Central African Republic entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the Central African Republic. Apply at the nearest embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take weeks, so start early.Check MFA website | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. Airlines at Colombo (CMB) may ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Bangui M'Poko (BGF) will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines from Addis Ababa or Nairobi check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter ready. Officers may ask where you're staying — a printed reservation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash (EUR or USD) or a bank statement showing enough for your trip. There are no ATMs in most of the country, so bring what you need. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
You cannot enter the Central African Republic without a pre-arranged visa. There are no e-visas, visa-on-arrival, or waiver programs for Sri Lankan passport holders. Plan ahead and apply at the nearest embassy.
Yellow fever vaccination required
All travellers must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry your Yellow Card.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Central African Republic embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles visa applications). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any additional documents they request. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of both confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. You may also be asked for your accommodation address. The officer will stamp you in — no additional forms or fees at the counter.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Apply at Central African Republic embassy.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
For frequent travellers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies; apply at embassy or online. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XAF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Central African Republic, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsBangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF)
Health & vaccines for Central African Republic
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; may be required for all entrants.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider 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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Bring passport, visa, and photos for extension requests.
Practical information for LK 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Central African Republic embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees depend on the embassy issuing it. Contact the specific embassy for current fees — they can range from $50 to $150 depending on visa type and processing speed.
Yes. The Central African Republic requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) with you — immigration may check it.
Extensions are not available for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a longer-duration visa at the embassy before travel.
If you transit through a country that requires a transit visa (e.g., Schengen area, UK, or others), you must arrange that separately. Check transit visa requirements for your entire route.
The security situation can be unpredictable. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.