Central African Republic entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. You must get this visa from a Central African embassy before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must obtain a visa before traveling to the Central African Republic. Apply through the Central African Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Central African Republic. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of the Central African Republic. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter from a host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour or host. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement or cash equivalent of at least $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Vietnamese passport holders. You must get a visa from a Central African embassy before you travel. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Central African embassy
Contact the Central African Republic embassy in Hanoi (or the nearest one, e.g., in Beijing) to submit your visa application. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, application form, and possibly a letter of invitation. Processing can take 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 digital copies of both confirmations.
3
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF)
After landing, go to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. You may also be asked for proof of funds. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional arrival forms to fill.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 3,500,000 VND)
Requires valid passport, application form, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$250 USD (approx. 5,800,000 VND)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must have confirmed itinerary.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 4,600,000 VND)
Requires invitation letter from a Central African Republic company.
work visa
Travail et Séjour Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 7,000,000 VND) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Central African Republic. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 4,600,000 VND)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 11,600,000 VND) 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. | ~$150 USD (approx. 3,500,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$250 USD (approx. 5,800,000 VND) |
| Stay extension costExtension fees vary; must be applied at immigration office before current stay expires. | ~$50 USD (approx. 1,200,000 VND) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstay can lead to detention or deportation. | ~$10 USD (approx. 230,000 VND) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Vietnam passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Central African Republic, even if staying airside. Apply at embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid diplomatic passport may transit without visa.
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area for less than 12 hours, you may be exempt; confirm with airline.
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; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended for travellers to remote areas.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use insect repellent, mosquito nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).
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, photos, and fee in cash (CFA francs).
Bangui
Ministère de l'Intérieur – Service des Étrangers
Rue du Président, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles long-stay visa applications and residency permits.
Practical information for VN 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 Vietnamese passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Central African embassy before you travel.
The Central African Republic has an embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam. If that's not convenient, you can apply through the embassy in Beijing, China, or another embassy in the region. Check their website or call ahead for the exact requirements and fees.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $100–$150 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Contact the embassy for the exact amount.
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 (International Certificate of Vaccination) upon arrival.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. It's best to leave on time or apply for a new visa from outside the country if you need to return.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.