Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Malagasy passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. You must arrange this in advance at a Congolese embassy or consulate — there is no visa-on-arrival and no eVisa option for your nationality. Plan ahead, as the process involves paperwork and a few days of processing.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou must obtain a visa in advance from a diplomatic mission of the Republic of the Congo. Required for all Madagascar passport holders | A visa is required for entry into the Republic of the Congo. Madagascar passport holders are not eligible for the eVisa program; you must apply at a Congolese embassy or consulate before travel. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned exit date. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Republic of the Congo. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for border officials to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry a printed or digital copy of your outbound travel itinerary. 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 expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash in XAF or a major currency to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | Border officials may request evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Republic of the Congo. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGet vaccinated and carry the official certificate to show at border control. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from Madagascar or with a recent history of travel to endemic areas. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to complete any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for this destination. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Some travellers assume they can sort out a visa at the airport. For Malagasy citizens, that's not the case. You'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Get your visa before you fly.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate both when applying for the visa and at immigration in the Republic of the Congo. Without it, you may be denied entry or even quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate
Find the Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate that covers your country of residence. Call or email them to confirm visa requirements, fees, and whether you need to apply in person or can mail your application.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Go to the embassy or consulate (or send by mail if allowed) with your completed form and documents. Pay the fee and get a receipt. Some embassies may require an in-person interview.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, but it can take longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before you leave the embassy.
6
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville)
On arrival, go through immigration. Have your passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and proof of onward travel ready. You'll get an entry stamp. Be prepared to answer questions about your stay.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from a Congolese company and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Business visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$300 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter and prior authorization; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (approx.)
Requires work permit or residence permit application; must be arranged through the Congolese embassy before arrival.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized Congolese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XAF) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in Congo. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, or XAF) at point of entry; exact fee may vary. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville; extensions are granted in monthly increments. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most international flights include the departure tax; confirm with your airline. | Included in airline ticket |
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
A transit visa is required for Madagascar passport holders even if staying airside and not clearing immigration. Obtain it from a Congolese embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may still need a transit visa; no official exemption for short connections.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya International Airport (BZV), Brazzaville · Pointe-Noire International Airport (PNR)
Health & vaccines for Republic of the Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Madagascar. Must present certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Cholera risk is low for tourists but can occur during rainy season. Drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 permits. Bring passport, visa, and two passport photos.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related issues. Expect possible delays.
Practical information for MG 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. As a Malagasy passport holder, you must obtain a visa before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for your nationality.
No. The Republic of the Congo does not offer an eVisa for Malagasy passport holders. You must apply through a Congolese embassy or consulate.
Processing usually takes about 5–10 business days, but it can vary depending on the embassy and the time of year. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount. Fees are typically paid in local currency or US dollars.
If you're transiting and will not leave the international transit area of the airport, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to enter the country, even for a day, you must have a visa. Check with your airline and the embassy to confirm transit rules.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into the Republic of the Congo. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Carry the certificate with you — you'll need it at immigration.
No, the visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you would have to leave the country and apply for a new visa. Plan your stay carefully to avoid overstaying.
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.