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5 ways to enter

Congo visas

Congo tourist visa

Visitors generally need a visa before travelling, unless they qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

Ways to get a Congo tourist visa

  1. Visa from an embassy or consulate

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa before travelling.

  3. Visa-free entry with a public affairs passport endorsement

    No visa needed

    Chinese citizens whose normal passports are endorsed "For Public Affairs".

    Passports that qualify (1)

  4. Visa-free entry with a V.I.P invitation letter

    No visa needed

    Travellers who hold a V.I.P invitation letter.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for an exemption or a visa on arrival must obtain a visa from an embassy or consulate.

Who doesn't

Citizens of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon with biometric passports can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Certain Chinese passport holders and holders of a V.I.P invitation letter are also exempt.

Good to know

  • A separate tourist visa class is not described.
  • Visa-free entry for all African Union countries is listed as a future change from 1 January 2027.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for the Congo?

Visitors who do not qualify for an exemption or a visa on arrival must obtain a visa from an embassy or consulate. Citizens of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon with biometric passports can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Certain Chinese passport holders and holders of a V.I.P invitation letter are also exempt.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for the Congo?

There are 5 options: Visa from an embassy or consulate (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free entry with a biometric passport (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a public affairs passport endorsement (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a V.I.P invitation letter (no visa at all); Visa on arrival (a visa at the border).

Who can go to the Congo without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon who hold a biometric passport. Chinese citizens whose normal passports are endorsed "For Public Affairs". Travellers who hold a V.I.P invitation letter.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for the Congo?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Congo visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for the Congo be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest the Congo tourist visa rules?

On the Congo's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in the Congo?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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