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Central African Republic Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Required

UK citizens need a visa to Central African Republic — apply online via the official portal https://www.rca-gouv.org/; an e-visa is available with tourist visa fees around 60,000 XAF (approximately USD 100) and typical processing of 3–5 working days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry, and you should have at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: Complete the online visa application on the official portal for an e-visa; there is no separate paper form required for the e-visa. If applying via an embassy/consulate, use the CAR visa application form provided by the consulate and attach all requested documents.
  • Financial proof: Provide recent bank statements or other acceptable evidence showing you have funds to cover your stay; the official portal does not publish a fixed minimum amount. Include statements from the last 3 months.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Evidence of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel booking or host invitation) and a return or onward travel ticket.
  • Photo spec: One recent color passport photo (35 mm x 45 mm) with a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months, clear view of the full face, no eyewear that obscures the eyes.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are typically required as part of the online application and may be collected at the visa centre or embassy; verify with the local CAR visa processing office.
  • Travel health insurance: Strongly recommended to have travel medical insurance that covers illness, medical evacuation and repatriation.
  • Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate is strongly recommended or required if arriving from an area with yellow fever transmission; carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) if applicable.
  • Language and translations: Documents may need to be in English or French; translations may be required for supporting documents not in those languages.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Visa de Tourisme): Validity up to 90 days; stays up to 30 days per entry; single-entry or multiple-entry options; approximate fee 60,000 XAF (~USD 100).
  • Business visa (Visa d'Affaires): Validity up to 90 days; multiple entries; stays up to 90 days per entry; approximate fee 80,000 XAF (~USD 130).
  • Student visa (Visa Étudiant): Valid for the duration of the study program; multiple entries; approximate fee 120,000 XAF (~USD 200).
  • Work visa (Visa Travail): Valid up to 12 months (initial); multiple entries; approximate fee 150,000 XAF (~USD 250).
  • Transit visa (Visa de Transit): Valid up to 3 days; single-entry; approximate fee 30,000 XAF (~USD 50).
  • Diplomatic/Official visa: Validity up to 12 months; multiple entries; fee determined by the mission and not fixed publicly.

Application process

  • How to apply online (e-Visa/eTA): Use the official portal at https://www.rca-gouv.org/ to start your e-visa application. Steps: create an account, complete the online form, upload scanned documents, pay the visa fee online, and receive the e-visa by email as a PDF. Typical processing time is 3–5 working days.
  • Visa on arrival: Available at Bangui M’Poko International Airport and some land border posts. Steps: present passport, completed entry form, recent photo, proof of accommodation and funds, and pay the visa fee in cash in XAF or USD; allow 1–2 hours for processing depending on queues. Fees are paid at the port of entry.
  • Sticker visa (consular/embassy route): Apply via the CAR embassy/consulate in your country of residence or next-door mission if available. Steps: collect and complete the embassy form, submit passport, photos, invitation or hotel confirmation, travel itinerary, and supporting documents; pay visa fee (method depends on the embassy); standard timelines are 5–10 working days; express/priority options may exist at some missions. Interview may be required in some cases.
  • Documents checklist (for all routes): Valid passport, two passport photos, proof of accommodation, return/onward ticket, financial proof, vaccination certificate if required, and the applicable visa application form or online submission reference.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (local currency and approximate USD): Tourist 60,000 XAF (~USD 100); Business 80,000 XAF (~USD 130); Student 120,000 XAF (~USD 200); Work 150,000 XAF (~USD 250); Transit 30,000 XAF (~USD 50).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not widely advertised for CAR e-visas; if using a third-party visa service, check the exact fee with the service provider and the CAR mission; official portal generally handles e-visas directly.
  • Total cost estimate: For a standard tourist e-visa, around 60,000 XAF (~USD 100) plus any optional express fees if offered by the mission.
  • Standard processing time: e-Visa 3–5 working days; visa on arrival at port of entry is typically same day or within a few hours depending on queues; sticker visa via embassy usually 5–10 working days.
  • Express/priority option: Some missions or the online system may offer expedited processing for an additional fee (for example around 20,000 XAF ~= USD 33); availability varies by mission.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Start the process 2–3 weeks before travel if applying online; allow longer if applying through an embassy consular route, and check for any country-specific requirements.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants specifically: Incomplete or inconsistent documents, insufficient funds evidence, missing accommodation details, lack of a return/onward ticket, vaccination certificate requirements not met, or failure to provide a clear travel purpose.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: CAR primarily uses its official e-visa portal for online applications; some applicants may need to use a CAR embassy or consulate if online routes are unavailable; always verify the current process on the official portal.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Central African Republic for current security and safety guidance; understand that CAR has specific regional risk levels and entry requirements can change rapidly.
  • Extension options inside Central African Republic: Visa extensions may be possible through the local immigration office in Bangui or at designated prefectural offices; extensions depend on local regulations and authorities; apply before expiry and be aware of any additional fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.