Central African Republic Visa Requirements
For 🇪🇸 Spain passport holders
Spain passport holders must apply for a visa at a Central African Republic embassy or consulate before traveling.
Spanish citizens require a visa to enter the Central African Republic. Due to extreme security risks from ongoing civil conflict, armed groups, and violence, all travel is strongly advised against.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, visa obtained in advance, yellow fever vaccination certificate, letter of invitation.
Complications in an already dangerous environment.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis, Rabies
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
The Central African Republic has been in civil conflict since 2012. Armed groups control large areas outside Bangui. Violence, kidnapping, and attacks on civilians are common. The UN has a peacekeeping mission but cannot ensure safety. Most governments advise against all travel. This is one of the world's most dangerous countries.
Money & Costs
Currency
CFA Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $60 · Mid: $120 · Luxury: $250+
Tipping
Not applicable as tourism does not exist.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, E, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
No reliable emergency services.
Getting There
Main Airports
Bangui (BGF)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (November-March) would be best for wildlife viewing if travel were safe. The rainy season makes roads impassable. However, security, not weather, is the critical consideration making all travel inadvisable.
Cultural Notes
CAR has diverse ethnic groups with the Gbaya, Banda, and Mandjia being largest. Traditional music and dance are culturally important. The Pygmy (BaAka) people of the forests have unique musical traditions. Before the conflict, the country offered authentic encounters with forest peoples and remarkable wildlife.
Insider Tips
French and Sango are official languages. The Central African CFA franc is the currency. Normal tourism does not exist. The country has remarkable wildlife in Dzanga-Sangha but access is extremely dangerous. Only humanitarian operations with security support operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to the Central African Republic?
No. CAR is one of the world's most dangerous countries. Civil conflict since 2012 has displaced over a quarter of the population. Armed groups control much of the country. Violence against civilians is widespread. The UN peacekeeping mission cannot ensure safety. All governments advise against travel.
What is Dzanga-Sangha?
Dzanga-Sangha is a protected area in southwestern CAR with remarkable wildlife including forest elephants that gather at Dzanga Bai clearing, western lowland gorillas, and bongos. It's also home to BaAka Pygmy communities. Before the conflict escalated, it was a unique ecotourism destination. Currently, reaching it safely is virtually impossible.
What caused the conflict in CAR?
The current conflict began in 2012 when the Séléka rebel coalition overthrew President Bozizé. Anti-Séléka militias (Anti-balaka) formed, and the country descended into sectarian violence along Muslim/Christian lines. Despite a peace agreement in 2019, armed groups continue fighting. The conflict has humanitarian, political, and ethnic dimensions.
Who are the BaAka people?
The BaAka are one of several Pygmy peoples of the Central African forests. They are hunter-gatherers with remarkable forest knowledge and distinctive polyphonic singing traditions. Dzanga-Sangha was known for ethical tourism experiences with BaAka communities. The conflict has severely impacted these communities who already faced marginalization.
Can humanitarian workers travel to CAR?
Humanitarian organizations operate in CAR but with strict security protocols, armed escorts, and restricted movements. The UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) provides some protection. Even with these measures, attacks on aid workers occur. Individual travel without organizational support and security is extremely dangerous and inadvisable.