Congo-Brazzaville tourist and visit visa

A valid passport is required for every traveller, and visitors must be able to show the purpose of the visit, means of support and accommodation at border control. Since no visa is issued at ports of entry, apply at the consular section of the Congolese embassy that covers your place of residence. In the United States only the embassy in Washington issues visas; the UN mission in New York and the honorary consulate in Chicago do not.

Paris asks for a passport valid at least six months after the travel date, an identity photo in JPEG format, in colour, on a white background and full face, an invitation letter or accommodation certificate approved by the DDST in Congo, a copy of the flight reservation with departure and return dates, and proof of sufficient resources for the stay.

Washington asks for two completed and signed application forms, two 2x2 inch colour photos on a white background taken within six months, a passport valid six months, and a typed invitation letter notarized at the city council or prefecture, addressed to the embassy's visa section and naming a reference in Congo, or a hotel reservation. In every case a form of identity of the host is mandatory, and the city in the invitation must match the city on the form. Add a copy of the air ticket or reservation, proof of legal residence in the US or Mexico for non-citizens, and a prepaid tracked return envelope.

Paris: EUR 55 for a 15-day visa (EUR 110 express) and EUR 110 for a 91-day visa (EUR 220 express). Children from 0 to 5 and people aged 65 and over pay EUR 28 for 15 days (EUR 55 express) and EUR 55 for 91 days (EUR 110 express).

Washington: USD 200, paid in cash when dropping off in person or by money order made out to the Embassy of the Republic of Congo and issued within 90 days. Business checks are not accepted, and fees are not refunded once the application has been submitted.

In Paris, prepare the visa request listed on the embassy's visa service page, then either send your passport by registered post or bring it to the embassy. Files are handed in Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:30 and collected from 14:30 to 17:00.

In Washington, applications are dropped off between 10:30 and 12:00 and collected between 13:30 and 15:00 on weekdays, or sent by mail with a return envelope. Incomplete forms delay the decision, and missing documents can lead to rejection.

Washington processes consular requests in 7 to 10 business days and has no expedited service. It advises applying 30 days before departure and not more than 45 days before. Invitation letters should be no older than three months. In Paris, the express rate buys faster handling.

For minors aged 0 to 17, Paris requires a parental authorisation to leave the territory, proof of filiation (birth certificate or family book) and a copy of a parent's identity document. Washington asks for a copy of the passport and itinerary of the adult travelling with the child and may require proof of parenthood or custody. Travellers joining family add birth, adoption or marriage certificates; funeral and wedding trips add a death certificate or wedding invitation.