Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Republic of the Congo due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[242] 06 612-2000 (dial ”0? to reach the switchboard operator); US Embassy in Brazzaville, 70-83 Section D, MAYA-MAYA Boulevard, Brazzaville, Congo; BrazzavilleACS@state.gov; https://cg.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
242
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; the Republic of the Congo is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
Currency (Code)
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (Central African CFA franc, XAF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, French Lingala, Monokutuba, many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 33.1%, Awakening Churches/Christian Revival 22.3%, Protestant 19.9%, Salutiste 2.2%, Muslim 1.6%, Kimbanguist 1.5%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Brazzaville (includes St. Anne Basilica, National Museum of Congo); Lesio-Louna-Lefini Gorilla Reserve; Gorges of Diosso
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, basketball
Cultural Practices
Beginning conversations by inquiring about health and family indicates respect, and precedes many conversations.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip 10% in restaurants. Guides and resort staff usually expect tips, but taxi drivers do not need to be tipped.
Souvenirs
Handmade beaded bracelets and precious metal jewelry, handwoven cloth, ebony tribal wood carvings, pottery and ceramic sculptures, woven baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Poulet à la moambe — a savory chicken dish made by combining chicken, spices, and palm butter to create a stew-like consistency
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
