Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Lebanon 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

Lebanese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the Republic of the Congo. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Lebanese citizens. Apply through the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate well in advance of your planned travel date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; plan to apply well in advance.
Required for all Lebanese citizens
A visa is required for entry. Lebanese citizens are not eligible for the Republic of the Congo eVisa program. You must apply for a visa at a Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate before travel.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date before booking anything.
At least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the Republic of the Congo.Required
Blank passport pagesSome airlines may require more than one blank page, so consider having extra.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration officials often require this to confirm you won't overstay.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave the Republic of the Congo before your visa or authorized stay expires.Required
Proof of accommodationHaving this ready speeds up the entry process.
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in the Republic of the Congo, as immigration may request it.Recommended
Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you plan to support yourself.
Financial means for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival.
International certificate of vaccination
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Ensure you are vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the official certificate.Required
Travel insuranceHealthcare facilities are limited; insurance can be a lifesaver.
Medical and evacuation coverage
Although not officially required, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for the Republic of the Congo.Recommended
Visa required — no exceptions
Lebanese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an eVisa for the Republic of the Congo. You must have a visa issued by a Congolese embassy or consulate before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry and sent back.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will not be allowed into the Republic of the Congo without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure and carry the official International Certificate of Vaccination.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate
Find the Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate that handles visa applications for your region. Call or email them to confirm the exact requirements, fees, and processing times — they can vary. If there's no embassy in your country, you may need to apply through a designated visa center or the embassy in a neighboring country.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: your passport (with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page), completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything — the embassy will likely keep the originals of some documents.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Some embassies require you to appear in person; others accept mail-in applications. If applying in person, arrive early. If by mail, use a trackable courier service and include a prepaid return envelope.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the required fee as instructed by the embassy. Keep the receipt — you'll need it if there are any issues.
5
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Ask the embassy for an estimated timeline. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your visa in hand.
6
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, dates) are correct before leaving the embassy or receiving the mail.
7
Arrive at Maya-Maya International Airport (Brazzaville)
When you land, go through immigration. Have your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate ready. You'll be asked about your purpose of visit and where you're staying. After stamping, you'll proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

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–$200

Requires invitation letter from a Congolese company and proof of business purpose.

Long-stay visa (multiple entry)
Max stay1 year (with multiple entries)
Validity1 year
Cost$300–$500

Issued for work or residency; requires approval from Congolese immigration authorities.

work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Congo. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XAF) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a Congolese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or XAF) at Brazzaville Maya-Maya Airport; exact fee varies.$100 (approx.)
Visa application fee (at embassy)If applying in advance at a Congolese embassy; fees vary by embassy and processing time.$100–$150
Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville; extensions are discretionary.$50–$100 (approx.)
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

Transit visa required for Lebanese passport holders even if staying airside and not clearing immigration.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area for less than 24 hours, some airlines may allow boarding without a visa, but this is not guaranteed and you may be denied entry to the transit area.
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 arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is prevalent throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.

CholeraModerate risk

Cholera outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 du Général de Gaulle, Brazzaville
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residence 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

Regional office for visa-related issues. Services may be limited; call ahead.

Practical information for LB 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police117
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Lebanese passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before you travel, from a Congolese embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Contact the embassy where you apply for an exact estimate. It's best to apply at least a month before your planned travel.
Visa fees vary depending on the embassy and the type of visa (tourist, business, etc.). Contact the embassy or consulate for the current fee schedule. Fees are typically paid in the local currency or by money order.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration, and airlines may check it before boarding. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
No, the visa for Lebanese citizens is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
No. The Republic of the Congo does not offer an eVisa for Lebanese passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
If there's no embassy in your country, you'll need to apply through the Congolese embassy that covers your region, or use a visa service. Check with the nearest embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo for guidance.

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.