Republic of the Congo entry requirements for India 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
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. You must apply through an embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival and no eVisa option for Indian nationals. Plan ahead, as the process involves paperwork and a few days of processing.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa (entry permit)You need to get this visa stamped in your passport before you fly. Apply at an embassy/consulate | Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the Republic of the Congo. There is no eVisa option for Indian nationals. Apply at the nearest Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate well in advance of your departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the Republic of the Congo. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamping. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see this to confirm you won't overstay. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave the Republic of the Congo before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, traveler's checks) to cover your expenses during your stay in the Republic of the Congo. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special form on arrival. Not required | No arrival declaration or health form is required for Indian passport holders entering the Republic of the Congo. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly embassy/consulate visas are accepted for your nationality. Not available for Indian nationals | The Republic of the Congo does not offer an eVisa for Indian passport holders. Do not attempt to apply online; use the embassy/consulate route instead. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa on arrival for Indian citizens
Do not rely on any online visa portal or 'visa on arrival' claims. The only way to get a visa is through a Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate before you travel. Scams exist — always use official embassy channels.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (which is not ideal). Get the shot at least 10 days before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate
Find the embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in New Delhi or another accredited office). Call or email them to confirm the visa application process, required documents, fees, and whether you need to apply in person or can mail your application.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee as instructed. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes a few business days to a couple of weeks. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Arrive at Maya-Maya International Airport (Brazzaville)
On arrival, go through immigration. Have your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate ready. You may be asked about your accommodation and return flight. After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Short-stay visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)
For tourism, business, or family visits. Apply at Congolese embassy/consulate.
Long-stay visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost$150–$200 (approx.)
For business or frequent travel; requires invitation letter and proof of funds.
Work/residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200–$500 (approx.)
Requires employer sponsorship and police clearance; obtain after arrival with a long-stay visa.
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 24,000 XAF) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires employer sponsorship and labour ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Carte de Séjour Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 16,000 XAF)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 40,000 XAF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (single-entry, short stay)Payable at Congolese embassy/consulate; fees vary by nationality and duration. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa application fee (multiple-entry, long stay)For longer stays or multiple entries; exact fee depends on visa type. | $150–$200 (approx.) |
| Visa extension fee (per month)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville; overstay penalties apply. | $50–$100 (approx.) |
| Airport departure taxUsually included in ticket; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Republic of the Congo require a visa, even for airside transit. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya International Airport (BZV), Brazzaville · Pointe-Noire International Airport (PNR), Pointe-Noire
Health & vaccines for Republic of the Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; India is considered endemic, so proof of vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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 Trois Martyrs, Brazzaville
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the coastal region.
Practical information for IN 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. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before arriving. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens.
No. The Republic of the Congo does not offer an eVisa for Indian passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically it takes about 5 to 10 business days. Some embassies may take longer, so apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date.
The fee depends on the embassy and the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the embassy directly for the exact amount. Fees are usually paid in the local currency or by bank draft.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into the Republic of the Congo. You'll need to show it both when applying for the visa and at immigration on arrival.
No, the visa is 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.
If you're transiting and will leave the airport, you need a visa. If you're staying airside (not passing through immigration), you may not need one, but confirm with your airline and the embassy. It's safer to check.
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.