Central African Republic entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders must get a visa before traveling to the Central African Republic. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so plan ahead—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. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (mfact.cf) lists application procedures — expect to submit a passport, photos, flight itinerary, and a letter of invitation or hotel booking. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so start early.Check visa procedures | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | Your Tanzanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Central African Republic. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bangui M'Poko International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you plan to leave the country. Airlines may also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in the Central African Republic ready. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (CFA francs or euros) to cover your stay — around 100,000–200,000 XAF per week. ATMs are scarce outside Bangui, and credit cards are rarely accepted. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Do not arrive without a visa. There is no facility to get one at the airport. You will be denied entry and sent back.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the nearest embassy
Contact the Central African Republic embassy in your region (e.g., in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or Paris, France). Submit your application, passport, photos, and any required documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may need to pay a fee (typically $50–$100 USD). Keep copies of all correspondence.
3
Prepare your travel documents
Before departure, print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them easily accessible.
4
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit. Answer clearly and confidently.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional arrival forms required.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Standard visa 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 (approx. 90,000 XAF)
For frequent travellers; each stay limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)
Requires sponsorship or strong ties; for longer visits.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF)
For those with a job offer in Central African Republic. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XAF)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)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 dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XAF) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Transit visa is not required for Tanzania holders transiting through Central African Republic if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsBangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF)
Health & vaccines for Central African Republic
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bangui
Ministère de l'Intérieur (Service des Étrangers)
Rue de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles long-stay visas and residency applications.
Practical information for TZ 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 = 562.57 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. Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
You need to apply at a Central African Republic embassy or consulate. The nearest embassy for Tanzanians is often in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or Paris, France. Contact them directly for the application form and fee details.
Visa fees vary by embassy but are typically between $50 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
You must renew your passport before applying. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry.
Yes, the Central African Republic requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is 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 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.