Embassy
Embassy of the Central African Republic in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
2704 Ontario Road NW
Central African Republic visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens need a visa for the Central African Republic, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
CAF
Central African Republic
Visa needed
An embassy visa for holidays and tourist visits.
- Visa
- Required
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for American citizens in Central African Republic
- The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Central African Republic (CAR) due to armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping, as well as Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.
What to do
Find the Central African Republic's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your Central African Republic visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Central African Republic
Some regional citizens need no visa. Other visitors apply through embassies.
Visa requiredShort tourist visaAn embassy visa for holidays and tourist visits.
- Processing
- 3 days
How to apply
- Check the embassy's document list.
- Apply through the embassy.
Documents required
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Yellow fever vaccination proof is required for entry.
Visa requiredLonger tourist visaAn embassy visa for a longer holiday or tourist visit.
- Processing
- 3 days
How to apply
- Check the embassy's document list.
- Apply through the embassy.
Documents required
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Yellow fever vaccination proof is required for entry.
Visa requiredTourist visaAn embassy visa for people visiting as tourists.
- Processing
- 3 days
How to apply
- Check the embassy's document list.
- Apply through the embassy.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Hotel booking
- Yellow fever. vaccine
- Washington serves people living in the US, Canada and Mexico.
- Where you live does not decide which nationalities can apply.
- Fees depend on stay length and range from 150–300 USD.
- A 45-day stay costs 175 USD; other bands use months.
Sources (14)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Central African Republic Embassy in Paris: short-stay visa
- Paris embassy: official short-stay visa form
- Paris embassy: long-stay visa
- Paris embassy: official long-stay visa form
- Paris embassy: submission and collection notice
- Paris embassy: contact and jurisdiction
- Central African Republic Embassy in Washington: visa notice, documents and fees
- Washington embassy: visa types and application guidance
- Washington embassy: entry vaccination and consular coverage
- Central African Economic and Monetary Community: member countries
- Regional commission: confirmation of visa-free movement
- UK government: direction to the Central African Republic Embassy in Paris
- India Foreign Ministry: arrival-visa listing and verification disclaimer
- Central African Republic Foreign Ministry: visa page with no substantive visa rules in the readable content
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Coming from United States
- Plugs C EAdapter needed
- MoneyXAF Fr
- Time+13h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguageFrench
- Emergency117 police1220 ambulance
Planning your Central African Republic trip
- Barthélémy Boganda National MuseumThis museum in Bangui displays local instruments, weapons and tools. It also covers traditions, religion and architecture.
- Bambari rock paintingsSome of the country's best prehistoric rock paintings are around Bambari.
- Boali waterfallsThese scenic waterfalls are about two hours from Bangui. They are more impressive during the rainy season.
- Bouar stone circlesAncient standing stones near Bouar are arranged in circles.
Scams to watch for in Central African Republic
- Checkpoint bribe demandsPolice at checkpoints demand money. Repeated demands can add up to hundreds of US dollars or euros on the journey from the Cameroon border to Bangui.
- Belongings held for paymentPolice take an item, such as a passport, camera or watch, and demand money to return it.
- Armed road robberyArmed robbers target people travelling by road. Banditry and theft can affect bus journeys too. Armed groups also set up roadblocks that disrupt travel.
About Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is a landlocked state at the centre of the African continent.
- Capital
- Bangui
- Money
- Central African CFA franc (Fr)
- Languages
- French, Sango
- Time zone
- UTC+01:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +236
Other Americas passports
Going to Central African Republic
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Central African Republic with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for American citizens visiting Central African Republic?
Do american citizens need a visa for the Central African Republic?
American citizens need a visa for the Central African Republic, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a Central African Republic visa?
At the Central African Republic's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help american citizens enter the Central African Republic?
We have no record of the Central African Republic relaxing its rules for american citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do central african citizens need a visa for the United States?
Central African citizens need a visa for the United States, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to the Central African Republic?
None of the 10 other Americas passports we compared enter without applying first.
Which countries near Central African Republic are easier for american citizens?
Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Botswana, Cape Verde Eswatini, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the Central African Republic?
Find the Central African Republic's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in the Central African Republic?
Central African CFA franc (Fr). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the Central African Republic?
French and Sango.
How strong is the United States passport?
It ranks #12 and reaches 150 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck