Central African Republic entry requirements for South Korea passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
Apply for a visa at the Central African Republic embassy or consulate before travel. Submit your passport, application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 5–10 business days — apply at least 3 weeks before departure.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Central African Republic. Carry 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 check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also verify this before boarding — have a printed copy or digital confirmation ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Central African Republic. Immigration may ask for this during the visa application process or upon arrival.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or bank statement
Have a recent bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $200 USD per day of your stay. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means at the border.Recommended
Visa required — no exceptions
You cannot enter the Central African Republic without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa. Plan for 2–4 weeks of processing time.
Health risks and medical care
The Central African Republic has very limited medical infrastructure. Malaria is widespread, and yellow fever is endemic. Get all recommended vaccines and carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Central African Republic embassy in Seoul or the nearest one (e.g., in Tokyo or Beijing). Submit your application, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Get your yellow fever vaccine
Visit a travel clinic or public health center at least 10 days before departure. You'll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — keep it with your passport.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Book a round-trip ticket and your first night's stay. Save confirmations as PDFs and screenshots on your phone.
4
Pack your documents
Carry your passport with visa, yellow card, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and travel insurance card in your carry-on. Immigration at Bangui M'Poko International Airport will check these on arrival.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Download PDF

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~$150 USD

Requires application at embassy or consulate. Extensions possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$300 USD

Allows multiple entries; extensions possible per stay.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$500 USD

For work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship.

work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (processing fees)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Central African Republic employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100–300 USD (processing fees)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Central African Republic. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (processing fees)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in the local economy. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, subject to change.~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, subject to change.~$300 USD (approx. 300 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties.~$10 USD per day (max cap unknown)

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

South Korea passport holders require 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; may be required for direct entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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

Malaria is high throughout Central African Republic. All travellers should take prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) and use mosquito nets/repellent.

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

Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and photos.

Bangui
Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service des Étrangers)
Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30

Handles long-stay visas and residency permits. Expect delays.

Practical information for KR 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 = 561.56 XAF
updated May 15
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
Police117
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for South Korean passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an embassy before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned departure. Some embassies may offer expedited service for an additional fee — ask when you apply.
The Central African Republic has an embassy in Seoul, South Korea. If that's not convenient, you can apply at the embassy in Tokyo (Japan) or Beijing (China). Check their websites for application hours and requirements.
You'll typically need a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Requirements can vary by embassy, so confirm directly.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities in the Central African Republic are very basic, and evacuation to a nearby country can cost thousands of dollars. Get insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Yes — yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. You must show the yellow card at immigration. Other recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis. Consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Bangui before your visa runs out.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.