Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar 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 Malagasy citizens. Plan ahead, as the process takes at least a week.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. Apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate before departure. Processing times vary — start at least 2–3 weeks ahead. The official MFA website lists embassy locations and required documents.Check MFA visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the Republic of the Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Without one, you may be refused entry at Brazzaville airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Republic of the Congo. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed address helps. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Be ready to show cash, bank statements, or a credit card if asked. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having around 500 USD equivalent in cash or available credit covers the typical stay. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or border. You must have an approved visa sticker in your passport before you fly. Airlines will check this before boarding.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Congolese embassy
Contact the nearest Embassy of the Republic of the Congo (e.g., in Addis Ababa, Paris, or Washington D.C.) to submit your application. You'll need your passport, photos, and a completed form. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's stay. Keep all confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address. The process is straightforward if you have everything ready.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Apply at Congolese embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Suitable for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)
Requires invitation letter from Congolese company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily, with no official cap; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 6,000 XAF) |
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
No transit visa needed
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Republic of the Congo do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen, US, UK, or Canada may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya Airport (BZV) – Brazzaville · Pointe-Noire Airport (PNR) – Pointe-Noire
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 = 562.67 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 Malagasy citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Congolese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, but it can vary by embassy. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (single-entry vs. multiple-entry). Expect around $50–$100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for exact fees.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a completed visa application form, two passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Yes, it's mandatory for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) upon arrival. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Brazzaville before your visa expires. The process can be slow and bureaucratic.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight back to your departure point. There is no way to get a visa at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.