Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) visa guide
- 2 visa types
- checked 24 October 2026
How visas for the Republic of the Congo work
The Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) issues visas through its embassies and consulates. Its embassy in Washington states plainly that no Congolese visa is issued at any port of entry, so the application must be completed before departure at the consular section that covers your place of residence.
Embassies issue tourist or visit visas and business visas. The embassy in Paris sells visas by length, 15 days or 91 days, with an express option at double the price and reduced fees for young children and people aged 65 or over. A recurring requirement is an invitation or accommodation certificate from the host in Congo; Paris requires it to carry the approval of the Direction Départementale de la Surveillance du Territoire (DDST).
Students on exchange, researchers and people who intend to settle are told by the Washington embassy to enter on a tourist visa and change their status at the Immigration Office in the Republic of the Congo.
Which visa do I need?
Holiday, family event, funeral, wedding or visit to friends: tourist visa from the Congolese embassy for your country of residence (15 or 91 days in Paris; three months multiple entry in Washington).
Feasibility study, business contacts or investment preparations: business visa with a notarized company letter; in Washington it is limited to 30 days and extended locally if needed.
Studies, research or settling: enter on a tourist visa and change status at the Immigration Office in Congo, as advised by the Washington embassy.
Visa types for the Republic of the Congo
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Tourist and visit visa (15-day or 91-day visa in Paris)
Visitors obtain a tourist visa from a Congolese embassy before departure, because no visa is issued at the border.
Maximum stay: Paris: 15 days or 91 days depending on the visa bought. Washington: tourist visa valid three months (90 days) with multiple entries; six months for US citizens.
Business and self-employment
- Business visa
The business visa covers feasibility studies, business contacts and investment preparations.
Maximum stay: Washington: one month (30 days) with multiple entries for non-US citizens, not more than 30 days; six months multiple entry for US citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a visa on arrival in the Republic of the Congo?
No. The Congolese embassy in Washington states that no visa is issued at any port of entry; apply at a Congolese consulate before departure.
How much is a Congo-Brazzaville visa?
It depends on the embassy. Paris charges EUR 55 for 15 days and EUR 110 for 91 days, double for express service, with reduced rates for children up to 5 and people 65 or older. Washington charges USD 200.
What is the DDST approval on the invitation?
The Paris embassy requires the invitation letter or accommodation certificate from your host to carry the agreement of the Direction Départementale de la Surveillance du Territoire in Congo. Your host obtains it locally before sending you the document.
How long does processing take?
The Washington embassy counts 7 to 10 business days and offers no rush service; it recommends applying 30 days before departure and no more than 45 days before. Paris offers an express service at double the fee.
Can I study or settle in Congo on a visa from abroad?
The Washington embassy says exchange students, researchers, families and others who plan to settle should apply for a tourist visa and change their status at the nearest Immigration Office in the Republic of the Congo.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.