Trip checklist: Congo

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

Visa requirement

South Africans need to apply for a visa before travel to Congo.

Short stay 30 days; long stay 90 days.

Passport validity
At least 3 months, with 2 blank pages (GSA).
How to apply
Fill in the online form on the embassy website, then apply in person. R1,000 (30 days) or R1,200 (90 days), cash only. About 10 working days; apply no earlier than 3 months before travel.
Where South Africans apply
Embassy of the Republic of Congo, 960 Arcadia St, Arcadia, Pretoria (012 342 5507).
Proof of funds
3 months of bank statements.
Accommodation or invitation
Legalised invitation or hotel reservation.
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
CONGO: yellow fever certificate REQUIRED for entry. RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA: the Republic of Congo is on South Africa's yellow fever risk-country list. South African Department of Health / DIRCO rules require every traveller over 1 year old (South Africans included) arriving from a risk country, or transiting a risk-country airport for more than 12 hours, to show a valid yellow fever certificate (vaccine at least 10 days before departure; certificates are valid for life). Without one you may be refused entry or quarantined for up to 6 days.
Confirm with the embassy
Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

1. National Department of Health, South Africa (Other government, health.gov.za) https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Protocols-for-Travellers.pdf
2. DIRCO (South African High Commission, Canberra) (Other government, dirco.gov.za) https://dirco.gov.za/canberra/yellow-fever/
3. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
4. The GSA (South African visa agency) (Commercial, thegsa.co.za) https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2577-congo-republic-of-country-guide

From doineedavisa.co.za/congo. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.