Middle Africa · UN member
Republic of the Congo: Travel Guide & Requirements
· République du Congo · Repubilika ya Kongo
The Republic of the Congo is a country in Middle Africa with its capital in Brazzaville. It has a population of 6.5 million (#110 in the world) and covers 342,000 km². The official languages are French, Kikongo and Lingala. The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF, Fr).
Where is the Republic of the Congo? Map of the Republic of the Congo
Central Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon.
- Region
- Middle Africa
- Coordinates
- 1° S, 15° E
- Neighbours
- 5 — see list
- Coastline
- 169 km
- Republic of the Congo
- Neighbours
- Capital
- Largest cities
Map of the Republic of the Congo showing Brazzaville (capital) and the largest cities: Pointe-Noire, Dolisie, Nkayi, Impfondo, Ouésso, Owando, Sibiti and Loutété.
Travel requirements
What you need to travel to the Republic of the Congo
- Passport
The embassy in Paris requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel, and the embassy in Washington one that remains valid for the next 6 months.
- Visa or eTA
Depends on your passport: of 198 passports, 5 need no visa, 10 get a visa on arrival, 183 need a visa from an embassy. Check yours or see The Republic of the Congo entry requirements for every passport.
- Return or onward ticket
The embassy in Washington says a copy of your airline ticket or reservation showing arrival and departure dates is mandatory for a visa application, along with an invitation letter or hotel reservation; the embassy in P…
- Proof of funds
No official requirement. The embassy in Washington says visitors must have ready evidence of their means of support for the stay and of accommodation arrangements at border controls, and the embassy in Paris asks visa applicants for proof of re…
- Travel insurance
No official requirement. The UK government says medical facilities are limited, that medical evacuation is likely to be necessary for all but the most basic treatments, and that your insurance should specifically include the very high costs of …
- Vaccinations
The UK government says that to pass border control you must have a certificate proving yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Travel advice
High risk — US and UK advice.
Entry rules: TravelRequirements.info — Entry Requirements Dataset (CC BY 4.0), each rule cited to an official government source. Always confirm with the airline and the official source before you travel.
Before you go
10 things to know before you travel to the Republic of the Congo
- Safety: Travel to the Republic of the Congo carries a high risk: the US State Department rates the Republic of the Congo Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”), and the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of the country.
- Best time to go: June to August — when daytime highs in Brazzaville are around 28–30°C.
- Money: the Central African CFA franc (XAF) — 1 US dollar is about 584.5354 XAF.
- Plugs: type C and E, 230 V, 50 Hz — standard 220–240 V: devices from the US or Japan (110–120 V) need a converter unless they are dual voltage (100–240 V).
- Emergency numbers: Police 117, Fire 118.
- Language: French, Kikongo and Lingala are official.
- Driving: on the right — speed limits are 60 km/h in built-up areas and 110 km/h outside built-up areas.
- Time zone: UTC+1 in Brazzaville.
- Capital: Brazzaville. About 6.5 million people live in the Republic of the Congo.
- Outdoors: 6 national parks.
Key facts
Republic of the Congo at a glance
Languages spoken: French (official), French Lingala and Monokutuba (trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Geography & history
About the Republic of the Congo
Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. From 1968 to 1992, the country was named the People's Republic of the Congo. A quarter-century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990, and a democratically elected government took office in 1992, at which time the country reverted to "the Republic of the Congo" name. A two-year civil war that ended in 1999 restored to power former President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso, who had ruled from 1979 to 1992. A new constitution adopted three years later provided for a multi-party system and a seven-year presidential term, and the next elections retained SASSOU-Nguesso. After a year of ren…
Read the full history
Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. From 1968 to 1992, the country was named the People's Republic of the Congo. A quarter-century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990, and a democratically elected government took office in 1992, at which time the country reverted to "the Republic of the Congo" name. A two-year civil war that ended in 1999 restored to power former President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso, who had ruled from 1979 to 1992. A new constitution adopted three years later provided for a multi-party system and a seven-year presidential term, and the next elections retained SASSOU-Nguesso. After a year of renewed fighting, SASSOU-Nguesso and southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in 2003. SASSOU-Nguesso was reelected in 2009 and, after passing a constitutional referendum allowing him to run for additional terms, was reelected again in 2016 and 2021. The Republic of the Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers.
Location
Central Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Climate
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
Terrain
coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin
Highest point
Mont Nabeba 1,020 m
Natural resources
petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower
Natural hazards
seasonal flooding
National symbols
lion, elephant
Driving
Speed limits & road rules in the Republic of the Congo
The default speed limits in the Republic of the Congo are 60 km/h in built-up areas and 110 km/h outside built-up areas. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.8‰. Posted signs always take priority over these defaults.
- 6060 km/hBuilt-up areasTowns and cities
- 110110 km/hOutside built-up areasCountry roads
- International Driving PermitRecognised: 1949 GenevaCarry the IDP together with your national licence
- Driving sideDrive on the rightOvertake on the left
- Alcohol limit0.8‰ blood alcohol (0.08% BAC)
- Seat beltsRequired by law
- Child seatsNo national child-restraint law
- Motorcycle helmetsRequired for riders
- Road deaths (2021)8.4 per 100,000 peopleSafer than most countries (median 12.4)
Speed limits: OpenStreetMap wiki — Default speed limits (CC BY-SA 2.0). Road-safety laws: WHO Global Health Observatory. Compare speed limits and alcohol limits by country. Defaults for cars; local signs, weather and vehicle type can lower them.
Safety
Is the Republic of the Congo safe to visit?
Travel to the Republic of the Congo carries a high risk: the US State Department rates the Republic of the Congo Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”), and the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of the country.
US State Department
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Latest update: New information about Ebola screening when arriving in country (‘Entry requirements’ page).
Updated 2 Jun 2026 · Full travel advice
Sources: US Department of State travel advisories (public domain) and UK FCDO foreign travel advice (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). Checked daily. Advice can change quickly — always read the official page before you travel.
Weather
Best time to visit the Republic of the Congo
The best time to visit the Republic of the Congo is June to August, when daytime highs in Brazzaville are around 28–30°C. May and September are also a good time to go. September is the warmest month (30°C by day), July the coldest (18°C at night), and November the wettest with about 282 mm of rain.
- Jan29°C21°C
- Feb29°C21°C
- Mar29°C22°C
- Apr29°C22°C
- May29°C21°C
- Jun28°C19°C
- Jul29°C18°C
- Aug30°C20°C
- Sep30°C21°C
- Oct29°C21°C
- Nov28°C21°C
- Dec28°C21°C
Best time Good Less ideal
Before you go
Plugs, voltage & emergency numbers in the Republic of the Congo
Plugs & sockets
230 V, 50 Hz · Standard 220–240 V: devices from the US or Japan (110–120 V) need a converter unless they are dual voltage (100–240 V).
Emergency numbers
Save the local numbers before you travel — 112 or 911 may not connect here. All countries →
Sources: Wikipedia — Mains electricity by country and List of emergency telephone numbers (CC BY-SA 4.0).
National parks
6 national parks in the Republic of the Congo
- 30,732 km² protected
- oldest from 1935
Largest: Odzala National Park · Conkouati-Douli National Park · Ntokou-Pikounda National Park
Currency · 26 October 2026
Central African CFA franc exchange rates today
The Republic of the Congo uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF, Fr). One US dollar buys 584.5354 XAF; over the last 30 days the XAF has lost 1.5% against the dollar.
What other currencies cost in XAF
Currency converter
Daily reference rates from the open-source currency-api (CC0), 26 Oct 2026. Banks and exchange offices add a margin.
World rankings
Where the Republic of the Congo ranks
How the Republic of the Congo compares with the rest of the world — open any card for the full ranking.
Airports
Airports in the Republic of the Congo
56 airports and airfields — 2 large, 4 medium and 50 small, plus 0 heliports. 2 have scheduled passenger flights.
Borders
Neighbouring countries
The Republic of the Congo borders 5 countries along 5,554 km of land borders. Coastline: 169 km.
Military
Congolese or Congo armed forces
The Republic of the Congo ranks #122 of 145 in the Global Firepower military strength ranking, with a defence budget of $205 million (2025).
People
Population & society
Religion
Largest cities: Brazzaville (2.6 million), Pointe-Noire (1.3 million)
Economy
Economy
Main industries
petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes
Export partners
China 46%, UAE 23%, India 6%, Saudi Arabia 5%, Portugal 3% (2023)
Top exports
crude petroleum, refined copper, gold, wood, refined petroleum (2023)
Travel tools
Handy before every trip to the Republic of the Congo
Next public holiday
All Saints' Day — Sunday, 1 November 2026. Then Republic Day (28 Nov).
Congolese or Congo passport
Ranked #170: 20 countries visa-free, 25 with visa on arrival, 3 with an eTA and 44 with an eVisa.
Congolese or Congo passport photo
Exact size, head position and background for the Republic of the Congo's passport and visa photos — make one free with AI checks.
Calling the Republic of the Congo
Dial +242 before the local number. Internet domain .cg.
Climate footprint
8.8 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2024 — 1.40 t per person.
Entry requirements
Visa rules for every passport visiting the Republic of the Congo: visa-free stays, eVisas, visas on arrival and documents to bring.
News
Latest travel news about the Republic of the Congo
Benin Travellers May Get Faster Border Checks as Digital ID Pilot Phase Ends
Benin, Ghana and Rwanda have completed the first phase of a cross-border digital identity pilot, testing verification against home-country records. T…
Republic of the Congo to Launch e-Visa and ETA Systems for Travelers
The Republic of the Congo is set to introduce an e-Visa and an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, enhancing entry procedures for internati…
Frequently asked questions about the Republic of the Congo
What do I need to travel to the Republic of the Congo?
How long must my passport be valid for the Republic of the Congo?
Where is the Republic of the Congo?
What is the Republic of the Congo known for?
What is the capital of the Republic of the Congo?
What language is spoken in the Republic of the Congo?
What currency does the Republic of the Congo use?
What is the calling code of the Republic of the Congo?
Which countries border the Republic of the Congo?
How strong is the Congolese or Congo passport?
What is the speed limit in the Republic of the Congo?
Is the Republic of the Congo safe to visit?
When is the best time to visit the Republic of the Congo?
What plug type does the Republic of the Congo use?
How many airports does the Republic of the Congo have?
Sources: CIA World Factbook (public domain); World Bank Open Data (CC BY 4.0); names, languages and currencies: mledoze/countries (ODbL); flag: flag-icons (MIT); coat of arms: Wikimedia Commons (file page); exchange rates: Daily reference rates from the open-source currency-api (CC0); airports: OurAirports.