Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Senegalese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the Republic of the Congo. You'll handle it at Brazzaville's Maya-Maya Airport or Pointe-Noire Airport. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you need to have a few things ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville or at land borders. Have 50,000–100,000 CFA francs (about $85–$170 USD) in cash for the visa fee — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Carry two passport-size photos and a printed copy of your hotel booking. | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your 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 Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Brazzaville airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy of your ticket or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process or at the passport control desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about $340 USD) in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but the visa-on-arrival counter may request proof of financial means. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. No jab, no entry. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Cash is king
ATMs are scarce and unreliable outside Brazzaville. Carry enough CFA francs for your entire stay. Euros and US dollars are accepted at the visa counter but not everywhere else.
What happens at the border
1
Land at the airport
You'll arrive at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire Airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the visa counter, you'll get a short form. Fill in your details — passport number, flight info, hotel address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars). As of 2026, the fee is around 50,000 CFA (about €75). Have exact change if possible.
4
Submit your documents
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo, and payment. The officer will process it.
5
Wait for the visa
Processing takes 10–30 minutes. You'll get a sticker in your passport. Double-check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to passport control
With your visa, go to the main immigration queue. Show your passport, visa, and return ticket if asked. You're in.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55,000 XAF (~$90 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy. Same as VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days
Validity6 months
Cost110,000 XAF (~$180 USD)
Must apply at Congolese embassy in advance.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost200,000 XAF (~$330 USD)
Requires local sponsor and police clearance.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~300,000 XAF (~$500 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Congo. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and medical exam. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~150,000 XAF (~$250 USD)
For enrolled students at a Congolese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XAF (~$830 USD) plus investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of 10 million XAF (~$16,500 USD) in a local business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (XAF or USD) at entry. Valid for up to 30 days. | 55,000 XAF (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity. | 10,000 XAF (~$16 USD) per day, max 500,000 XAF (~$800 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Congo (Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsMaya-Maya Airport (BZV) · Pointe-Noire Airport (PNR)
Health & vaccines for Republic of the Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from endemic countries or with a transit stop >12 hours.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, including cities. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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, photos, and fee in cash.
Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard de la Liberté, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the coastal region.
Practical information for SN 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 = 563.41 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
As of 2026, the fee is around 50,000 CFA francs (about €75 or $85). Pay in cash — CFA, euros, or US dollars are accepted. Have exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire Airport. Land border crossings may not offer this facility — if you're entering overland, check with the nearest Congolese embassy before you travel.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Migration in Brazzaville. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Yes, the Republic of Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. No exceptions.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Brazzaville (Direction Générale de la Migration) before your visa expires. Bring your passport, a completed application form, and a fee. Extensions are usually granted for 30 more days.
Generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing happens in markets and bus stations. Avoid walking alone at night in Brazzaville. The political situation is stable, but check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.