Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). Apply at the Congolese embassy in advance — no visa on arrival or e-visa exists as of 2026. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Republic of the Congo embassy | Icelandic passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the Republic of the Congo. Submit your application at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate — processing can take several weeks. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your departure.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from the Republic of the Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers at Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire airports ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone — they check this before issuing your entry stamp. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in the Republic of the Congo. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you are staying for more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or bank statement | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $200 USD per day of your stay. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means, especially for longer visits. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
No visa on arrival or e-visa for Icelandic passport holders. Get a visa from a Congolese embassy before you travel. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so start early.
Yellow fever vaccination mandatory
All travellers aged 1 year and older must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination. You will be asked to show it at immigration — no exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Congolese embassy
Contact the Congolese embassy or consulate in your country (e.g., London, Paris, or Washington D.C.) to get the application form and list of required documents. Submit your passport, photos, application, and fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return or onward flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone and printed.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville)
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. The process is usually straightforward if you have all documents ready.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Requires passport valid 6 months, 2 photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) plus school enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Congo. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XAF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry visa valid for up to 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 assessed at immigration upon departure. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XAF) per day, max cap $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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 Iceland holders changing planes in Republic of the Congo, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for any Schengen country may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya Airport (BZV) – Brazzaville · Pointe-Noire Airport (PNR) – Pointe-Noire
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water practices.
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 application form.
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 IS 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, Icelandic passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Apply at the Congolese embassy in your country of residence.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a completed application form, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, return flight booking, and the visa fee. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or proof of funds.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
It is not officially required for visa application or entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers unexpected costs.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa on arrival option for Icelandic passport holders.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You must show the yellow fever certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination) upon arrival. Other vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis are recommended.
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.