Central African Republic Visa for American Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Visa required

American passport holders need a visa to enter Central African Republic. Apply at a Central African Republic embassy or consulate, or the official visa portal, before travelling.

Max stay
Varies
Visa cost
EUR 75
How to apply
Embassy / visa centre

Policy noteVisa required in advance - no visa-free, on-arrival, or e-visa route. Fee depends on requested stay: USD 150 (up to 1 month), USD 175 (up to 45 days), USD 250 (2-3 months), USD 300 (3+ months). Passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival with 1 blank page; yellow fever vaccination required. travel.state.gov rates the Central African Republic Level 4 - Do Not Travel (crime, unrest, kidnapping, terrorism).

travel.state.gov ↗What does “visa required” mean? →

How American citizens apply for a Central African Republic visa

  • → Apply for a visa at the Central African Republic embassy/consulate or official visa application centre before travelling. Apply here ↗

Central African Republic visa cost for American citizens

Short-stay visa, single entry (embassy-issued, 30 days)

EUR 75 (~$82)

30 days, single entry
aeroport-bangui.com ↗

Short-stay visa, multiple entry (embassy-issued, 90 days)

EUR 155 (~$168)

90 days, multiple entry
rapidevisa.fr ↗

E-visa (no official system)

Fee not published by Central African Republic

paris.diplomatie.gouv.cf ↗

Fees checked 2 Jul 2026

Central African Republic visa types

Visa Court SĂ©jour - Tourisme (Short-Stay Tourist Visa)

Short-term entry for tourism and leisure purposes. Applied at a CAR embassy or consulate abroad.

30 dayssingle entry
  • Fee schedule from CAR Embassy Washington: 0–1 month $150, express processing +$50.
  • Application requires passport, 2 ID photos, and supporting documents.
  • Postal return requires stamped envelope with CHRONOPOST insurance.
  • E-visa option (evisa-centrafrique.com) exists but operational status unconfirmed.
Apply here ↗

Visa Court SĂ©jour 45 Jours (Short-Stay 45-Day Visa)

Short-term entry visa valid for up to 45 days, for tourism or short business visits.

45 dayssingle entry

Fee schedule from CAR Embassy Washington: 45 days $175, express processing +$50. Applied at CAR embassies/consulates abroad.

Apply here ↗

Visa Court Séjour - Affaires (Short-Stay Business Visa, 2–3 Months)

Entry visa for business purposes valid for two to three months.

90 dayssingle entry

Fee schedule from CAR Embassy Washington: 2–3 months $250, express processing +$50. Applied at CAR embassies/consulates abroad.

Apply here ↗

E-Visa (Visa Électronique Touristique)

Electronic tourist visa for individual or group tourism, available via the CAR Ministry of Foreign Affairs-referenced e-visa portal. Entry only permitted at Bangui M'Poko International Airport.

180 dayssingle entryonline
  • Operated by DigitalGate SARL (third-party referencing CAR MFA); portal's explicit 'testing mode' notice was absent on 2026-06-29 re-fetch but e-visa processing operational status is unconfirmed from any official .gouv.cf source.
  • Stay duration 1–180 days.
  • Cannot be extended inside or outside CAR.
  • Entry only at Bangui city airport.
  • Visa-exempt nationalities and VoA holders are excluded from this requirement.
  • Not a .gouv.cf official government domain.
Apply here ↗
Other Central African Republic visa categories (3)

These don't apply to a typical short visit, but cover other reasons people travel to Central African Republic. Eligibility varies by visa type - some are limited to specific nationalities, so check each one's conditions.

Visa Court SĂ©jour - Long Duration (Short-Stay Visa 3+ Months)

Short-stay visa for stays exceeding three months, for purposes such as extended visits, research, or short-term professional assignments.

single entry

Fee schedule from CAR Embassy Washington: 3+ months $300, express processing +$50. Exact maximum stay not specified in official sources; long-stay visa (visa long séjour) is the formal category for extended residence.

Apply here ↗

Visa Long SĂ©jour (Long-Stay Visa)

Long-term entry visa for work, study, family reunification, or extended residence in the Central African Republic. Issued by CAR embassies and consulates abroad.

  • Official category listed by the CAR Embassy in Paris.
  • Application accepts online form (with account creation) or paper PDF form.
  • Payment by bank transfer or cash at embassy.
  • Specific fee, validity, and stay duration not published on accessible official pages.
  • Covers work, study, and residence purposes.
Apply here ↗

Visa Diplomatique / Officiel (Diplomatic/Official Visa)

Visa for holders of diplomatic or official passports travelling to the Central African Republic on official business. Despite diplomatic passport status, a visa is still required.

  • CAR Embassy Washington confirmed in prior verification: 'No change.
  • Visa applications will be processed by the Embassy' for diplomatic/official passport holders - no exemption exists.
  • Effective February 12, 2024, embassy staff, UN, EU, NGO personnel, and international organization contractors must obtain prior MFA authorization before entering CAR.
Apply here ↗

Central African Republic visa for American citizens - FAQ

Do American citizens need a visa for Central African Republic?

Yes - American citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Central African Republic embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.

What documents do American citizens need for Central African Republic?

A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific Central African Republic visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.