Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Maltese passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to the Republic of the Congo. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply through the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate. Plan ahead to avoid travel disruptions.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must obtain it before you fly. Required for all Maltese citizens | A visa is required for entry into the Republic of the Congo. Malta is not eligible for the eVisa program, so you must apply at a Congolese embassy or consulate before travel. Submit your application well in advance of your departure date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Republic of the Congo. Check your passport's expiry date now and renew if necessary. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure there are no tears or damage on the visa/entry pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see that you plan to leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the Republic of the Congo. This is commonly checked at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if requested. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Republic of the Congo. Carry bank statements, credit cards, or cash (XAF) to demonstrate financial means. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be refused entry or forced to vaccinate on arrival. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year of age arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country, and is often required for all arrivals. Get vaccinated and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into the Republic of the Congo. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Maltese citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in the Republic of the Congo. You must have a visa issued by a Congolese embassy or consulate before you fly. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry and sent back.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate
Find the Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate that covers your residence. In Malta, there's no resident embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through the embassy in a neighbouring country (e.g., Italy or France) or via a visa service. Call or email them to confirm the exact requirements and appointment process.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything — the embassy may keep some.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Depending on the embassy, you'll either need to appear in person for biometrics or you can mail your application. If applying by mail, use a tracked courier service. Pay the visa fee as instructed.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 5 to 10 business days, but can take longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the visa's validity dates and any restrictions before you travel.
6
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville)
On arrival, go through immigration. Have your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate ready. You'll get an entry stamp. Be prepared to show proof of onward travel if asked.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from a Congolese company and proof of business purpose.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter and prior approval; useful for frequent travel.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
Requires work permit or residence authorization; apply at a Congolese embassy before travel.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€500 (~$560 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires employer to obtain work permit, then apply for visa. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$225 USD) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Congo. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€1,000 (~$1,120 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport; exact fee varies. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Available at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport; exact fee varies. | $150 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville; extensions are discretionary. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure taxes; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required for Malta passport holders unless staying airside and not passing immigration. However, in practice, airside transit at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport is limited and may require a visa if leaving the transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBrazzaville Maya-Maya Airport (BZV) · Pointe-Noire Agostinho-Neto 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
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.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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 3 Martyrs, Brazzaville
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the coastal region; similar requirements.
Practical information for MT 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
No. Malta passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Maltese citizens. You need to apply at a Congolese embassy or consulate in advance.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy and your application. It's best to apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary depending on the embassy and the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact fee. Expect to pay anywhere from €50 to €150 or more.
Yes. The Republic of the Congo requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers. You'll need to show it at immigration. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (which is not ideal).
No, visas are not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
It depends on the embassy. Some require an in-person appointment for biometrics, while others accept applications by mail. Check with the specific embassy handling your application. If you're in Malta, you'll likely need to use a visa service or apply through an embassy in another EU country.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international transit area, you may not need a visa. However, if you need to clear immigration or stay overnight, you'll need a visa. Confirm with the airline and the embassy before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.