Republic of the Congo at a glance
| Visit with an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | No: a visitor visa is needed |
| E-1 treaty trader visa | Not available |
| E-2 treaty investor visa | Available |
| Own line in the Visa Bulletin | No: worldwide line |
| Green card lottery (last published list, DV-2026) | Eligible |
| Entry restrictions | Full: most visas suspended |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | Not designated |
| Where visas are processed | The U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville stopped routine visa services on August 1, 2026, and residents are directed to the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa (DRC) for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, although Kinshasa's visa operations have been paused since May 18, 2026 because of the Ebola outbreak. |
Green card lottery: registration for DV-2027 had not opened as of mid-October 2026. A federal court ordered the State Department to open it, and that order may be appealed.
What is specific to Republic of the Congo right now
- Under Proclamation 10998 (in effect as of October 2026), U.S. visa issuance to Republic of the Congo nationals is fully suspended for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including spouses and children of U.S. citizens, with only narrow exceptions such as dual nationals traveling on another passport.
- The Republic of the Congo was on the State Department's January 2026 immigrant-visa pause for 75 countries, which a federal court set aside in August 2026 while the government's appeal is pending.
- An E-2 treaty investor agreement is in force, but E-2 visas are currently covered by the full suspension.
Common U.S. immigration paths for people from Republic of the Congo
Marriage green cardGreen card through your U.S. citizen or resident spouseFamily petitionSponsor children, adult sons and daughters, or siblingsAsylumProtection for people who fear persecution in their home countryImmigration waiversForgiveness for unlawful presence, past removal and other barsE-2 investor visaTreaty investor visa to run a business you invest inGreen card lottery (DV)Yearly random drawing for green cards from lower-immigration countriesRefugee/asylee familyBring your spouse and children to join you (Form I-730)
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can people from Republic of the Congo visit the U.S. with an ESTA?
No. Republic of the Congo is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) from a U.S. embassy or consulate is usually needed.
Can people from Republic of the Congo get an E-2 investor visa?
Yes. Republic of the Congo has an E-2 treaty with the United States, so its nationals can qualify for the E-2 treaty investor visa by making a substantial investment in a U.S. business they will run.
Can people from Republic of the Congo enter the green card lottery?
Republic of the Congo was eligible in the last published program (DV-2026). Eligibility is set again every year, so check the official instructions when registration opens.
Where do people from Republic of the Congo have their visa interview?
The U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville stopped routine visa services on August 1, 2026, and residents are directed to the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa (DRC) for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, although Kinshasa's visa operations have been paused since May 18, 2026 because of the Ebola outbreak.
Can I work with a U.S. attorney while I am still in Republic of the Congo?
Yes. MyUSVisa works online: you tell your story from anywhere, licensed U.S. immigration attorneys review it and send proposals, and you choose. This works before you travel or once you are already in the United States.
More countries in Africa
Last checked by the MyUSVisa team and counsel in October 2026. Country rules change often, especially entry restrictions, TPS and parole programs. Always verify on travel.state.gov and uscis.gov, or ask your attorney.
MyUSVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.