Central African Republic entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British 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 processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a visa at the Central African Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel. Submit your application through the official portal at mfact.cf. Processing times vary — apply at least 4 weeks in advance.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the Central African Republic. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of the Central African Republic. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up immigration. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash in euros or US dollars — there are no ATMs in most of the country. Immigration may ask to see you have enough for your stay. | Recommended |
Security situation
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to most of the Central African Republic due to armed conflict, banditry, and kidnapping. If you must go, get professional security advice and register with your embassy.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) on arrival. Without it, you may be refused entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Central African Republic embassy in London (or the nearest one to you). Submit your application, passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations handy — you'll need them at immigration.
3
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional arrival forms to fill out.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Apply at embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsor.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For those with a job offer in CAR. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in CAR. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; check current rates. | ~$100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May allow multiple entries; validity depends on embassy. | ~$150 USD (approx. £120) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
A transit visa is required for UK passport holders transiting through CAR, even if staying airside. Apply in advance.
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; may be required for all entrants.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout CAR, including Bangui. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and take prophylactic medication.
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 de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Bring passport, visa, and photos for extension requests.
Bangui
Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service des Étrangers)
Boulevard du 30 Mars, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
For long-stay visa and residence permit applications.
Practical information for GB 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 = 565.17 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for British passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Central African Republic embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Contact the Central African Republic embassy in London for current fees. Expect to pay around £50–£100 for a single-entry tourist visa.
Yes. The Central African Republic requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card at immigration.
No. Visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport before applying.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to most parts of CAR due to armed conflict and crime. Only travel if absolutely necessary and with professional security advice.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.