Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Ivory Coast passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Republic of the Congo. As of 2026, you just show up at Brazzaville's Maya-Maya Airport or Pointe-Noire Airport, pay the fee, and get stamped in. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Republic of the Congo. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire Airport. Have 50,000–100,000 CFA francs (about $85–$170 USD) in cash for the fee, plus two passport-sized photos. The process takes 15–30 minutes. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Republic of the Congo | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about $340 USD) in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers may ask to see it at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
ATMs at Maya-Maya and Pointe-Noire airports are unreliable and often run out of cash. Bring enough euros or dollars in crisp, non-torn bills to cover the visa fee and a day or two of expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Congo. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced into a costly on-site vaccination. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire Airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — it's usually a separate counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to fill out — name, passport number, purpose of visit, where you're staying. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or USD). Have the exact amount if possible. They may not give change. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit your documents
Hand over your passport, form, photo (if needed), and payment receipt. The officer will process your visa — usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Get your passport stamped
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport and an entry stamp. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Cost50,000 XAF (~$82 USD)
Apply at Congolese embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost100,000 XAF (~$164 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost150,000 XAF (~$245 USD)
Requires local sponsor and proof of sufficient funds.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~200,000 XAF (~$327 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~100,000 XAF (~$164 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Congolese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Carte de Résident pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XAF (~$817 USD) plus investment proof
For investors making a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Congo. Requires business plan and registration. Grants long-term residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (XAF or USD) at the airport upon arrival. | 55,000 XAF (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed the visa-on-arrival stay period. | 10,000 XAF (~$16 USD) per day, max 300,000 XAF (~$490 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before expiry. | 30,000 XAF (~$49 USD) for 30-day extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
No transit visa needed
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Republic of the Congo do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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 endemic countries (including Ivory Coast); must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including cities; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).
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 residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Rue de la Marine, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the coastal region.
Practical information for CI 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 = 562.57 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
The fee varies but expect around 50–100 EUR (or equivalent in USD). Pay in cash at the airport. They don't accept credit cards or local currency (XAF) for the visa fee.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The main land crossings (like from Kinshasa via ferry to Brazzaville) sometimes offer visa on arrival, but the process is slower and less standardized. Stick to airports if you want a smooth experience.
Typically 30 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at entry. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire.
Yes, extensions are possible. Go to the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville or the immigration office in Pointe-Noire. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and proof of funds. The process takes a few days and costs around 50–100 EUR.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Airlines check this before you fly, and immigration at Congo may ask to see it. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, it's mandatory for entry to Congo. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the little yellow card) at immigration. No card = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
Yes, as of 2026, all Ivory Coast citizens can get a visa on arrival at Congo's international airports. No prior application needed. Just show up with the required documents and cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.