Money and payments
Cards and cash
All Ecobank ATMs in the Republic of the Congo take Mastercard and Visa card for cash withdrawal.
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Africa · Middle AfricaOutline guideCountry in Central Africa
Photo: Bsm15, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Republic of the Congo is a country in Central Africa. It is commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish itself from its giant neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa).
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Congo.
Cards and cash
All Ecobank ATMs in the Republic of the Congo take Mastercard and Visa card for cash withdrawal.
French, Kikongo, Lingala
The official language of the country is French. The main indigenous languages are Kituba and Lingala.
Mobile networks
Airtel Congo B
MTN CongoTap water is not drinkable, if it's even running at all.
Population estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and…
White travelers should take care while travelling in the Republic. Racial tension and discrimination is not uncommon here, so be safe and keep to yourself.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital is home to one third of the country's people, and has been designated a "City of Music" by UNESCO
a port city
a busy logging town that attracts few foreigners
the regional hub city of the Chaillu Massif mountainous region
a good base for visiting the Léfini Faunal Reserve
considered one of the best places to visit in the north of Republic of Congo
a government-owned island that is about one hour from Brazzaville
a special reserve for endangered western lowland gorillas, bounded by three rivers
the country's most famous national park
the largest and most remote of Congo's national parks and reserves, in the far north bordering the Central African Republic's Dzanga Sangha National Reserve
Places in Congo on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Includes Kouilou department and Pointe-Noire, a major economic and commercial centre of the country, and the main centre of the country's massive oil industry.
The country's highest region by altitude is home to popular wildlife reserves, including the Léfini Faunal Reserve.
Includes the Odzala-Kokoua National Park (PNOK) which is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage
Includes Niari, Lékoumou, and Bouenza departments.
Home to the capital Brazzaville, it serves as the traveller's main entry point to the country.
The northernmost departments of the country. Both departments are completely covered in forests, and are home to a large pygmy population.
Public transport and paid services in Congo.
By train
The Congo-Ocean Railway (COR, or CFCO) re-opened between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville in Apr 2023 after a 7-year closure.
By taxi
Taxis in the Republic of the Congo do not have a meter, which means you have to negotiate for a reasonable fare before going anywhere.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Congo.
Finding apps for Congo…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Brazzaville · International · BZV
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Brazzaville
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 31° | 30° | 28° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 21° | 19° | 18° | 20° | 21° | 22° | 22° | 21° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 166 | 165 | 206 | 207 | 149 | 14 | 3 | 13 | 57 | 175 | 278 | 249 |
| Humidity | 82% | 82% | 83% | 84% | 83% | 79% | 76% | 72% | 72% | 78% | 83% | 83% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$115
Per person, per day
Luxury
$305
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $65 | $180 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $55 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $45 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin the Republic of the Congo due to crime. While not common, violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, remains a concern throughout the Republic of the Congo. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Brazzaville. U.S. government employees must use two vehicles for all overland travel outside Brazzaville. In Pointe-Noire, they are restricted to beaches adjacent to their hotels due to crime.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border area in Likouala Region FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border in Likouala Region. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Congo.
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