Congo visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Congo

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Congolese Visa.

  • Correctly completed visa application form with valid contact details. The application form should be signed where necessary.
  • A passport which has a validity of at least 3 months from the period of exit from the country. The passport should have two adjacent blank pages.
  • Two copies of passport-sized photographs taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Applicants must possess a valid travel insurance.
  • Bank statement of at least 3 months prior to the period of entry into the country. This is a proof that you have sufficient funds to cater for yourself during your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay in the country should be provided. This may be in the form of booked hotel accommodation or valid address of your host.
  • Flight ticket with the entry and exit dates from Congo Brazzaville.  

Congo Visa for South Africans

Facts about Congo

The Republic of the Congo, also called Congo-Brazzaville, is a central African nation with rainforest reserves that are habitats for gorillas. Its capital city, Brazzaville, lies across the Congo River from Kinshasa, the capital of neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Brazzaville's highlights include traditional craft markets and the mid-20th-century Basilique Sainte-Anne, with a green-tiled roof and spire.

Travelers are advised to leave all valuable items at home because on the pick-pocketing that is likely to happen at times in the country. You are also advised to stay safe and avoid having unprotected sex.

Types of Congo Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 - 7 working days 60 days
Business visa 5 - 7 working days 60 days
Official visa 5 - 7 working days 60 days

General Requirements for Congo Visa

  • Correctly completed visa application form with valid contact details. The application form should be signed where necessary.
  • A passport which has a validity of at least 3 months from the period of exit from the country. The passport should have two adjacent blank pages.
  • Two copies of passport-sized photographs taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Applicants must possess a valid travel insurance.
  • Bank statement of at least 3 months prior to the period of entry into the country. This is a proof that you have sufficient funds to cater for yourself during your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay in the country should be provided. This may be in the form of booked hotel accommodation or valid address of your host.
  • Flight ticket with the entry and exit dates from Congo Brazzaville.  
Congo Tourist visa Congo Business visa Congo Official visa

Congo Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is meant for foreigners who aim to visit the country for the purpose of sightseeing, recreation and relaxation.
  • Travelers who want to visit their relative and friends can also apply for this visa type.
  • You are not allowed to take up work while in the country.
  • For applicants visiting someone in Congo Brazzaville, you are required to have a letter of invitation from your host. The letter should have the home address, contact details and a valid means of identification.
  • If you are a minor, an original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • For non-South Africans, you will be required to provide a copy of you stay permit in South Africa.
  • If you are a minor traveling alone, you need a letter of consent signed by both parents.
  • If you are travelling with your spouse, a copy of valid marriage certificate is required.
  • It is mandatory for all applicants to have yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  • It is recommended that applicants of this visa should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and tetanus.
  • A letter from your employer in South Africa stating continuing employment after the duration of your leave should be provided.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fees is required.
  • The visa is processed between 5 – 7 working days.

Congo Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for foreigners visiting the country for business activities.
  • Businessmen and businesswomen can meet up with their business partners to discuss about their business and also to sign contracts.
  • You can also attend conferences, trade fairs and business lectures.
  • An official letter of invitation from the company in Congo Brazzaville is required. The address of the company and duration and purpose of business visit should be stated in detail.
  • If the company you are meeting up with is covering the financial aspect of your visit in the country, it should be stated in the letter from the company.
  • A letter from your current employer stating that he is aware of your business leave is required.
  • You are required to provide a certificate from South Africa Companies and Intellectual Property Commission or South Africa Revenue Service if you are self-employed.
  • Applicants are to possess a valid medical insurance.
  • It is mandatory for all applicants to have yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  • It is recommended that applicants of this visa should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and tetanus.
  • You cannot be paid for any of the services you render while in the country.
  • If you are traveling with a minor, an affidavit signed by both parents of the minor should be provided.
  • For non-South Africans, a copy of your South African stay permit is required.
  • The visa takes 5 – 7 working days to be processed.
  • The visa costs $99.

Congo Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for diplomats visiting Congo to develop and maintain working relationships between South Africa and Congo Brazzaville.
  • If your visit is not official, this visa will not be issued to you.
  • A diplomatic note from the South African government is required. The note should include the diplomat’s status in the government, duration and purpose of the visit in the country.
  • An official letter of invitation from the government in Congo Brazzaville is also required.
  • You are not allowed to be employed or be paid for services you render in the country.
  • Minors should ensure they have the unabridged original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Proof of accommodation should be provided for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Applicants should ensure they are vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B as well as tetanus.
  • The visa takes 5 – 7 working days to be processed.

Congo Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

99.00 (USD)

Business visa

99.00 (USD)

Official visa

99.00 (USD)

Congo Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

960 Arcadia Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.

https://www.embassyofcongo.co.za

pretoria@embassyofcongo.co.za

+27 12 342 5508

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Republic of Congo safe??

Yes, Congo Brazzaville is one of the safer cities in Africa.

What s the Congo known for??
The country is known to be the second largest country in Africa. The country has a 25-mile coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
Do you need a visa to go to Congo??

Yes, all South African passport holders require a visa to visit Congo.

Does Congo have diamonds??
Yes, there are diamonds in Congo. The mining industry in the country is a significant factor in the world’s production of diamond.
Why is it called the Congo??
The country is named after the Congo river which was originally named after the Kingdom of Kongo and its inhabitants by early European sailors.