Republic of the Congo entry requirements for India 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
Indian 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 or e-visa option as of 2026. Plan ahead and apply at the Congolese embassy in New Delhi or the nearest consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | You need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. Apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate before departure — there is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. Processing takes 5–10 business days; submit your passport, two photos, a completed application form, and a letter of invitation or hotel booking.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. The Republic of the Congo enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire airports always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Book a refundable hotel for the first few nights and keep the confirmation handy. If staying with friends, have their contact details and address written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry cash (Euros or CFA francs) or a bank statement showing at least $200–$300 for your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Brazzaville, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination card (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which can be expensive and inconvenient.
No e-visa or online application
Congo does not offer an e-visa for Indian passport holders. You must apply in person or by mail at the embassy. Plan ahead — there's no last-minute digital option.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Congolese embassy
Contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in New Delhi (or the nearest consulate) to submit your application. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, and accommodation proof. Processing takes 5–10 working days. There is no online application system.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport info page, flight tickets, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a separate folder or on your phone for quick access.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) or Pointe-Noire Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. The process is straightforward if your documents are in order.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 8,000 XAF)
Apply at embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 12,000 XAF)
For frequent travellers; extension possible.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 16,000 XAF)
Requires invitation letter from Congolese company.
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 24,000 XAF) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires employer sponsorship and labour ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Carte de Séjour Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 16,000 XAF)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 40,000 XAF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; check with Republic of Congo embassy in India. | ~$100 USD (approx. 8,000 XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$150 USD (approx. 12,000 XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 800 XAF) |
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
Indian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Republic of the Congo, even if staying airside. Check with the airline or embassy for specific requirements.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the destination country may be exempt; confirm with embassy.
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; India is considered endemic, so proof of vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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 Trois Martyrs, Brazzaville
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the coastal region.
Practical information for IN 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 Indian nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Congolese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe. The embassy in New Delhi handles most applications.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around ₹3,000–₹5,000 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the embassy for the exact amount — fees change without notice.
Yes. The Republic of the Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're transiting and don't leave the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country (even for a day), you need a visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Congo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing happens in cities. Avoid political demonstrations and remote areas. Register with the Indian embassy in Brazzaville upon arrival.
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.