Central African Republic at a glance
| Visit with an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | No: a visitor visa is needed |
| E-1 treaty trader visa | Not available |
| E-2 treaty investor visa | Not available |
| Own line in the Visa Bulletin | No: worldwide line |
| Green card lottery (last published list, DV-2026) | Eligible |
| Entry restrictions | None |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | Not designated |
| Where visas are processed | The U.S. Embassy in Bangui offers only emergency services for U.S. citizens, so residents apply at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. |
Green card lottery: registration for DV-2027 had not opened as of mid-October 2026. A federal court ordered the State Department to open it, and that order may be appealed.
What is specific to Central African Republic right now
- The Central African Republic is not under a travel-ban restriction, but since January 1, 2026 its nationals applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas can be required to post a visa bond, a program made permanent in August 2026. Visa interviews take place at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, because the embassy in Bangui has no visa services.
Common U.S. immigration paths for people from Central African Republic
AsylumProtection for people who fear persecution in their home countryRefugee/asylee familyBring your spouse and children to join you (Form I-730)Family petitionSponsor children, adult sons and daughters, or siblingsMarriage green cardGreen card through your U.S. citizen or resident spouseGreen card lottery (DV)Yearly random drawing for green cards from lower-immigration countriesB-1/B-2 visitor visaVisit the U.S. for business, tourism or family
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can people from Central African Republic visit the U.S. with an ESTA?
No. Central African Republic is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) from a U.S. embassy or consulate is usually needed.
Can people from Central African Republic get an E-2 investor visa?
Not on Central African Republic nationality alone: there is no E-2 treaty between Central African Republic and the United States. Some people qualify through a second nationality from a treaty country, or use other paths such as EB-5.
Can people from Central African Republic enter the green card lottery?
Central African Republic was eligible in the last published program (DV-2026). Eligibility is set again every year, so check the official instructions when registration opens.
Where do people from Central African Republic have their visa interview?
The U.S. Embassy in Bangui offers only emergency services for U.S. citizens, so residents apply at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
Can I work with a U.S. attorney while I am still in Central African Republic?
Yes. MyUSVisa works online: you tell your story from anywhere, licensed U.S. immigration attorneys review it and send proposals, and you choose. This works before you travel or once you are already in the United States.
More countries in Africa
Last checked by the MyUSVisa team and counsel in October 2026. Country rules change often, especially entry restrictions, TPS and parole programs. Always verify on travel.state.gov and uscis.gov, or ask your attorney.
MyUSVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.