Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Republic of the Congo

I. Chinese Embassy/Consulates in the Republic of the Congo

• Embassy in Brazzaville:
  • Address: Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville (contact via Chinese Consular Affairs for details).
• Note: No consulates-general; all visa matters handled by the Brazzaville Embassy.

II. Visa Policy for Congolese Citizens (2024–2025)

• Eligibility: Holders of diplomatic, service (公务), or official (公务普通) passports:
  • 30-day visa-free stay for tourism, business, or transit.
  • Must carry an official exit certificate from the issuing authority.
• Restrictions: Stays >30 days or work/study require a visa.

• Mandatory Visa: All ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa in advance (no visa-on-arrival/e-visa).
• Visa Types:
  • Tourist (L Visa): Leisure (30–90 days, single/double-entry).
  • Business (M Visa): Trade/investment (invitation from Chinese entity required).
  • Work (Z Visa): Work permit + invitation letter.
  • Study (X Visa): Admission letter + JW201 form.
  • Transit (G Visa): 48-hour visa-free transit (airside only).

III. Visa Application Requirements

• Passport: Valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages.
• Photo: 3.5×4.5cm, white background (digital/print).
• Application Form: Online via COVA system (print and sign).
• Travel Proof: Round-trip flight + hotel reservation (or invitation for M/Z visas).
• Financial Proof: Bank statement (≥USD 2,000 equivalent, 6 months) or employment letter.

• Business (M Visa): Stamped/signed invitation from Chinese company.
• Work (Z Visa): Chinese work permit + company registration.
• Study (X Visa): University admission letter + JW201 form.
• Family Visit (Q Visa): Kinship certificate + inviter’s Chinese ID.

• Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory (vaccination ≥10 days prior).
• Recommended Vaccines: Hepatitis, typhoid, etc.

IV. Transit Visa-Free Policy

• 48-Hour Transit: 免签 for airside passengers with confirmed onward tickets (no domestic travel).
• 144-Hour Group Tour Visa-Free (Effective May 2024):
  • Eligible for tourist groups (≥2 people) via specific ports (e.g., Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
  • Organized by Chinese-registered agencies; valid for 144 hours in Guangdong/Hainan.

V. Application Process

1. Online Application: COVA system → Print completed form.
2. Appointment: Schedule via Chinese Embassy in Brazzaville.
3. Submission:
   • Address: Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville.
   • Documents: Original passport, form, photos, supporting materials.
4. Processing Time: 4–7 business days (standard); 1 day (express, extra fee).
5. Fees (Approx.):
   • Tourist (L): ~USD 120 (single-entry).
   • Business (M): ~USD 145 (single-entry).
   • Work (Z): Varies (contact embassy).

VI. Key Notes

• Residence Registration: Non-hotel stays >24 hours: Register with local police.
• Customs: Declare cash >¥20,000; prohibited (drugs, ivory).
• Tibet Travel: Mandatory Tibet Travel Permit (via travel agencies).
• COVID-19 (2025): No testing/quarantine.

VII. Emergency Contacts

• China Consular Protection: +86-10-12308 (global).
• Chinese Embassy (Brazzaville): +242-811-00-00 (verify via 官网).
• Congo Emergency: Police 117 | Ambulance 118.

VIII. Official Resources

• China Visa (Congo): COVA System | Chinese Consular Affairs (Republic of the Congo).
• Visa Agreement: China-Congo Visa Waiver Treaty (diplomatic/service passports).