Republic of the Congo entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the Republic of the Congo. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Apply at the Congolese embassy in Hanoi or the nearest accredited mission well in advance.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 business days, and you'll need to submit your passport physically. Start the process at least 3 weeks before departure.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for 6 months beyond departure
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from the Republic of the Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire airports always ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry and put on the next flight out.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. A simple booking confirmation printout works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing at least $500 for a short stay. ATMs are scarce outside Brazzaville, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your trip.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — at your own expense.
No e-visa or visa on arrival
The Republic of the Congo does not offer e-visas or visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. Plan ahead and apply through the embassy.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at the Congolese embassy
Contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in Hanoi (or the nearest accredited mission) to submit your visa application. Provide your passport, completed form, photos, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Pay the fee and wait 5–10 business days for processing.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on — you'll need them at check-in and upon landing.
3
Arrive at Maya-Maya Airport (Brazzaville) or Pointe-Noire Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly. Once stamped, you're in — collect your bags and exit.
Download Republic of the Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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)

Requires invitation letter or hotel booking. Extensions possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)

Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XAF)

Requires invitation from Congolese company. Allows multiple entries.

work visa
Travail Visa (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XAF) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
For enrollment 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 investment proof
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival.~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XAF)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; maximum cap may apply.~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XAF) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
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

Vietnam 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; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.

Malaria risk: high

High risk in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.

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.

Pointe-Noire
Direction Départementale de la Migration
Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, Pointe-Noire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the coastal region.

Practical information for VN 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
updated May 29
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. There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Congolese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type. Contact the embassy in Hanoi for the exact fee — expect around $50–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa.
The Embassy of the Republic of the Congo is in Hanoi at 27 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District. Phone: +84 24 3825 2468. You can also check if the embassy in Beijing or Bangkok can process your application.
Yes. The Republic of the Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) upon arrival.
Visa extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a longer-duration visa before travel.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. The exact penalty depends on how long you overstay. Always exit before your visa expiry date.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.