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Central African Republic Visa Policy

Any visitor who wishes to visit the CAR, as the country is popularly called, must get a visa from any of their foreign missions or a French diplomatic mission before they can visit unless they are from a visa-exempt country. The CAR maintains a list of visa-exempt countries, most of which are fellow African nations and a few foreign nations. Citizens from these nations can enter the country without visas for a short time lasting between 90-180 days.

While most visa-exempt visitors need to use their passports for entry, a few from Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guineans can use their valid ID cards for visits.

The CAR also allows foreign nationals traveling by air to other countries to transit through any of its airports as long as they have confirmed flight tickets. The only rule is that they remain in the aircraft or transit area of the airport while waiting for their next flight and have the required documents.

Those from non-visa-exempt countries must go through the normal visa procedure, which requires submitting a completed application form and other documents to the consulate abroad.

How To Apply For A Central African Republic Visa

If you wish to apply for a Central African Republic Visa, you have only one option: to submit your application form and documents to a foreign mission office. The CAR government has foreign missions in a few countries but needs a wide network, so they partner with French missions. You can apply through the French consulate if there isn't a CAR mission office.  

There is a possibility that some popular licensed agents may also facilitate the visa application for the CAR, but this will depend on the location, so do your findings.

You must provide a valid passport and other documents, which must be submitted along with a completed application form with your details. The application will also attract a nonrefundable application fee payable through any of the means ascribed by the receiver. Visa applications take 1-4 weeks or more to process; once the application leaves your hands, you are at the mercy of the consulate, so we recommend applying several weeks before your trip.

Safety Tips and Travel Information For the Central African Republic

The situation in the CAR remains very volatile, so you need to take all the necessary precautions if you have decided to visit the country. Many foreign governments advise citizens against visiting the country because of the potential dangers, so bear this in mind.

Security And Safety: The CAR and the capital, Bangui, remain unsafe, with frequent reports of constant killings, gunfires, house burglaries, and killings. Despite the war's conclusion, armed groups continued to patrol the country, including the capital, terrorizing inhabitants. 

There are official and unofficial roadblocks in the city handled by armed security personnel to keep the peace. Be observant in public and avoid these armed fighters traveling in large groups. If you can, also avoid crowded places as they are targeted for hostage-taking and banditry.

Crime: The crime situation in the CAR is worsening by the day, with food insecurity and fuel shortages crippling the country and aggravating crime. Thefts and robberies are commonly fully spearheaded by armed gangs who operate in the city outskirts. Always move around with security personnel and be vigilant at all times. Avoid wearing valuable ware and jewelry as they attract criminals. Do not go out at night, and avoid isolated areas.

Traveling By Road: If you wish to drive in the CAR, you need an international driving permit for 1968, not a 1929 or 1949 permit. These permits can be obtained abroad but will be difficult to obtain inside the country. 

It is best to get your permit before entering the country. Also, note that roads are often in poor condition, and most are only suited for four-wheel drives. Driving or navigating the city during the rainy season is difficult as the condition worsens. If you must drive, keep a supply of fuel and carry your supply with you, especially when traveling to the outskirts of Bangui.

When you encounter roadblocks, you may be forced to hand over money or valuables to continue your journey, and there may be indiscriminate attacks, especially in remote areas, between rival groups. Cases of attacks on moving vehicles are common, so be careful.

Leave Quickly: Once you are done with your activities in the CAR, it will be in your best interest to leave the country as soon as possible. Plan your itinerary and make sure your flight for the return trip coincides with your departure date.

Use Approved Routes: Traveling to the CAR by air rather than by road is best because many of these routes are unsafe, particularly the border crossings. If you are lucky to meet manned security personnel at the border crossings, you can't be so sure of your safety in the remote parts. If you must travel by road, use only approved routes with a strong security presence. If possible, travel with armed security when making such a trip.

Passport: Your passport must have at least three months of validity from the moment you arrive at the CAR; if your trip extends beyond 90 days, your passport should have a longer validity. The last thing you want is for your passport to expire during your time in the country, as this may place you in a difficult situation. Also, note that the visa will expire if the passport it is attached to expires as well.

Application Fee: The application fee for the visa is different for all applications. Visa fees depend on the type of visa and the validity. The foreign mission's authorities will determine how much you pay. Kindly note that this fee is not refundable.

Referendum: A referendum has been done in the country, and a new part towards achieving peace is already in the works, and the international society hopes this will resolve the crisis that has engulfed the country for more than a decade.

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If you want to make a trip to the Central African Republic, you need all the information you can get to enjoy an eventful trip.