Republic of the Congo entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. You must arrange this before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option for UK citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the Congolese embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you must obtain it from an embassy or consulate before you travel. Required for UK citizens | A visa is required for entry into the Republic of the Congo. UK passport holders are not eligible for the eVisa system; you must apply at the nearest Republic of the Congo 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 entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the Republic of the Congo. Ensure your passport does not expire before this period. | 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 entry and exit stamps. It is advisable to have more than one blank page to accommodate any additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You must present a return or onward ticket showing your departure from the Republic of the Congo. This is typically checked at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of financial means can help avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient for your stay | You may be required to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Republic of the Congo. This could include bank statements, credit cards, or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration before landing. Not required | The Republic of the Congo does not require an arrival declaration form for UK citizens. No separate health or customs declaration is required at this time. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationEven though some nationalities can use an eVisa, UK citizens are not eligible. Not available for UK citizens | The Republic of the Congo's eVisa system is not available for UK passport holders. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, use the embassy/consulate route. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — apply well in advance
UK citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in the Republic of the Congo. The application process through the embassy can take weeks, so start at least a month before your trip. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be denied entry without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport. It's also a good idea to keep a photocopy.
Visa not extendable
Your visa cannot be extended in the Republic of the Congo. Make sure your travel dates align with your visa's validity. Overstaying can lead to fines or other penalties.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Congolese embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate in the UK (usually London). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, required documents, and fee — requirements can change.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and any other documents the embassy asks for. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee. Processing can take several weeks, so apply at least a month before your planned departure.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, dates) are correct before you travel.
5
Arrive in the Republic of the Congo
At Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire Airport, go through immigration. Have your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate ready. Be prepared to show proof of accommodation if asked.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150–$250
Requires invitation letter from a Congolese company and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Apply at a Congolese embassy.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost$200–$400
For frequent travellers; requires proof of previous visits or business ties.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (approx. £200) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. £120) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Congo. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a local business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or XAF) at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport or Pointe-Noire Airport. Have a passport photo and proof of yellow fever vaccination. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa application fee (at embassy/consulate)Varies by embassy and processing time. Apply well in advance. | $70–$150 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville. Extensions are discretionary. | $50–$100 |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure taxes; no separate cash 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
UK passport holders transiting through Republic of the Congo (e.g., at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport) generally need a transit visa if leaving the international transit area. A visa on arrival may be available for immediate onward travel, but confirm with the airline.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration may be allowed airside transit without a visa, 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 over 1 year of age arriving from endemic countries or transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine 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 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and two passport photos.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for visa-related matters in the economic capital.
Practical information for GB 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. UK passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for British citizens. You need to apply through the Congolese embassy or consulate in advance.
Processing times vary, but it's wise to allow at least 2–4 weeks. Some applications can take longer, especially if the embassy needs to refer your case to Brazzaville. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees are set by the Congolese embassy and can change. Contact the embassy in London directly for the current fee. Expect to pay in the range of £50–£100 for a single-entry visa, but confirm before applying.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers entering the Republic of the Congo. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
No. Visas for the Republic of the Congo 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, which is complicated — plan your trip accordingly.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international zone, you may not need a visa, but this depends on your nationality and the airport. Check with your airline and the Congolese embassy. If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa.
No. The Republic of the Congo does not offer an e-visa for UK passport holders. You must apply through the embassy or consulate in person or by mail. There's no online portal for this nationality.
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.