Republic of the CongoBusiness and self-employment
Congo-Brazzaville business visa
Business visa
In short
The business visa covers feasibility studies, business contacts and investment preparations. The Washington embassy issues it for one month with multiple entries for non-US citizens, on the strength of a notarized company letter, and longer stays are extended at an Immigration Office in Congo.
checked 24 October 2026
Key facts
- 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.
- Fee
- US$200Visa fee at the embassy in Washington, paid in cash in person or by money order; non-refundable. In Paris the same 15-day (EUR 55) and 91-day (EUR 110) visa rates are listed for all ordinary visas.
- Processing time
- 7 to 10 business days in Washington; no expedited service.
- Work
- The visa covers business activities such as feasibility studies, establishing contacts and preparing investments; a change of immigration status is handled by the Immigration Office in Congo.
- Where to apply
- Before departure at the Congolese embassy or consulate for your place of residence.
Purpose of the business visa
According to the Washington embassy, the business visa is issued for purposes such as feasibility studies, establishing professional and business contacts and making arrangements for investments in the Republic of the Congo. No business visa is granted without an official business letter.
The business letter and other documents
The business letter must be typed on company letterhead, notarized at the city council or prefecture, addressed to the embassy's visa section, and state the nature of the business and the name and address of a contact in Congo. It should be no older than three months.
The other documents are the same as for a tourist visa: two completed forms, two colour photos, a passport valid six months, a copy of the air ticket or reservation, proof of legal residence for non-citizens of the host country and a prepaid tracked return envelope. Paris lists a passport, photo, invitation approved by the DDST, flight reservation and proof of resources for its visas.
Required documents
Identity
- Completed application forms and colour photos
Travel
- Passport valid at least six months
- Copy of the air ticket or reservation with arrival and departure dates
Work
- Notarized business letter on company letterhead, addressed to the visa section, with a contact in Congo
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Other
- Proof of legal residence if you are not a citizen of the country where you apply
Fees and timing
Washington charges USD 200, payable in cash in person or by money order, with no refund once the file is submitted, and needs 7 to 10 business days. Paris applies its visa rates by length: EUR 55 for 15 days and EUR 110 for 91 days, double for express.
Staying longer than 30 days
A business visa from Washington cannot exceed 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, extend the visa at the nearest Office of Immigration in the Republic of the Congo. Any change of immigration status is also made in Congo and granted by that office.
How to apply, step by step
- Ask your company to issue a business letter on letterhead and have it notarized.
- Complete the visa forms and gather photos, passport, flight reservation and proof of residence.
- Submit the file to the Congolese consular section for your place of residence and pay the fee.
- Allow 7 to 10 business days and check the length and entries granted.
- If your stay in Congo will exceed the visa, apply for an extension at the Immigration Office.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Congo business visa valid?
The Washington embassy issues it for one month with multiple entries for non-US citizens and states it cannot exceed 30 days; US citizens receive six months with multiple entries.
Can I get a business visa without a company letter?
No. The Washington embassy states that no business visa is granted without an official business letter.
Where do I extend a business visa?
At the nearest Office of Immigration in the Republic of the Congo, before the visa runs out.
Official sources
- Embassy of the Republic of Congo to the USA — Visa (types, business letter, fees)
- Ambassade de la République du Congo en France — Demande de visa
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for the Republic of the Congo
- Tourist visa 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.