--- title: Canada visa for citizens of the Central African Republic description: "Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee. Processing: 15–60 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/central-african-republic lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Canada visa for citizens of the Central African Republic 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.* Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html ## 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 - **Valid passport (at least 2 blank pages)** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay - **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Supporting): Download from IRCC website - **Two recent passport-size photographs** (Supporting): Meet Canada photo specifications - **Proof of travel itinerary** (Travel): Round-trip or onward flight booking - **Travel insurance (minimum CAD $50,000)** (Travel, optional): Strongly recommended - **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds - **Employment letter or proof of income** (Employment): Include salary and leave approval - **Hotel reservations or invitation letter** (Travel): Proof of accommodation - **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Supporting): For applicants with dependent family - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate)** (Supporting, optional): If applicable - **Letter of explanation for purpose of visit** (Supporting): Explain itinerary and ties to home country - **Biometric enrollment receipt** (Supporting): Pay biometric fee and bring receipt to appointment - **Visa application fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Pay online or at VAC - **Additional documents if self-employed or student** (Employment, optional): Business license or enrollment letter ## 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html) - Canada Visa Requirements for Central African Republic Passport Holders ... (visitplane.com, third-party site) - [Checking processing times - Canada](https://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?st=3.2) - [canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html) ## More - [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada) - [Every destination for Central African Republic passport holders](/visa/passport/central-african-republic)