The Congo

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

The Congo has a tropical climate with constantly high temperatures and humidity, particularly astride the Equator. The rainy season is from October to May with the month of December being fairly dry. The dry season June to October. The northern part of the country has equatorial rainforest with an average annual rainfall of 1100 mm. Temperatures average between 21°C and 27°C.

Climate Chart for Brazzaville

For today's weather forecast see       CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visa are required by all nationals except those of France and can be obtain from neighbouring countries but these are expensive. Best obtained from your home country if possible.

Listing of Congo Tourist offices, Consulates or Embassies located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    1 CFA (Central African Franc)=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Very few places accept credit cards

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks:     Monday to Friday 0630-1130
Shops:     Generally open Monday to Saturday 0800-1200 and 1500-1800.

LOCAL TIME

Congo is one hour ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights Sabena Airlines Domestic Flights Congo Airlines has regular services are available from Brazzaville to Pointe-Noire, stopping in Loubomo and Ouesso.
Train:	The main line runs from Brazzaville to Point-Noire via Loubomo, and from Loubomo north to Mbinda. The service runs three times a day.
River:	From Brazzaville there are several steamers and barges running up the Congo and Ubangi Rivers - this can be an exhilarating experience and a fun way to get around if you've time. The Africa Guide's recommended book Facing the Congo   (amazon.com) - USA   (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Jeffrey Tayler Tayler vividly recalls his 1995 1,100-mile journey through the jungle and crocodile-infested waters of sub-Saharan Africa. Along with a guide, he traveled first on a barge and then in a hand-carved, dugout canoe called a pirogue^B, navigating the treacherous Congo River.
Public Transport	Taxis and minibuses are probably the best way to get around and they link most main cities.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Congo Sheet map, Full colour   Maps Worldwide FInstitut Geographique National (IGN) Subtitle General road and relief map Series Full colour, Scale 1 : 1,000,000 Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Driving is carried out on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. The majority of roads are not sealed thereby making them often impassable during the rains. There are several car hire firms located in Brazzaville.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in the Congo, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.