Country guide

Central African Republic

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

Required

Currency

Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

Time zones

UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 236

Best time to go

December - March

Drinking water

Bottled water recommended. Milk is unpasteurised.

Travel tips

Central African Republic is a largely cash economy (credit cards are not widely accepted and there are few ATM’s). Avoid photographing military and government installations.

Visa guide

Visa requirements

Visas are required by SA passport holders as well as...

1 fully completed visa application form
1 Valid passport (minimum 6 months) with 3 blank pages
2 Recent passport size photos (35x45mm)
Flight Reservation
Proof of sufficient funds
Letter of invitation from the host organization in C.A.R
Proof of hotel accommodation
Yellow Fever Certificate
Proof of travel/health insurance

Issuing authorities

Embassy of Central African Republic

209 Eastwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
E-mail: info@carembassysa.co.za
Tel: 084 9596795 / 074 683 6376 /012 430 2443/ 2473
Office hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1200 and 1430-1630
APPOINTMENTS ARE TO BE MADE BEFORE GOING TO THE EMBASSY.

Visa processing time

Approximately 5 working days.
Express visas: 3 working days

Visa cost

Single entry/transit: 1 month R750
Short stay (one month) Single entry R1000 | Multiple entries R1500
Short stay (three months) Single entry R1500 | Multiple entries R1750

Please note that express visas are double the fee.

SA representative

South African Embassy

No. 5686 Avenue l’Independence, Ndakala Anne, Bangui
Tel: + 236 75 08 21 46

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1; Mar 20, 29; Apr 6; May 1, 14, 25, 27; Jun 30; Aug 13, 15; Nov 1; Dec 1, 25