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Country guide

Congo, Republic of

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

Required

Currency

Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

Time zones

UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 242

Best time to go

June - September

Drinking water

Bottled water recommended.

Travel tips

Respect to religious customs should be shown during the month of Ramadan.

Visa guide

Visa requirements

Visas are required by SA passport holders.

Requirements:

All applicants must appear in person to apply for a visa. Applications must be done online firts.

  • All applications must be submitted online first- [https://www.embassyofcongo.co.za/](www.embassyofcongo.co.za). Once you have registered, you will receive confirmation by email, with your pdf application attached. The email will confirm that you have filled in the application form and submitted the form online. You need to print this form and submit it together with the other required documentation.
  • Valid passport (minimum of 3 months) (Ensure there are 2 blank pages to affix visa)
  • Two 50mm x 50mm passport colour photographs
  • A copy of airline tickets or itinerary
  • An invitation letter or hotel reservation. A type written invitation letter legalized by by the D.G.S.T, stating the nature of your trip, the names and the address of references to be visited in the Republic of Congo. The Legalised invitation must be forwarded to the Embassy of the Republic of Congo: Visa section.
  • 3 Months bank statements
  • Business visa: A typewritten letter on company letterhead stating the nature of business to be performed, the names and the address of a reference to be contacted in the Republic of Congo. The Legalised invitation must be forwarded to the Embassy of the Republic of Congo: Visa section.

In order to apply for a visa from South Africa you must either be a citizen of South Africa or legally reside here. If you want someone to act on your behalf in connection with your application, you must authorise this person to do so.

Issuing authorities

Embassy of Republic of Congo

960 Arcadia Street, Arcadia
Tel: 012 342 5507
Email: pretoria@embassyofcongo.co.za
Web: www.embassyofcongo.co.za

Visa processing time

On average, visa applications take 10 working days. Expedited services are available. Visa applications should not be submitted more than 3 months before travel.

Visa cost

Visitors Short-Stay (30 days): ZAR 1000
Visitors Long-Stay (90 days): ZAR 1200
Additional costs for express visas.
All payments must be made in cash at the embassy.

SA representative

SA Embassy

Allée des Aiglons, vers le Lycée Chaminade, BP: 14592, Brazzaville
Tel: +242 06 660 0211
Email: loussoukem@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/brazzaville/

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1; Apr 6; May 1, 14, 25; Jun 10; Aug 15; Nov 1, 28; Dec 25

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 22 June 2026