Landmarks and scenery of Republic of the Congo
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Travel Guide · Africa

Republic of the Congo

Lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and the Odzala-Kokoua rainforest canopy.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for the Republic of the Congo depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Check if you need a visa for the Republic of the Congo

Emergency Numbers

Police
117
Ambulance
118

Currency

Name
Central African CFA franc
Code
XAF
Symbol
FCFA

Pegged to the euro. Cash-only outside Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.

Power Outlets

Outlet types
Type C, Type E
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz

Time Zone

WAT (UTC+1) — no daylight saving

Best Time to Visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Dry season June to September is the best window for Odzala-Kokoua rainforest trekking.

Major Airports

  • BZV

    Maya-Maya Airport

    Brazzaville · main international hub

  • PNR

    Agostinho Neto International Airport

    Pointe-Noire

Tipping Customs

Restaurants10%
GuidesUSD 20+ per day

Dress Code

What "modest dress" usually means

Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).

  • Modest, lightweight tropical clothing

Social Etiquette

  • French is the official language; Lingala and Kikongo are widely spoken
  • The country is distinct from the DRC despite the shared Congo River

Local Laws

Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
  • Photography of government, military and public infrastructure prohibited

Common Phrases

EnglishLocalPronunciation
Hello (French)Bonjourbon-ZHOOR
Hello (Lingala)Mbotem-BOH-teh

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