Central African Republic entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bangui M'Poko International Airport in the Central African Republic. It's valid for up to 90 days and costs 50,000–100,000 XAF (about $80–$160 USD), depending on your length of stay. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF). Pay in cash — €60 or $65 USD, exact change preferred. Have two passport photos ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes.Check MFA portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Central African Republic. Airlines check this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Bangui airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Cash is king
Bring enough euros or CFA francs in cash for the visa fee and your entire stay. ATMs are rare and often out of service. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Security situation
The Central African Republic has areas of armed conflict. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid travel outside Bangui unless absolutely necessary. Register with your embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the visa-on-arrival counter (usually before passport control). Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll receive a short form to complete. Provide basic personal details, passport info, and your intended length of stay.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash — Central African CFA francs (XAF) or euros are accepted. As of 2026, expect 50,000–100,000 XAF (approx. $80–$160 USD). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates and your name are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Present your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They may ask about your purpose of visit and accommodation. Answer clearly.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After clearance, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the country.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Standard entry for tourism; no advance application needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa on arrival)
Multiple entries allowed; no additional fee.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (apply at embassy)
For extended stays; requires sponsorship or work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 90 days. | Free (no fee charged at entry for UAE passport holders) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying may result in fines or detention; avoid overstay. | Unknown (no official rate published; may be assessed at departure) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Central African Republic
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Bangui M'Poko International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBangui M'Poko International Airport
Health & vaccines for Central African Republic
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions; use insect repellent, bed nets, and take prophylactic medication.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bangui
Direction Générale de la Police de l'Air et des Frontières
Bangui M'Poko International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Bangui
Ministère de l'Intérieur – Service des Étrangers
Avenue de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles long-stay visas and residence permits.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBangui
LanguageFrench, Sango
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XAF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically 50,000–100,000 Central African CFA francs (XAF), which is roughly $80–$160 USD. It depends on the length of stay and your nationality. Pay in cash — euros are also accepted at the airport counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a longer-term visa at the Central African Republic embassy before you travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Also consider vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis — consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
The security situation can be unpredictable. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to conflict zones. Register with your embassy upon arrival.
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Bangui. Bring enough cash (euros or CFA francs) for your stay. ATMs are scarce and unreliable.
French is the official language. English is not widely spoken. Having a translation app or a phrasebook handy can help.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.