Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Swiss citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the Republic of the Congo. Apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system. Processing takes 2–3 weeks, so start early.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour or host. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash (EUR or USD) or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration can ask for proof of financial means, though it's not always checked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter the Republic of the Congo. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available). Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
Visa processing can be slow
Embassy processing times vary. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. Some embassies may require you to apply in person.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Congolese embassy
Contact the Republic of the Congo embassy in Bern or the nearest consulate. Submit your application in person or by mail with your passport, two passport photos, a completed visa form, and the visa fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once you have the visa, book your flights and at least the first night's accommodation. Keep the booking confirmations and a screenshot of your return ticket on your phone.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Suitable for frequent travellers; requires same documents as single entry.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)
For those with family or business ties; requires proof of accommodation and financial means.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable based on studies
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of admission, financial means, and accommodation.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XAF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in local business. Requires business plan and approval from investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XAF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documents20%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Republic of the Congo do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit visa required if leaving the airport or staying overnight.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) · Pointe-Noire 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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 du Général de Gaulle, Brazzaville
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and application form.
Pointe-Noire
Service Départemental de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the coastal region; similar requirements as Brazzaville.
Practical information for CH 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 = 563.11 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Swiss passport holders. You must get a visa from a Congolese embassy before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy. Expect to pay around 50–100 USD or equivalent. Check with the Congolese embassy in Bern for the exact amount.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), two passport photos, a completed visa application form, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and the visa fee. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Yes, the Republic of the Congo requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You must show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There is no way to get a visa at the airport. Always arrange your visa in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.