Central African Republic: do South Africans need a visa?
South Africans need to apply for a visa before travel to the Central African Republic.
Visas issued for 1 or 3 months.
Travel advice
Travel with caution
The UK advises against all travel to parts of the Central African Republic.
We show UK and US government advice because they publish detailed, regularly updated assessments. Checked 5 October 2026.
Read the full advice: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Before you travel
Length of stay
Visas issued for 1 or 3 months.1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Purpose of visit
Not published by official sources
Passport validity
How to apply
At the embassy, by appointment. Fees: transit/single 1 month R750; short stay 1 month R1,000 single / R1,500 multiple; 3 months R1,500 single / R1,750 multiple; express double. About 5 working days (express 3).1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Where South Africans apply
Embassy of the Central African Republic, 209 Eastwood St, Arcadia, Pretoria (appointment required).1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Travel insurance
Proof of travel/health insurance is required for the visa application.1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Return or onward ticket
Flight reservation required.1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Proof of funds
Proof of sufficient funds required.1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Accommodation or invitation
Letter of invitation and hotel proof required.1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
CAR: yellow fever certificate REQUIRED for entry. RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA: the Central African Republic is on South Africa's yellow fever risk-country list. South African Department of Health / DIRCO rules require every traveller over 1 year old (South Africans included) arriving from a risk country, or transiting a risk-country airport for more than 12 hours, to show a valid yellow fever certificate (vaccine at least 10 days before departure; certificates are valid for life). Without one you may be refused entry or quarantined for up to 6 days.2451
Confirmed by other governments' official advice
Arrival forms
Not published by official sources
Extending your stay and overstaying
Not published by official sources
Transit
Not published by official sources
Travelling with children
Not published by official sources
Sources
Other government
Official advice from other governments
- 2UK FCDO gov.uk
- 4National Department of Health, South Africa health.gov.za
- 5DIRCO (South African High Commission, Canberra) dirco.gov.za
Reference
Used to find official sources, never the final word
- 3Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
Commercial
Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies
- 1The GSA (South African visa agency) thegsa.co.za
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book. Spotted something out of date? Report a change.