Republic of the Congo: main airports
The Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) is served by Maya-Maya Airport, in the capital Brazzaville, and by Pointe-Noire Airport, the main port city on the Atlantic.
The country, not to be confused with the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, offers rainforests of the Congo Basin, Odzala-Kokoua National Park with its lowland gorillas, and the historic colonial capital of Brazzaville overlooking the Congo River, opposite Kinshasa.
Republic of the Congo: recommended activities
Republic of the Congo: visa and entry requirements
Most nationalities need a visa, generally to be applied for in advance at a Congolese embassy or consulate: visa on arrival at the airport is not available for the majority of visitors.
A passport with adequate remaining validity is required, along with a yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), and often a letter of invitation or proof of a hotel booking.
Republic of the Congo: safety
Security conditions require attention: Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire are generally visitable with adequate precautions in the central areas, but crime, including theft and robbery, is present. Some rural and border areas may present additional risks.
Always check your country's updated travel advisories before planning your itinerary, especially for excursions to Odzala-Kokoua National Park or other remote areas.
Republic of the Congo: health situation
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid are generally recommended, as is yellow fever, mandatory for entry into the country; antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly advised, as malaria is widespread throughout the territory.
Consult a doctor specializing in travel medicine well in advance of departure. It is advisable to drink only bottled water.
Republic of the Congo: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), shared with other countries in the CEMAC region, pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate.
The official language is French, alongside Lingala and Kituba as lingua francas. Taxis have no meter: always agree on the fare before getting in, as there are no published fixed prices.
