Update
April 12, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Congo

Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 12 Months
A-2 None Multiple 12 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 12 Months
B-1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-2 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 24 Months
C-1 $15.00 Multiple 6 Months
C-1/D $15.00 Multiple 6 Months
C-2 None Multiple 6 Months
C-3 None Multiple 6 Months
C-W-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
C-W-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D $15.00 Multiple 6 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2 2 None One 3 Months
E-2C 12 None One 3 Months
F-1 None Multiple 6 Months
F-2 None Multiple 6 Months
G-1 None Multiple 12 Months
G-2 None Multiple 12 Months
G-3 None Multiple 12 Months
G-4 None Multiple 12 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 12 Months
H-1B $95.00 Multiple 36 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 36 Months 3
H-2A None N/A N/A3
H-2B None N/A N/A3
H-2R None Multiple 36 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 36 Months 3
H-4 $95.00 Multiple 36 Months 3
I None Multiple 6 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 12 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 12 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 $95.00 Multiple 36 Months
L-2 $95.00 Multiple 36 Months
M-1 None Multiple 6 Months
M-2 None Multiple 6 Months
N-8 None Multiple 12 Months
N-9 None Multiple 12 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 36 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 36 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 36 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 $45.00 Multiple 36 Months
R-2 $45.00 Multiple 36 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
T-D 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

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Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

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General Documents

Copies of civil records including birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates issued before independence (August 15, 1960), can be obtained from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information consult the French Foreign Ministry Website or write the following address:

Service central de l'état civil
11, rue de la Maison Blanche
44000 Nantes
FRANCE

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees:  The issuance of a birth certificate is free / 2500 CFA

Document Name: Acte de Naissance (Birth certificate)

Issuing Authority: La Mairie (Office of the Mayor)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Le Maire

Registration Criteria:  A declaration of birth delivered by a nurse or delivering physician, Adoption certificate for adopted children, complete a form

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact la Mairie at the place of birth and submit the declaration of birth. The declaration of birth is valid for 30 days. According to the Congolese law 93/84 of the family  code, after 30 days the parents need to present  the file for follow-up of the pregnancy at the mayor office to be issued a certificate of non-declaration of birth that they submit to the tribunal which issues a late declaration of birth.

Certified Copies Available: Copies of birth certificate (Copies et extraits d’acte de naissance)

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments: Copies of civil records including birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates issued before independence (August 15, 1960), can be obtained from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information consult the French Foreign Ministry Website or write the following address:

Service central de l'état civil
11, rue de la Maison Blanche
44000 Nantes
FRANCE

 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees:  Death certificate is issued free of charge after doing all the procedures with the funeral home (Pompes funèbres)

Document Name: Acte de Décès (Death certificate)

Issuing Authority: La Mairie (Office of the Mayor) at the funeral home

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The undertaker’s  (L’Officier  de l’Etat Civil, pour le Maire par délégation -  Directeur des Pompes Funèbres Municipales)

Registration Criteria: Certificate of death (Attestation de décès or Déclaration de décès)

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the mayor office where the death occurred and submit the certificate of death.

Certified Copies Available: Copies of death certificate (Copies et extraits d’acte de décès)

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Copies of civil records including birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates issued before independence (August 15, 1960), can be obtained from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information consult the French Foreign Ministry Website or write the following address:

Service central de l'état civil
11, rue de la Maison Blanche
44000 Nantes
FRANCE

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees:  The fee is not standard. It varies between 65, 000 CFA (Mairie de Makelekele) and 78, 000 (Mairie de Bacongo) excluding the fee of the celebration room/hall.

Document Name: Acte de Mariage (Marriage certificate)

Issuing Authority: La Mairie (Office of the Mayor)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Le Maire

Registration Criteria:  The documents requested are:

  • The future married couple must provide their copies of birth certificate (Extraits d’actes de naissance or photocopies of birth certificates)
  • Attestation of the dowry issued by the chief of the family of the future wife
  • Couples who have not yet got children should submit a prenuptial medical certificate (Le certificat médical prenuptial)
  • Congolese armed forces should submit a marriage authorization (L’autorisation de marriage);
  • Divorced coupled should submit a divorce certificate (Le jugement de divorce);
  • Widows should submit a certificate of death (L’acte de décès);
  • Foreigners residing in Congo should submit a residence certificate (Le certificat de residence);

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact la Mairie at the place where the marriage took place.

Certified Copies Available: Copies of marriage certificate (Copies et extraits d’actes de marriage)

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Copies of civil records including birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates issued before independence (August 15, 1960), can be obtained from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information consult the French Foreign Ministry Website or write the following address:

Service central de l'état civil
11, rue de la Maison Blanche
44000 Nantes
FRANCE

 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees: Submission fee 25,000 CFA. Procedure fee depends on the volume of the file.  The normal fee is 50,000CFA but may increase as the procedure goes on.

Document Name: Certifcat de Divorce (Divorce certificate)

Issuing Authority: Tribunal de Grande Instance

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Le president du tribunal

Registration Criteria: Copy of marriage certificate including a statement of divorce

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Tribunal de Grande Instance where the divorce occurred.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Copies of civil records including birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates issued before independence (August 15, 1960), can be obtained from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information consult the French Foreign Ministry Website or write the following address:

Service central de l'état civil
11, rue de la Maison Blanche
44000 Nantes
FRANCE

 

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees: Submission fee 25,000 CFA. Procedure fee depends on the volume of the file 50,000CFA and may increase as the procedure goes on

Document Name:  Acte d’adoption (Adoption decree)

Issuing Authority: Tribunal de Grande Instance

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: President du Tribunal

Registration Criteria: Submit the Abandonment/relinquishment Judgment

Procedure for Obtaining:  Contact the Tribunal de Grande Instance where the child resides

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Identity Card

Available

Fees: 2500 CFA

Document Name: Identity Card (Carte d’identité/Livret)

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Interior and Decentralization (le ministère de l'Intérieur et de la Décentralisation/ Centre national d'identification)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Ministère de l’Intérieur et de la Décentralisation

Registration Criteria: Submit a Congolese birth certificate  or certificate of nationality (Certificat de nationalité)

Procedure for Obtaining:  Be a Congolese citizen and contact the ministry of interior, submit a birth certificate and two photos.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: Congolese passport

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Records

Police Certificates

Available

Fees:  2500 CFA but will be increased to 5000 CFA shortly.

Document Name: Police records (Casier Judiciaire and Certificat de nationalité)

Issuing Authority: Tribunal de Grande Instance, Brazzaville

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Chief Clerk  (Greffier en Chef/Greffier principal)

Registration Criteria: Present the ID, passport, or birth certificate

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should make application to the Greffier du Tribunal de Grande Instance listed above.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

 

Prison Records

Available

Comments: Prison records are included in the Police certificate (Casier Judiciaire)

 

Court Records

Available

Fees: 2,500 CFA

Document Name:  Casier  Judiciaire (Prison records)

Issuing Authority: Tribunal de Grande Instance

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  The Chief clerk (Greffier en Chef/Greffier principal)

Registration Criteria: Present the ID, passport or birth certificate

Procedure for Obtaining: Present the ID, passport or birth certificate to the Chief clerk (Greffier en Chef or Greffier principal) of Tribunal de Grande Instance where he/she resides.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

 

Military Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: Military Records

Issuing Authority: Congolese Army  - Bureau de l'Armee Nationale Congolaise.  Gendarmerie - Bureau de la Gendarmerie Nationale Congolaise

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of the military staff (Chef d’état major)

Registration Criteria: Military card

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the above listed issuing authority for their service in writing. Both offices are located in Brazzaville

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic and Official passports

Fees:  Regular passport (50, 000CFA) Diplomatic and Official passports are free.

Document Name: Passport

Issuing Government Authority:  Immigration/Prefecture de Brazzaville

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Directeur de l’Immigration

Registration Criteria: Congolese birth certificate

Procedure for Obtaining: Present old passport or birth certificate or ID, police records, two photos and complete a passport application form plus the processing fee mentioned above.

Alternate Documents: Diplomatic or regular passport

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Other Documents Available:  None

Other Records

Residence Certificate

Available

Fees: 2500CFA

Document Name: Residence certificate (Certificat de résidence)

Issuing Authority: La Mairie (Office of the Mayor)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Le Maire

Registration Criteria:  Congolese ID or passport (Proofs of the Congolese citizenship)

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicant should contact any mayor office in the area he or she resides and should submit proofs of the Congolese citizenship.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents:  Congolese ID and passport

Exceptions: None

 

Parental consent

Available

Fees: 2000CFA

Document Name: Parental consent (Autorisation parentale)

Issuing Authority: La Mairie (Office of the Mayor)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Le Maire

Registration Criteria:  The requester (One of the parents) must submit the other parent’s ID and authorization request.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicant (One of the parents) should contact any mayor office in the area he or she resides and submit the other parent’s ID and the authorization request.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions: None

 

Cohabitation contract

Available

Fees: 28,000CFA

Document Name: Cohabitation contract (Certificat de concubinage)

Issuing Authority: La Mairie (Office of the Mayor)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Le Maire

Registration Criteria:  This certificate is granted to couples who live together without officially getting married.

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants must submit their IDs, passports or driving licenses), a parental authorization proving that the future married woman’s parents recognize the relationship.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions: None

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Embassy

Address: Boulevard Denis Sassou Nguesso (In Front of Blanche Gomez Hospital)

Phone Number: (242) 06 612 2000

Email: BrazzavilleNIV@state.gov

Visa Services

Nonimmigrant visas for the Republic of Congo. Immigrant Visas are processed at US Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Please visit the following website for more information:  http://www.brazzaville.cg/fr/naissance

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.