Overview of Congo
Not to be confused with its embattled neighbour to the east, the Republic of the Congo offers the same magnificent wilderness and mighty river. But there's less political instability, making it a far more desirable travel destination.
The northern rainforests are virtually uninhabited because of the dense undergrowth and vast swampland. A whopping 85 percent of the population reside in and between the capital of Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, only 332 miles (534km) apart and these are the main areas that are visited by foreigners.
While the Republic does not have a well established tourist industry, having recently emerged from six years of civil war, there is still plenty to do in the Congo. The Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of the largest in Africa and revered for its conservation of forest elephants and the western gorilla.
Brazzaville, located right on the banks of the Congo River, is a popular pitstop for travellers seeking out nearby adventures such as white water rafting or jungle trekking. Down the rail line, in and around the coastal town of Pointe Noire, one can savour the warm, if somewhat narrow, beaches of the Atlantic Ocean while visiting the museums in Diosso Gorge and the nearby Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre.
Since the peace accord in 2003, the Republic of Congo has been fairly peaceful. But there are still a few regions in the country which are best avoided and sometimes conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo can spill over across the border. Although not known as a popular tourist destination, the Congo is an exciting country to explore for those with a taste for adventure and a desire to get off the beaten path.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is French. Lingala and Kituba are widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
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Visitors require proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and in addition to a visa, visitors must hold a letter of invitation or a hotel reservation. Visa can only be issued on arrival to those passengers in possession of a letter (Visa Volant) issued by the Ministry of Interior and Security. Visitors not holding visas issued in the country of residence could be refused entry. Visas issued in another country will only be accepted when there is no embassy of Congo (Dem. Rep.) in the country of residence. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
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The Central African CFA franc (CDF) is the official currency of the Republic of the Congo (along with five other central African countries). It is divided into 100 smaller units called centime. The Congo is primarily a cash economy. A few hotels in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire accept major credit cards but cash is usually the main method of payment in the country. There are a handful of ATMs in Brazzaville that accept foreign cards and a few in Pointe Noire. It's possible to exchange foreign currency at the larger banks.
- Electricity:
- Electrical outlets in the Congo usually supply electricity at between 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round or flat pins are standard.
Travel to Congo
Overview
The Republic of Congo has some really exciting attractions but struggles with infrastructure to support tourism. It's considered mostly safe for foreigners, although petty crime is a problem and roads are in a poor condition and sometimes impassable, making it difficult to reach many of the amazing destinations the country has to offer. As a result, tourists tend to stick to the two largest cities, Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, which both have international airports and are linked by rail.
Both cities have sights of interest for visitors and there are many natural wonders nearby to explore: the beaches of Pointe Noire are particularly popular; Brazzaville is situated on the banks of the massive Congo River; and the dramatic Diosso Gorge is easily accessible.
But it seems a pity not to venture beyond the cities into the Congolese wilderness, as the rainforest and its wildlife are really the Congo's greatest asset. The Congo Basin is home to the second largest rainforest in the world. The best place to experience the country's famous but relatively unexplored flora and fauna is the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, where visitors can seek out forest elephants and gorillas, which are now so endangered that it is difficult to find them anywhere in the wild.
Climate in Congo
The Republic of Congo has a tropical climate with high temperatures, high humidity year-round and a lot of rainfall. The equator crosses the country just north of Liranga. While there's little seasonal variation in temperature, the climate does vary according to terrain and region. The average temperature is a humid 75°F (24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night, with it seldom getting cold.
The terrain is a variety of mountainous regions and flat coastal plains, with about 70 percent of the country covered by rainforest. It's rainy almost all year round, with a brief dry season between June and September in the south, and between December and February in the north. During the wet months the country's rivers are routinely flooded and travel by road becomes difficult.
The best time to visit the Republic of the Congo is in the cooler dry season between June and August, but it's best to note that the north remains fairly wet throughout the year. Travellers should be sure to take plenty of insect repellent and sunscreen, and should pack light, breathable clothing as well as waterproofs.
Health Notes when travelling to Congo
Malaria is prevalent in the Congo and a prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone or Doxycycline is recommended for all areas. A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers to the Congo over one year of age.
Those who plan on spending a lot of time outdoors and will be at risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination. HIV/Aids is a concern in the Congo and visitors should be sure not to engage in unprotected sex.
Since the outbreak of the Ebola virus in recent years, all visitors to the country are advised to abstain from consuming meat sourced from unknown animals, as it's thought to be responsible for the disease.
Medical facilities in the Congo are extremely limited, particularly in rural areas. Many medicines are in short supply and travellers should bring their own supplies of medications they require, in their original packaging and with a dated and signed letter from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why it's required.
Visitors should not drink tap water unless it has been filtered, chemically treated or boiled, and should also ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance as any serious injury or illness is likely to require medical evacuation.
Safety Notes when travelling to Congo
There have been hardly any serious episodes of conflict in the Republic of the Congo since the 2003 peace accord. Nevertheless, most travel authorities, including the US Department of State and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, advise against travel to certain regions of the country.
Brazzaville saw violent clashes in 2016, and tourists visiting the city are advised to maintain a high level of security awareness, abstain from night time travel and avoid all political protests. Travellers should avoid all travel to the Likouala province, which has been flooded by refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. All but essential travel should be avoided to the Pool region, south of Brazzaville.
Care should be taken on the road between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, which has a history of roadblocks and robberies. The train route between these two cities is generally safer, although caution is still advised. Visitors should stay well-informed of any disruptions or unrest in the country and in the neighbouring DRC, as violence sometimes spills over the border.
Petty crime is common in the Republic of Congo and there have been incidents of violent crime against tourists. There is potential for vehicle break-ins and muggings, especially near ports, outside popular restaurants and bars, and on the beaches, which should be avoided completely at night. Travellers should stay alert and take all safety precautions possible.
Customs in Congo
There are a variety of customs and cultures in the Congo, with many communities having their own traditions and beliefs. Casual clothing is acceptable but keep in mind that the Congolese take great pride in their appearance, and an overly casual appearance may be frowned on. Photographing military, government and banking buildings is prohibited.
Duty Free in Congo
Visitors to Congo do not need to pay import tax on one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine and an amount of perfume reasonable for personal use. Men may import up to 200 cigarettes or one box of cigars, while women may only bring cigarettes.
Doing Business in Congo
The Republic of Congo is one of the lowest-ranked countries in the world for ease of doing business due to the country's history of poverty, conflict and corruption, but the Congolese people are renowned for their friendliness and are generally very welcoming of foreigners.
Forestry is a large part of the economy of the DRC, with roughly 60 percent of the country covered in tropical rainforest. Other potential cash crops include sugar, coffee and cocoa, and other exports include petroleum and diamonds.
Business practices are fairly formal but due to the hot climate, suits are often worn only when meeting with officials. The society is patriarchal and women should generally avoid wearing trousers to business meetings. Handshakes are the acceptable mode of greeting.
Office hours are generally from 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm from Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on Saturday. One of the main obstacles to doing business in the Congo is the lack of high-quality communications infrastructure, making it difficult at times to get reliable phone lines or high-speed internet connections.
Communication in Congo
In Brazzaville and Pointe Noire and a number of hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi. The international access code for the Republic of Congo is 242, with the area code for Brazzaville being 28 and Pointe Noire being 29.
Tipping in Congo
Small tips are appreciated and often expected in the Republic of the Congo. Generally restaurants don't add a service charge so a tip of about 10 percent is welcomed by waitors.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors require proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and in addition to a visa, visitors must hold a letter of invitation or a hotel reservation. Visa can only be issued on arrival to those passengers in possession of a letter (Visa Volant) issued by the Ministry of Interior and Security. Visitors not holding visas issued in the country of residence could be refused entry. Visas issued in another country will only be accepted when there is no embassy of Congo (Dem. Rep.) in the country of residence. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
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US citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
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Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
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British citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
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Australian citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
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Irish citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
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New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
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South African citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
Congo Embassies
- In the United States:
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Republic of Congo Embassy, Washington (also responsible for Canada). Tel: (202) 726 5500.
- In Canada:
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Congolese (Dem) Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230 6582.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Republic of Congo Honorary Consulate, London. Tel: (203) 077 9958.
- In South Africa:
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Republic of Congo Embassy, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 342 5508.
Foreign Embassies in Congo
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Brazzaville. Tel: (242) 06 612 2000.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Kinshasa (also responsible for Republic of Congo). Tel: (243) 99 602 1500.
- British Embassy
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United Kingdom Honorary Consul, Brazzaville. Tel: (242) 066 473 23/ (242) 055 513 251.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Brazzaville. Tel: (242) 660 0211.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Republic of the Congo
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
| Yellow Fever | Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age. Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age. |  |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the Congo, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Malaria | You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in the Congo. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in the Congo. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in the Congo, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to the Congo
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age.
Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in the Congo, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in the Congo.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in the Congo. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in the Congo, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to the Congo
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the Congo, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the Congo. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in the Congo. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.
Hide If your travel plans in the Congo include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in the Congo. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the Congo’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in the Congo. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of the Congo may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in the Congo, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Congo, Republic of the for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Republic of the Congo .
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The Central African CFA franc (CDF) is the official currency of the Republic of the Congo (along with five other central African countries). It is divided into 100 smaller units called centime. The Congo is primarily a cash economy. A few hotels in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire accept major credit cards but cash is usually the main method of payment in the country. There are a handful of ATMs in Brazzaville that accept foreign cards and a few in Pointe Noire. It's possible to exchange foreign currency at the larger banks.
Maya Maya International Airport (BZV)
Brazzaville Maya Maya International Airport
Location: Two miles (4km) northwest of Brazzaville city centre.
Time: GMT +1
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available to take passengers into the city, and some hotels offer shuttles. Private drivers are a popular transport option, too, and should be organised prior to arrival with a repuable company.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Parking:
Overview of the Attractions in Congo
The Republic of Congo has some really exciting attractions but struggles with infrastructure to support tourism. It's considered mostly safe for foreigners, although petty crime is a problem and roads are in a poor condition and sometimes impassable, making it difficult to reach many of the amazing destinations the country has to offer. As a result, tourists tend to stick to the two largest cities, Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, which both have international airports and are linked by rail.
Both cities have sights of interest for visitors and there are many natural wonders nearby to explore: the beaches of Pointe Noire are particularly popular; Brazzaville is situated on the banks of the massive Congo River; and the dramatic Diosso Gorge is easily accessible.
But it seems a pity not to venture beyond the cities into the Congolese wilderness, as the rainforest and its wildlife are really the Congo's greatest asset. The Congo Basin is home to the second largest rainforest in the world. The best place to experience the country's famous but relatively unexplored flora and fauna is the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, where visitors can seek out forest elephants and gorillas, which are now so endangered that it is difficult to find them anywhere in the wild.
Pointe Noire
Pointe Noire is the second largest city and the commercial hub of the country. Tourists flock to the port mainly to enjoy the stretch of beaches and the French atmosphere of the place which is invigorated by the large expat community. Hotels in the city are expensive considering the standard of accommodation, but it is easy to find one right on the beach. Cote Sauvage is a string of beaches which are picturesque and spacious, lovely for long walks, swimming and surfing. There are several hotels along the beach with volleyball courts, pools and bars, while there's a great market at the Port Side Beach where the local artisans gather to sell crafts and souvenirs. Popular excursions are the nearby Diosso Gorge or the Conkouati-Douli National Park, which is a five-hour drive away but provides remarkable opportunities to see gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants.
Brazzaville
Brazzaville is located on the mighty Congo River, just opposite the sprawling city of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the only place in the world where two capital cities face each other across a river. Brazzaville is generally just a stopover for tourists keen to explore the Congo's rainforest or Pointe Noire. But there are landmarks such as the beautiful St Anne's Basilica built in 1949; the 1901 colonial Palais du Peuple; and the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Mausoleum. There are markets to be explored at Moungali, Poto-Poto and Bacongo, as well as wonderful restaurants with views over the Congo River. The beautiful Livingstone Falls lie just on the outskirts of the city, where the Djoue River meets the Congo.
Odzala National Park
The Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of the most amazing protected wilderness areas in the world. Founded in 1935, it remains one of the most important strongholds for forest elephants and western gorilla conservation in Central Africa.
The Congo Basin is home to the second largest rainforest on the planet, along with swathes of savanna and rivers bragging a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The park is recognised as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International as a result of the wealth of birdlife, keeping company with antelope, hyenas, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles.
There are tour operators offering safaris and treks in the park and guides that will help track animals. Two popular camps in the park are Lango Camp and Ngaga Camp, where visitors enjoy game drives, boat cruises and kayaking, as well as guided forest walks and gorilla treks. The best time to visit the park is between May and December.
Website: http://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/odzala-kokoua
Diosso Gorge
Diosso is a town in the Republic of Congo, situated about 15 miles (25km) north of Pointe Noire in the Kouilou Department. The town is conveniently close to Pointe Noire and has a few attractions such as the nearby Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre. Erosion in the area has resulted in the dramatic scenic splendour of Diosso Gorge, the lush rainforest interrupted by red rock ridges and cliffs rising steeply out of the jungle. This stunning landscape can be admired from two viewing platforms accessible by car. One is smaller and seldom visited, but provides lovely views; the other is larger and near the paved road. Climbing down into the gorge can be dangerous and shouldn't be attempted without the appropriate gear and an experienced guide.
Public Holidays in Congo
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Easter Day |
Sat. April 12 |
Fri. April 4 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Whit Monday |
Sun. June 1 |
Sat. May 24 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Reconciliation Day |
Tue. June 10 |
Tue. June 10 |
| Congo National Day |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Ascension Day |
Wed. May 21 |
Tue. May 13 |
| All Saints' Day |
Sat. November 1 |
Sat. November 1 |
