Republic of the Congo entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for NZ citizens as of 2026.
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; start at least 3 weeks before your trip.Check MFA website | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least $500–$1,000 USD equivalent is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — at your own cost.
Visa must be obtained before travel
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for New Zealand passport holders. Plan ahead and apply at the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application at the Republic of the Congo embassy or consulate in your country. The process typically takes 5–10 business days. You'll need to provide your passport, a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in a folder on your phone for quick access.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville)
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your hotel confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Apply at embassy; requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For frequent travellers; conditions apply.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Requires sponsor or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For those with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and medical exam. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For those investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; check with the nearest Republic of the Congo embassy. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMay be assessed upon departure; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (equivalent in 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
Transit visa required
New Zealand passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Republic of the Congo, even if staying airside.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication.
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 immigration office; bring all original documents and copies.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and permits in the economic capital.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 558.8 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 option for New Zealand passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Congolese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around NZD 100–200 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the embassy for exact fees.
Yes. The Republic of the Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card at immigration.
Your visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
The security situation can be unpredictable. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to border regions and areas with civil unrest.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.