Central African Republic entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. 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 online eVisa system. Processing times vary by embassy, so start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Check MFA portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Central African Republic. Carry two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Bangui M'Poko International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in the Central African Republic can smooth the entry process. Keep a printed copy with your travel documents. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (CFA francs or euros) to cover your stay — ATMs are scarce and card payments are rare outside major hotels. A bank statement showing sufficient funds helps if asked. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
You cannot get a visa on arrival. Start the application process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the Central African Republic, not from when you apply or book your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Central African Republic embassy in Nairobi (or the nearest embassy if you're outside Kenya). Submit your application in person or by mail, along with your passport, photos, and any required documents. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access at Bangui M'Poko International Airport.
3
Arrive and go through immigration
At Bangui airport, join the immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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 date
Cost~$100 USD
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
For travellers needing multiple visits.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD
Requires justification (e.g., business, research).
work visa
Travail et Séjour Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For those with a job offer in CAR. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in CAR. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in CAR. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; payable in local currency or USD. | ~$100 USD (approx. 12,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (approx. 18,750 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 1,250 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in CAR, 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 (including Kenya). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; ensure safe drinking water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended.
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, photos, and fee.
Bangui
Service des Étrangers
Near Ministère de l'Intérieur, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles residence permits and long-stay applications.
Practical information for KE 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Kenyan passport holders. You must obtain a visa from the embassy before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
You apply at the Central African Republic embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. If you're outside Kenya, contact the nearest CAR embassy or consulate.
Visa fees vary and are set by the embassy. Contact the embassy directly for the current fee. Expect to pay in the range of $50–$150 depending on visa type and processing time.
Typically: a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, accommodation proof, and sometimes a letter of invitation or travel itinerary. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. You must leave before your visa expires.
It's not always required, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be very expensive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.