Central African Republic
About
| Discover the present-day capital, Bangui, which rests beside the River Ubangi. Built on a rock, Bangui is shaded by tropical greenery and features many modern buildings. Places of interest include the colourful Central Market (renowned for its malachite necklaces), the Boganda Museum, the Arts and Crafts School, the cathedral and the Saint Paul Mission, whose small brick church overlooks the river, and the Hausa quarter. The Grande Corniche leads to the banks of the Ubangi and provides a picturesque view of the fishermen’s round huts and canoes. In the dry season, take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and spot some wildlife in the Central African Republic's national parks. The three most important parks are Manovo-Gounda St Floris, known for its high concentration of hippos; Bamingui-Bangoran in the north; and Dzanga-Sangha in the southwest. The game population of these national parks is impressive, although the activities of poachers have led to a considerable decrease in recent years - elephants and rhinos being the worst affected species. It is also possible to view gorillas in Bayanga. |
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| Capital: | Bangui (BGF) |
| Currency: | Central African CFA Franc (XAF) |
| Language: | French and Sango. Many local languages are also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 236 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | December - March |
| Best for: | Rare Wildlife |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Dress should be conservative - men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and legs covered. Avoid eating, shaking hands and accepting items with your left hand. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | There may be a curfew in place. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Central African Republic is a largely cash economy (credit cards are not widely accepted and there are few ATM’s). Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. Avoid political gatherings and protests. Avoid photographing military and government installations. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported by visitors over 18 years of age into the Central African Republic without incurring customs duty: • 1,000 cigarettes or cigarillos or 250 cigars or 2kg of tobacco (for women, cigarettes only). • 5 bottles of alcoholic beverages. • 5 bottles of perfume. You must declare firearms before entering |
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.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 29, 31; Apr 21; May 1, 29; Jun 7-9, 30; Aug 13, 15; Nov 1; Dec 1, 25
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
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 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
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
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
