Central African Republic passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of the Central African Republic

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–60 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Must show sufficient funds for stay and return; minimum CAD $2,500 recommended

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents as per checklist.
2
Complete application forms
Fill IMM 5257 and IMM 5645 online or by hand.
3
Pay application and biometric fees
Pay CAD $100 visa fee + CAD $30 biometric fee online.
4
Book biometric appointment at VAC
Schedule appointment at a Canada Visa Application Centre in a nearby country (if no VAC in Central African Republic).
5
Submit application and documents
Submit physical application and documents at VAC during appointment.
6
Provide biometrics
Have fingerprints and photo taken at VAC.
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15-60 calendar days.
8
Passport with visa returned
Collect passport from VAC or receive by courier.
9
Travel to Canada
Present passport with visa and all supporting docs upon arrival.
10
Comply with stay conditions
Do not overstay; max 180 days unless extended.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Proof of travel itinerary
Round-trip or onward flight booking
Travel insurance (minimum CAD $50,000)
Optional
Strongly recommended
Hotel reservations or invitation letter
Proof of accommodation

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Show sufficient funds

Employment

Employment letter or proof of income
Include salary and leave approval
Additional documents if self-employed or student
Optional
Business license or enrollment letter

Supporting

Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Download from IRCC website
Two recent passport-size photographs
Meet Canada photo specifications
Family information form (IMM 5645)
For applicants with dependent family
Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
Optional
If applicable
Letter of explanation for purpose of visit
Explain itinerary and ties to home country
Biometric enrollment receipt
Pay biometric fee and bring receipt to appointment
Visa application fee payment receipt
Pay online or at VAC

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD $2,500

Bank statements
Pay slips
Sponsor letter if applicable

Must cover entire stay and show strong ties to home country

Good to know

Canada visa processing times vary; apply well in advance (at least 3 months before travel).
If no VAC exists in Central African Republic, you may need to travel to a neighboring country (e.g., Cameroon, Chad) for biometrics.
Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision by border officer.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds

Provide clear evidence of sufficient funds and ties to home country.

Incomplete application

Double-check all forms and documents before submission.

Weak ties to home country

Include proof of employment, property, or family in Central African Republic.

Suspicious travel history

Provide honest itinerary and explain any prior visa refusals.

Failed medical exam

If required, undergo medical exam at panel physician only.

FAQ

Do citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

How long can citizens of the Central African Republic stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of the Central African Republic?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 15–60 days.

What documents do citizens of the Central African Republic need for Canada?

Valid passport (at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-size photographs; Proof of travel itinerary; Bank statements (last 3 months); Employment letter or proof of income; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

Check current IRCC processing times - Canada.ca
Canada Visa Requirements for Central African Republic Passport Holders ... (visitplane.com, third-party site)
Checking processing times - Canada
canada.ca

Plan your trip to Canada

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Canada.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides