Central African Republic visas
Whether you need a visa for the Central African Republic depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Most travellers must obtain a visa before departure from a Central African diplomatic mission (or, where none exists, a partner French mission), while a small number of nationalities enjoy short visa-free entry. Visas and entry policy are administered by the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et des Centrafricains de l'Étranger, with applications routed through the ministry in Bangui and the relevant embassy or consulate abroad.
Central African visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Central African Republic — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Central African Republic to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Central African Republic — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Central African Republic.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Central African Republic as a highly skilled individual.0 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Central African Republic long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Central African visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Central African Republic — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et des Centrafricains de l'Étranger (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Central Africans Abroad)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Time zone
- West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.