The Republic of Congo is preparing to relax access to its territory for African nationals. The Council of Ministers approved a draft law abolishing the entry visa requirement for citizens of mainland states, with entry into force scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The text aims to amend the 1996 law on the conditions of entry, residence and exit of foreigners. This reform translates into legislation the commitment announced by President Denis Sassou N’Guesso on May 25, 2026, in Brazzaville, on Africa Day.
However, the abolition of the visa does not mean completely free entry into Congolese territory. African travelers will have to obtain, before their departure, an electronic travel authorization (ETA), a system designed to facilitate controls while maintaining monitoring of the flow of people.
The draft also includes provisions to prevent irregular immigration, cross-border crime and trafficking in persons. These measures aim to reconcile the country’s openness to African nationals with the need to preserve national security.
The text still needs to be examined and adopted by Parliament before it can enter into force. Until then, the current visa regime remains applicable to travelers wishing to travel to the Republic of Congo.
With this reform, Brazzaville is part of an African dynamic of liberalization of travel. The country joins Rwanda, Benin, Seychelles, Gambia, Ghana and Togo, which have already waived or relaxed visa requirements for African nationals.
TheHatLady
