Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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 are no visa-on-arrival options for Canadians as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. Apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate well in advance — processing can take several weeks. You'll need a valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and proof of yellow fever vaccination.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the Republic of the Congo. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Brazzaville's Maya-Maya Airport. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Yellow fever vaccination Mandatory for all travellers | You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the Yellow Card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — and charged a fee. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel. | Required |
Visa required — no exceptions
Canadian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have a visa issued by a Congolese embassy before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be denied entry and sent back.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Congolese embassy
Contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in Ottawa or the nearest consulate. Submit your application, passport, photos, and any required documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks typically.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations saved on your phone.
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 confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. The process is usually straightforward if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no arrival declarations required for Canadian travellers.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
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. $135 CAD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking, proof of funds, and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. $200 CAD)
Allows multiple entries; must have valid visa and passport.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. $270 CAD)
For those with family or business ties; requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$100 USD (approx. $135 CAD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. $200 CAD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed daily; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD (approx. $13.50 CAD) per day |
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 passport holders transiting through Republic of the Congo must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. A transit visa is required for any change of airport or if leaving the transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Republic of the Congo may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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 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 = 565.17 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, Canadian passport holders must get a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply at the Congolese embassy in Ottawa or the nearest consulate.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can take longer. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around CAD 100–150 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the embassy for the exact amount.
No, tourist visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Typically: a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds, and a cover letter explaining your trip. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
It's not always required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation or hospital stays can be very expensive.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry — you'll need to show the certificate. Also consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis. Check with a travel clinic well before your trip.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.