Republic of the Congo entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
United Arab Emirates passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Republic of the Congo. It's valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, and you need a return or onward ticket. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Republic of the Congo eVisaOfficial portal: Congo Republic eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the Republic of the Congo. Airlines check this before boarding, so verify your passport's expiry date before heading to the airport. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire Airport. Have a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation ready, plus two passport-sized photos. The fee is around 100,000 CFA francs (~$170 USD) for a single-entry visa, payable in cash (CFA or euros).Check MFA requirements | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Republic of the Congo | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they want to see you're leaving within the visa's validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Republic of the Congo. Officers at the visa-on-arrival counter often ask for this before issuing the visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds — have a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least $500 USD equivalent. Cash in CFA francs or euros is also accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — credit and debit cards are not accepted. Bring euros or CFA francs. ATMs are available at the airport but may not always work. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration may ask to see it. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (which may cost extra and delay you).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) or Pointe-Noire Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. You'll join a queue at the visa counter. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (cash in CFA francs or euros is preferred).
2
Pay the visa fee and receive your visa
The visa on arrival costs around 50,000 CFA francs (about €75) for a single entry. Pay in cash — credit cards are rarely accepted. The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
3
Proceed to passport control
After receiving your visa, move to the passport control line. Present your passport with the visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay (purpose, hotel, how long). Answer clearly and honestly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once passport control clears you, head to baggage claim. After collecting your bags, proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostCFA 50,000 (~USD 80)
Apply at Congolese embassy abroad; requires passport, photos, and itinerary.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostCFA 100,000 (~USD 160)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-Stay Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostCFA 200,000 (~USD 320)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose of stay; renewable.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
CFA 300,000 (~USD 480) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
CFA 150,000 (~USD 240)
For enrolled students at a recognized Congolese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
CFA 500,000 (~USD 800) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least CFA 10 million (~USD 16,000) in a Congolese business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Available for UAE passport holders for stays up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no official cap reported. | CFA 5,000 (~USD 8) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation details20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Republic of the Congo
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Congo do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) · Pointe-Noire International Airport
Health & vaccines for Republic of the Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Brazzaville
Direction Générale de la Migration
Avenue des 3 Martyrs, Brazzaville
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for the coastal region; expect longer wait times.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBrazzaville
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XAF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The single-entry visa on arrival costs 50,000 CFA francs (about €75). You must pay in cash — euros or CFA francs are accepted. US dollars may be accepted at some counters but it's safer to have euros or CFA. Credit cards are not accepted.
Yes, the visa can be extended once. You need to visit the immigration office in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire before your visa expires. The extension costs around 30,000 CFA francs and gives you an additional 30 days. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Republic of the Congo. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). Immigration may ask to see it at the border. Without it, you could be denied entry or required to get vaccinated on arrival.
Visa on arrival is available at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire Airport. It may also be available at some land border crossings, but this is less reliable. For land border entries, it's safer to arrange a visa in advance through the nearest Congolese embassy.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 10,000 CFA francs per day. In serious cases, you could be detained or banned from re-entering. Always extend your visa before it expires if you need more time.
No, there is no e-visa system for the Republic of the Congo. The only options are visa on arrival (for most nationalities) or a visa obtained from a Congolese embassy before travel. For UAE passport holders, visa on arrival is the simplest route.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.