Central African Republic entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 14, 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 embassy or consulate before travel. Submit your application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfact.cf. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Central African Republic. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bangui M'Poko International Airport ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but showing at least $500 USD equivalent helps avoid questions. | 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 May 14, 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~$150 USD (approx. £120)
Apply at embassy; may require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$250 USD (approx. £200)
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$500 USD (approx. £400)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; check with the nearest Central African Republic embassy. | ~$150 USD (approx. £120) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May allow multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$250 USD (approx. £200) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. £8) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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 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; may be required for all entrants.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider 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 Police de l'Air et des Frontières
Avenue de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Bangui
Ambassade de la République Centrafricaine (for visa applications)
Rue du Général de Gaulle, Bangui
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Apply for visas here; extensions may be handled at the police office.
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 = 558.8 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 May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.