Central African Republic passport → France

France visa for citizens of the Central African Republic

Embassy / VFSShort-stay Schengen visa (Type C)

Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for France 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 · Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90 + €35 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	€65 per day of stay (or accommodation prepaid)

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents as per checklist.
2
Complete online application
Fill the visa application form on France-Visas website and print the receipt.
3
Book an appointment
Schedule a biometric appointment at the nearest visa centre (TLScontact or VFS Global) in Yaoundé or Douala (Cameroon).
4
Attend appointment
Submit biometric data (photo & fingerprints) and hand over your passport and supporting documents.
5
Pay visa fee
Pay the official fee (€90) plus service charge (€35) at the centre.
6
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 to 30 calendar days.
7
Collect passport
Return to the centre with the receipt to collect your passport (or receive by courier if opted).

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure from Schengen area, with at least 2 blank pages.
Travel itinerary
Round-trip flight booking or reservation.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or letter of invitation from host.
Proof of prepaid accommodation or tour vouchers
Optional
If staying in paid lodging.
Previous passports (if any)
Optional
To show travel history.

Financial

Travel medical insurance
Minimum coverage €30,000 for Schengen area.
Proof of financial means
Bank statements for last 3 months, showing sufficient funds (€65/day).

Employment

Employment or study proof
Employment letter, student card, or proof of business.

Supporting

Visa application form
Completed and signed online via France-Visas.
Recent passport-size photograph
Bio-metric standard; not older than 6 months.
Civil status documents (if applicable)
Optional
Marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, etc.
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
Original signed by host in France, certified by local mayor.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €65 per day of stay

Bank statements last 3 months
Cash proof
Prepaid accommodation proofs

Total funds must cover whole stay. If staying with a host, a sponsorship form may suffice.

Good to know

Central African Republic has no French embassy; apply via embassy in Cameroon (Yaoundé) or another designated Schengen state.
Appointments at visa centres may have long waiting times; apply well in advance.
Visa fee non-refundable even if rejected.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial means

Ensure bank statements show consistent funds above minimum requirement.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields before submission.

Invalid or expired passport

Renew passport if it expires within 6 months of return travel.

Lack of proper travel insurance

Buy Schengen-compliant insurance covering medical emergencies.

FAQ

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

Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C).

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

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €90 + €35 service fee.

How long does France visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

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

Valid passport; Visa application form; Recent passport-size photograph; Travel itinerary; Proof of accommodation; Travel medical insurance; and 6 more.

How long must my passport be valid for France?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/

Sources

france-visas.gouv.fr

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