Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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

Bahraini 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. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 5–10 business days; expect to submit a passport photo, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Overstaying your visa results in a fine of 10,000 XAF (~$17) per day, payable at the airport.Check MFA websiteRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from the Republic of the Congo. Airlines enforce this strictly — you will be denied boarding if your passport expires sooner. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A printed copy of your flight itinerary or e-ticket works. If you plan to leave overland, have a bus or ferry booking ready — they may still ask for a flight reservation.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying on arrival. A simple booking confirmation email with the hotel name and address is sufficient.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement
Carry at least 200,000 XAF (~$330) in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration occasionally checks for proof of financial means, especially if you are staying more than a week. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) on arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — at your own expense.
No visa on arrival or e-visa
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Bahraini passport holders. You must get a visa from a Congolese embassy before you travel. Plan ahead.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Republic of the Congo embassy in your region (or the nearest one that handles visa applications). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, but can be longer — apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save offline: your visa (if issued separately), passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. Once stamped, you're free to enter.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
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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. 37 BHD)

Standard tourist visa for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once for 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 56 BHD)

Allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 74 BHD)

For longer stays, requires proof of purpose and funds.

work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 111 BHD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 56 BHD)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Congo. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 185 BHD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, subject to change.~$100 USD (approx. 37 BHD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, subject to change.~$150 USD (approx. 56 BHD)
Overstay fine per dayFine for each day of overstay, payable at immigration.~$10 USD (approx. 3.7 BHD)
Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative overstay fine.~$500 USD (approx. 185 BHD)

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

Bahraini passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Republic of the Congo, even if staying airside.

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 countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.

CholeraLow risk

Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Use mosquito 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 08:00–16:00

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 immigration services.

Practical information for BH 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 = 563.41 XAF
updated May 29
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
Police117
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days, but can take longer depending on the embassy. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (single-entry vs. multiple-entry). Contact the embassy directly for the exact fee — expect roughly $50–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa.
Yes. The Republic of the Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration will check it on arrival.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You would need to visit the immigration office in Brazzaville before your visa expires. The process can be slow — it's easier to apply for a longer visa upfront.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. The Republic of the Congo does not offer an e-visa for Bahraini passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.