Central African Republic entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the Central African Republic. Apply at the nearest Central African embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Colombian passport holders. Processing takes 5–10 business days and requires a letter of invitation.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Central African Republic. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bangui M'Poko International Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or letter of invitation from a host in the Central African Republic. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash in euros or US dollars — there are no ATMs that accept foreign cards in most of the country. Have at least $200–$300 for your stay to show you can cover expenses. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Colombian citizens. You must get a visa from a Central African Republic embassy before you travel. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') when applying for your visa and upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Central African Republic embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one, e.g., in Washington D.C., Paris, or Yaoundé). Submit the completed application form, your passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Pay the visa fee — typically around $100–$150 USD. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Prepare your travel documents
Once your visa is approved, book your flight and first night's accommodation. Print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Also arrange travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM.
3
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. After clearing, collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF)
For those with a job offer from a Central African Republic employer. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry tourist visa. | $100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. 30,000 XAF) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD (approx. 6,000 XAF) per day, max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Central African Republic
Transit visa required
Colombia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Central African Republic, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsBangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF)
Health & vaccines for Central African Republic
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; Colombia is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas, transmitted by mosquitoes.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water, especially during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bangui
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue des Martyrs, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Bangui
Service des Étrangers
Rue de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles residence permits and long-stay visas.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalBangui
LanguageFrench, Sango
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.41 XAF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Colombian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option.
You apply through a Central African Republic embassy or consulate. The nearest one to Colombia is likely the embassy in Washington D.C. (USA) or the consulate in Paris (France). You'll need to submit a completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
The visa fee is typically around $100–$150 USD, depending on the embassy and visa type. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
Standard tourist visas are usually valid for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged with immigration authorities in Bangui.
Yes, extensions are possible. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Bangui before your visa expires. The process can take a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, a return flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or bank statements.
Not strictly required, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation or treatment can be very expensive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.