Central African Republic entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. You must arrange this before you travel — there's no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Central African Republic. Apply at the nearest Central African embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders. Processing takes 1–2 weeks, and you must submit your passport in person or by mail.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Central African Republic. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at Bangui M'Poko International Airport. Show a printed or digital return ticket or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host ready. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you don't have a return ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash (CFA francs or euros) or a bank statement showing at least 200,000 CFA (~$330) to cover your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Bangui, and credit cards are rarely accepted. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Madagascar passport holders cannot enter the Central African Republic without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa, and no waiver. Plan ahead and apply at least 4 weeks before your trip.
Security situation
The Central African Republic has ongoing conflict and crime risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do travel, register with your embassy and carry emergency contact numbers.
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, a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well before your trip.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book your flights and first night's accommodation. Keep the booking confirmations and your return/onward ticket easily accessible on your phone or as printouts.
3
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. After clearance, you'll collect your luggage and exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Apply at Central African Republic embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Good for multiple visits. Extension possible.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)
For longer stays; requires justification (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF)
For those with a job offer in Central African Republic. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XAF)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in the country. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity period. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 6,000 XAF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Central African Republic do not need 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 travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Madagascar is considered a risk country.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Central African Republic. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 des Martyrs, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bangui
Police de l'Air et des Frontières (Airport Immigration)
Bangui M'Poko International Airport
24/7
Handles entry/exit formalities. For visa on arrival, go here before passport control.
Practical information for MG 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 for Madagascar passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Central African Republic embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and type of visa (single-entry, multiple-entry). Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the exact amount.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a booked return or onward flight before you arrive.
Yes. The Central African Republic requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card with you.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Bangui before your visa expires.
The security situation can be unstable. Check your government's travel advisories 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.