Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Japanese 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 for Japanese citizens as of 2026.
Apply for Republic of the Congo eVisaOfficial portal: Congo Republic eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the Republic of the Congo. Apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 business days; expect to submit a passport photo, flight itinerary, and hotel booking.Check MFA website | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Japanese passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule at check-in, even though Congolese immigration does not require it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital return ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you don't have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Congo can speed up immigration. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $200 USD or the equivalent in CFA francs for short stays. Immigration may ask to see cash or a bank statement, especially if you're arriving without a return ticket. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.
Local currency and cash
The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough euros or US dollars to exchange, or withdraw cash at ATMs in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Republic of the Congo embassy in Tokyo or the nearest consulate. Submit your application, passport photos, and any required documents. Processing usually takes 1–3 weeks, so start at least a month before your trip.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport info page, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and insurance policy. Keep them together in a folder or on your phone.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) or Pointe-Noire Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Once cleared, you can collect your luggage and exit.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires passport valid 6 months, 2 photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must have sufficient funds and return ticket.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For those with a job offer in Republic of the Congo. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged per day, with no official cap; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
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
Japan passport holders transiting through Republic of the Congo do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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; may be required for all visitors depending on recent outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially outside Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
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, photos, and fee.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the coastal region.
Practical information for JP 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Japanese citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 1–3 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe.
You apply through the Republic of the Congo embassy in Tokyo or a consulate. Check their website for the application form and required documents.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around ¥5,000–¥10,000 (approximately $35–$70 USD). Confirm the exact fee with the embassy when you apply.
Yes. The Republic of the Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You must show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into the country.
Extensions are not generally available for short-stay visas. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa from outside the country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.