The Central African Republic requires all travelers to present a valid passport for entry. Entry with an ID card only is generally not permitted, except for citizens of certain Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) member states who may enter with a national ID card. For most other travelers, a passport is mandatory.
All travelers to the Central African Republic must present a valid passport. Visa requirements depend on the traveler’s nationality:
Citizens of CEMAC countries (Chad, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo) can enter the Central African Republic without a visa for up to 90 days.
Citizens of most other countries, including those from the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom, require a visa. Visas must be obtained in advance from a Central African Republic embassy or consulate.
Always confirm the latest entry requirements with the nearest Central African diplomatic mission, as rules may change.
There are no extensive toll road networks in the Central African Republic. Roads are generally in poor condition, particularly in rural areas. Major highways connecting cities like Bangui to surrounding regions are often dirt or poorly maintained.
The Central African Republic has a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
The dry season is characterized by hot and dry weather, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This is the best time to travel, especially in the northern regions where temperatures can be high.
The wet season brings heavy rains, especially in the southern and western regions. Travel during this period can be challenging due to road conditions and flooding. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F), with high humidity.
The official currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF), symbolized as FCFA.
Banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 XAF. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 XAF.
Currency exchange services are available in Bangui and major towns. Euros are the most commonly accepted foreign currency for exchange.
Credit and debit cards are rarely accepted outside of large hotels in Bangui. Cash is the preferred method of payment in most places, and it is recommended to carry cash for transactions.