Central African Republic entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. You must apply at a Central African Republic embassy or consulate before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the Central African Republic. Apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at the nearest CAR embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.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-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Central African Republic. Officers may ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — there are few ATMs outside Bangui. A bank statement or credit card showing available funds helps. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for New Zealand passport holders. You must apply for a visa at a Central African Republic embassy before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Security situation
The Central African Republic has a volatile security environment with armed groups and crime. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at an embassy
Contact the nearest Central African Republic embassy or consulate (e.g., in Paris, Washington DC, or Yaoundé). Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and confirm your first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone and a printed copy in your bag.
3
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
Upon arrival, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. You may be asked a few questions about your purpose of visit. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Standard option for short visits; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Ideal for frequent travellers; each stay can be extended.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)
For longer stays; requires proof of purpose and funds.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Central African Republic. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Central African Republic. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XAF) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in local business. Requires business plan and approval from Ministry of Commerce.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity period. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity; no known maximum cap. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XAF) 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
New Zealand 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 or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended. Use insect 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 de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bangui
Service des Visas et Passeports
Near Ministère de l'Intérieur, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles visa applications and renewals; expect delays.
Practical information for NZ 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 New Zealand passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Central African Republic embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
You need to apply at a Central African Republic embassy or consulate. The closest options for New Zealanders are the embassy in Paris (France) or the embassy in Washington DC (USA). There is no embassy in New Zealand or Australia.
Typically: a valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, 2 passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds. Check with the specific embassy for their exact requirements.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (tourist, business, etc.). Expect to pay around $100–$200 USD. Contact the embassy for the current fee schedule.
No, extensions are not available for this visa type. You must leave before your visa expires.
The Central African Republic has ongoing security concerns, including armed conflict and crime. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.