Republic of Congo

Self-drive options are limited and it is also very hard to get a rental car you drive yourself.
Rhino Africa does not recommend this option at all. If you’re planning a self-driving trip through the Republic of Congo, there are some rules that you need to bear in mind. Firstly, all cars are left-hand drive and people drive on the right side of the road. You will be required to have an international driver’s license. While the main highways are in a decent condition, most roads are dirt roads that become inaccessible during the rainy season. The roads are dotted with unmarked military checkpoints throughout the country.

Before going on a trip, it is important to consult your doctor, and take out comprehensive travel and health insurance that will cover all of your intended activities while on holiday in the Republic of Congo. Here are some helpful health hints to bear in mind:

• Vaccinations against the following disease are recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Polio, Rabies, and Tetanus/Diphtheria
• The government of the Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, except infants. You will be required to produce a yellow fever certificate at the airport on arrival. 
• You will need to take care against Malaria. Malaria prophylactics before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria.
• Re: Gorilla tracking – travellers who have a cold will not be permitted to partake in the gorilla trek as the gorillas can catch our germs

Most hotels and lodges have internet access, and major cities have several internet cafes. The calling code is +24 and SIM cards can easily be bought anywhere in the country. While internal post is unreliable, the international post can take from 4 to 18 days.

Don’t let money woes get you down during your adventure in the Congo. Here’s what you need to know before you go:

• The Communauté Financière Africaine Franc (XAF) is the currency of the Republic of Congo and is commonly referred to as CFA francs. XAF has notes in denominations of CFA 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, and 500 and coins in denominations of CFA 500, 100, 50, and 10. The responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States and the Republic of Congo forms part of the French Monetary Area
• Diners Club and MasterCard have limited use but hotels in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire accept major credit or debit cards. Cash, however, is preferred. Euro is the preferred foreign currency accepted. Credit cards cannot be used to obtain cash advances at banks. Travellers cheques are not recommended. 
• Your currency can be exchanged upon arrival in the Republic of Congo
• People of the age of 18 can import the following items into the Republic of Congo without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, one bottle of wine or spirits, a reasonable quantity of perfume in opened bottles
• Banks are open from 06:30 to 13:00 on weekdays

Do I need a visa to enter the Republic of Congo?
All visitors to the Republic of Congo require a visa to enter the country. Visas are not available on arrival.

How long will it take to issue my visa?
It will take at least 3 working days for your visa to be issued.

What are the visa requirements?
You will need the following documents to apply for a visa to the Republic of Congo: a passport that is valid for 6 month, sufficient blank pages for your visa, two fully completed visa application forms, two recent passport photos, a copy of your airline tickets, an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, and a 'letter of invitation' from Congo.

For how long should my visa be valid?
Your visa will usually be valid for one month.

Please ensure that you verify this information independently with the relevant embassy, high commission or consulate as your consultant cannot be held liable for any errors.