Central African Republic entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swedish passport holders need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. You must arrange this before you travel — there is 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 embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Swedish passport holders. Processing times vary, so start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Check MFA portal | 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 — border officials sometimes ask for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at Bangui M'Poko International Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — a simple booking reference may not be enough. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Central African Republic help at immigration. Officers may ask where you're staying — have a printed address ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (at least 500 USD or equivalent in euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Bangui. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Swedish passport holders. You must obtain a visa from the Central African Republic embassy before you travel. Arriving without one means immediate denial of entry.
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your trip to avoid delays. The embassy in Brussels is the primary point for Swedish applicants.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Central African Republic embassy in Brussels (or the nearest embassy to Sweden) to submit your visa application. You'll need to provide your passport, application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and accommodation proof. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Before departure, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, flight tickets, accommodation confirmations, and travel insurance. Keep them in a separate folder from your passport.
3
Arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport
At the airport, proceed to 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 clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Central African Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days, extendable.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For longer stays; requires justification (e.g., work, study, volunteer).
work visa
Travail et Séjour Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 300 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer in CAR. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For students enrolled in a recognized institution in CAR. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in CAR. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry visa, allowing multiple visits within validity. | ~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Stay extension feeEstimated fee for extending a visa or stay, subject to approval. | ~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; exact amount may vary. | ~$10 USD per day (max cap unknown) |
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
Transit visa required
Sweden 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; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; outbreaks reported.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 de l'Indépendance, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bangui
Ministère de l'Intérieur et de la Sécurité Publique
Boulevard du 30 Mars, Bangui
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles visa applications and residency matters. Expect delays.
Practical information for SE 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 = 563.11 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
Yes, a visa is required. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. You must apply at the Central African Republic embassy in Brussels or the nearest consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around €50–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the embassy for the exact amount.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. The visa is issued for a fixed period, and overstaying can result in fines or deportation. Plan your stay accordingly.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a completed application form, two passport photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and sometimes a letter of invitation or travel insurance. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Not always mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be very expensive. Most travel insurance policies cover this.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa on arrival, so you must have a visa before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.