purpose of travel, length of stay, place of stay, and host's contact information.
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed 2 application forms. Any file with only a single visa application form will be rejected.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
Proof of status. A copy of immigration status in the country of residence such as a resident card, work, or study permit. VisaHQ cannot assist US B1/B2 visa holders at this time.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Missionary Letter. A letter of invitation from the sponsor or host in the country of destination explaining the purpose of travel, length of stay, place of stay, and host's contact information.
Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for
A visa is not required for this destination.
Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for Tourist visa
Additional steps you may take:
- Check the current validity of your passport and the availability of blank visa pages
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Central African Republic
Take advantage of our extensive embassy and consular database to find the nearest one. Upon contacting the embassy confirm the required documents, the time it takes to process the visa and whether the consulate accepts applications by mail.
- Check visa
Central African Republic Visa Policy
Any visitor who wishes to visit the CAR, as the country is popularly called, must get a visa from any of their foreign missions or a French diplomatic mission before they can visit unless they are from a visa-exempt country. The CAR maintains a list of visa-exempt countries, most of which are fellow African nations and a few foreign nations. Citizens from these nations can enter the country without visas for a short time lasting between 90-180 days.
While most visa-exempt visitors need to use their passports for entry, a few from Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guineans can use their valid ID cards for visits.
The CAR also allows foreign nationals traveling by air to other countries to transit through any of its airports as long as they have confirmed flight tickets. The only rule is that they remain in the aircraft or transit area of the airport while waiting for their next flight and have the required documents.
Those from non-visa-exempt countries must go through the normal visa procedure, which requires submitting a completed application form and other documents to the consulate abroad.
How To Apply For A Central African Republic Visa
If you wish to apply for a Central African Republic Visa, you have only one option: to submit your application form and documents to a foreign mission office. The CAR government has foreign missions in a few countries but needs a wide network, so they partner with French missions. You can apply through the French consulate if there isn't a CAR mission office.
There is a possibility that some popular licensed agents may also facilitate the visa application for the CAR, but this will depend on the location, so do your findings.
You must provide a valid passport and other documents, which must be submitted along with a completed application form with your details. The application will also attract a nonrefundable application fee payable through any of the means ascribed by the receiver. Visa applications take 1-4 weeks or more to process; once the application leaves your hands, you are at the mercy of the consulate, so we recommend applying several weeks before your trip.
Safety Tips and Travel Information For the Central African Republic
The situation in the CAR remains very volatile, so you need to take all the necessary precautions if you have decided to visit the country. Many foreign governments advise citizens against visiting the country because of the potential dangers, so bear this in mind.
Security And Safety: The CAR and the capital, Bangui, remain unsafe, with frequent reports of constant killings, gunfires, house burglaries, and killings. Despite the war's conclusion, armed groups continued to patrol the country, including the capital, terrorizing inhabitants.
There are official and unofficial roadblocks in the city handled by armed security personnel to keep the peace. Be observant in public and avoid these armed fighters traveling in large groups. If you can, also avoid crowded places as they are targeted for hostage-taking and banditry.
Crime: The crime situation in the CAR is worsening by the day, with food insecurity and fuel shortages crippling the country and aggravating crime. Thefts and robberies are commonly fully spearheaded by armed gangs who operate in the city outskirts. Always move around with security personnel and be vigilant at all times. Avoid wearing valuable ware and jewelry as they attract criminals. Do not go out at night, and avoid isolated areas.
Traveling By Road: If you wish to drive in the CAR, you need an international driving permit for 1968, not a 1929 or 1949 permit. These permits can be obtained abroad but will be difficult to obtain inside the country.
It is best to get your permit before entering the country. Also, note that roads are often in poor condition, and most are only suited for four-wheel drives. Driving or navigating the city during the rainy season is difficult as the condition worsens. If you must drive, keep a supply of fuel and carry your supply with you, especially when traveling to the outskirts of Bangui.
When you encounter roadblocks, you may be forced to hand over money or valuables to continue your journey, and there may be indiscriminate attacks, especially in remote areas, between rival groups. Cases of attacks on moving vehicles are common, so be careful.
Leave Quickly: Once you are done with your activities in the CAR, it will be in your best interest to leave the country as soon as possible. Plan your itinerary and make sure your flight for the return trip coincides with your departure date.
Use Approved Routes: Traveling to the CAR by air rather than by road is best because many of these routes are unsafe, particularly the border crossings. If you are lucky to meet manned security personnel at the border crossings, you can't be so sure of your safety in the remote parts. If you must travel by road, use only approved routes with a strong security presence. If possible, travel with armed security when making such a trip.
Passport: Your passport must have at least three months of validity from the moment you arrive at the CAR; if your trip extends beyond 90 days, your passport should have a longer validity. The last thing you want is for your passport to expire during your time in the country, as this may place you in a difficult situation. Also, note that the visa will expire if the passport it is attached to expires as well.
Application Fee: The application fee for the visa is different for all applications. Visa fees depend on the type of visa and the validity. The foreign mission's authorities will determine how much you pay. Kindly note that this fee is not refundable.
Referendum: A referendum has been done in the country, and a new part towards achieving peace is already in the works, and the international society hopes this will resolve the crisis that has engulfed the country for more than a decade.
Central African Republic e-Visa Online – Get your Central African Republic e-Visa with VisaHQ
If you want to make a trip to the Central African Republic, you need all the information you can get to enjoy an eventful trip.
Central African Republic COVID-19 travel restrictions
- Entry is openAll travelers can enter and entry requirements for Central African Republic are the same for all travelers, regardless of vaccination statusPrior to arrival requirementsValid passport. Valid national passport with at least 6 month remaining validity after the date of departure.Valid visa. Please see the instructions above if visa is needed and apply.Negative COVID-19 test. Anyone arriving to the Central African Republic through air may be requested to provide a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival.Upon arrival restrictions🏠Quarantine is required. Travelers are required to undergo a 14 day period of self-isolation, unless they are members of international organizations or humanitarian NGOs arriving in Bangui.😷Masks are required in public spaces and transport.
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For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest Central African Embassy.