Central African Republic
United States
United States visa for citizens of the Central African Republic
Entry requirement
Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at cf.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in the Central African Republic
The United States has 1 mission in the Central African Republic, with its embassy in Bangui.
US visas issued to citizens of the Central African Republic
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 117 | 99 |
| Student (F, M) | 8 | 5 |
| Exchange (J) | 19 | 12 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 2 | 0 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 140 | 152 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 4 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 290 | 269 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 48.5% | 42.6% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 269 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of the Central African Republic, the 178th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Diplomatic and official visas (A, G) made up 57%, visitor visas 37% and exchange visitor visas 4%. That is 7% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (290).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of the Central African Republic received 55, 48% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 42.6% for citizens of the Central African Republic in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 48.5%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of the Central African Republic anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in the Central African Republic.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to the Central African Republic
United StatesCentral African Republic Visa required Central African Republic visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Citizens of the Central African Republic planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long citizens of the Central African Republic can stay in the United States
How long citizens of the Central African Republic may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How citizens of the Central African Republic apply
In the Central African Republic, applications go to the US embassy in Bangui, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for citizens of the Central African Republic
Canada and Mexico require citizens of the Central African Republic to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic requires US citizens to hold a visa issued in advance. The rule is the same in both directions between the Central African Republic and the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Do citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for the United States?
Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in the Central African Republic?
The US embassy in the Central African Republic is in Bangui.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for the Central African Republic?
The Central African Republic requires US citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Can citizens of the Central African Republic enter the United States visa-free?
No; citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.