Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish 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 Irish citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Irish passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. Apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 working days. You'll need a valid passport, two passport photos, a completed application form, and proof of accommodation.Check MFA website | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Republic of the Congo. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Brazzaville's Maya-Maya Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Republic of the Congo. Immigration may ask for this during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient financial means | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There's no fixed amount, but around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow card at immigration. No card, no entry — or you'll be vaccinated on the spot and possibly held for observation. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
Apply for your visa well in advance
The embassy in London processes applications by post. Allow 2–3 weeks total for mailing and processing. Don't leave it to the last minute.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in London (or the nearest embassy covering Ireland). Submit your application by post or in person. Include your passport, completed form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Processing typically takes 5–10 working days.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport with visa, yellow fever card, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville)
After landing, go to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, visa, yellow fever card, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. Answer clearly. After stamping, you're through.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$217 USD) + employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer in the Republic of the Congo. Requires employer to obtain a work permit and provide supporting documents.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) + proof of enrollment
For individuals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in the country. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$543 USD) + investment proof
For those making a significant investment in the country (e.g., business, real estate). Requires detailed business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | €150 (~$163 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by the embassy or visa processing center. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity; maximum cap may apply. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
A transit visa is required for Irish passport holders transiting through the Republic of the Congo, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the Republic of the Congo or a neighboring country may be exempt.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya Airport (BZV) · Pointe-Noire Airport (PNR)
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent and nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are recommended for prophylaxis.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related services.
Practical information for IE 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
Yes. You must get a visa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Irish citizens.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in London handles applications for Irish citizens. You can apply by post or in person. Address: 45-47 Great Peter Street, London SW1P 3LT, UK. Phone: +44 20 7222 7575.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, two passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and proof of sufficient funds.
Fees vary. Check with the embassy directly. Expect around €80–€120 for a single-entry tourist visa. Fees are subject to change.
Extensions are not generally available for short-stay visas. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Brazzaville before your visa expires.
Yes. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at the border. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (and possibly quarantined).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.