Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian 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 eVisa option for Canadians. Plan ahead and apply through the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure it before your trip. Required for Canadian citizens | Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the Republic of the Congo. Apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate. The eVisa program is not available for Canadian citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well in advance to avoid issues. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Republic of the Congo. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page; extra pages are safer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave the Republic of the Congo. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof can speed up entry. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses while in the Republic of the Congo. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be denied entry without this certificate. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into the Republic of the Congo. Carry the original certificate. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Canadian citizens entering the Republic of the Congo. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply for an eVisa; it will not be accepted. Not available for Canadian citizens | The Republic of the Congo's eVisa program is not available for Canadian passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Canadian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in the Republic of the Congo. Arriving without a visa means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Apply well in advance.
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 at the airport — which is not a pleasant way to start your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Congolese embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Republic of the Congo diplomatic mission. In Canada, that's the Embassy in Ottawa or the Consulate in Montreal. Call or email them to confirm current visa application procedures, fees, and processing times.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (with at least 6 months validity and one blank page), completed visa application form, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation details, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Send your application by mail or drop it off in person at the embassy/consulate. Pay the visa fee (amount varies — ask the embassy). Processing can take several weeks, so apply well in advance of your trip.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before you travel.
5
Arrive at Maya-Maya International Airport (Brazzaville)
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your yellow fever certificate, and any other documents the officer asks for. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Congolese company and proof of business purpose.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
Requires work permit or residence permit approval; apply at embassy before arrival.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. $405 CAD)
For those with a job offer from a Congolese employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. $200 CAD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Congo. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $675 CAD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and local partner.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable at Congolese embassy or consulate; fees vary by nationality and visa type. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa application fee (multiple entry, up to 90 days)For multiple entries; subject to embassy approval. | $150 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville; overstay fines apply. | $50 (approx.) |
| Airport departure taxNo separate payment at airport for international departures. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documents20%
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
Canadian citizens transiting through Republic of the Congo (e.g., at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport) require a visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration. However, in practice, a visa is often required even for airside transit due to lack of dedicated transit facilities.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may be allowed to stay airside for a short period, but this is not guaranteed.
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 aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout the country; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraLow risk
Cholera risk is low for most travellers; practice safe food and water precautions.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for the coastal region. Expect delays; arrive early.
Practical information for CA 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. Canadian citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Congolese embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Republic of the Congo does not offer an eVisa for Canadian passport holders. You must apply through the embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary, but it's wise to allow at least 2–4 weeks. Some applications can take longer, so apply as early as possible — ideally a month before your trip.
Fees are set by the embassy and can change. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in Ottawa or the Consulate in Montreal for the current fee. Expect to pay in Canadian dollars, and note that fees are usually non-refundable.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa.
Yes. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with you.
No, the visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter with a new visa, or check with immigration authorities in Brazzaville for any possible options — but the standard rule is no extension.
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.