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Visitor & short-stay visas

Central African Visa-Free / CEMAC Short-Stay Entry

Short visa-free entry for nationals of a defined list of countries, including several CEMAC neighbours, entering for a limited period.

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Under review — check current rules

The visa-exempt nationality list and the 90-day figure are not confirmed on an official Central African government page and change over time; verify current policy before travel.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Central African Republic government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visa exemption (short-stay)
Route type
Nationality-based visa waiver
Typical exempt nationalities
Certain CEMAC and other listed states
The exact list changes; it must be checked against current policy.
Maximum stay
Reported up to 90 days
Stay length is reported by third parties, not confirmed on an official page.
Cost
No visa fee
Entry is granted without a visa for exempt and CEMAC travellers.
Where to apply
No application — documents checked at the port of entry
CEMAC ID entry
Cameroon, Chad, Rep. of Congo, Eq. Guinea, Gabon
May enter on a national ID card under the October 2017 free-movement arrangement.

Who it is for

  • Nationals of countries currently on the Central African Republic's visa-exemption list
  • CEMAC-region travellers, some of whom may enter on a valid national ID card

What you can do

  • Enter for a short visit without applying for a visa in advance
  • Stays beyond the permitted short-stay period require the appropriate visa and, if applicable, a residence permit

Requirements

  • You must be a national of a country that the Central African Republic exempts from visas, or a citizen of a CEMAC member state (Cameroon, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea or Gabon) using the ID-card entry arrangement introduced in October 2017.
  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is checked at border control on entry.
  • CEMAC nationals may present a valid national identity card instead of a passport under the community free-movement rules.

How to apply

There is no application form or advance visa for exempt travellers. You present yourself and your documents to immigration control on arrival (normally at Bangui M'Poko International Airport) and are admitted for a short visit.

Confirm that your nationality is still on the current exemption list before you travel, as the Central African Republic has changed the list in recent years.

Documents you may need

  • Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages (or a valid national ID card for CEMAC citizens)
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Evidence of your onward or return travel and the purpose of your visit, if asked at the border

Frequently asked questions

  • Nationals of Cameroon, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon can enter the Central African Republic on a valid national identity card under the CEMAC free-movement arrangement, so a passport is not strictly required. Carrying a passport is still advisable.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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