All country guides
![Flag of Congo [Republic of]](/flags/congo-republic-of.gif?dpl=dpl_4JLpCRgbAZEQPLABe9FNKrUVJTBv)
- Capital
- Brazzaville (BZV)
- Dialing Code
- + 242
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +1
- Language
- French
- Best Time to Go
- June - September
- Currency
- Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Travel Tips
- Respect to religious customs should be shown during the month of Ramadan
- Some local languages are also spoken: Lingala, Munukutuba and Kikongo. English is not widely spoken
- Bottled water recommended
- Dress should be on the conservative side and mini-skirts and shorts should not be worn in public
- There are limited ATM’s that accept foreign cards, and it is primarily a cash economy. A few hotels accept credit cards, but there is limited use in Congo
- Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans
Last updated 29 September 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of Republic of Congo
960 Arcadia Street, Arcadia
Telephone: 012 342 5507
Email: pretoria@embassyofcongo.co.za
Website: www.embassyofcongo.co.za
Hours: 09:00 - 16:00
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
April: 6
May: 1, 14, 25
June: 10
August: 15
November: 1, 28
December: 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders
- All applicants must appear in person to apply for a visa
- Application form (can be filled in online, or downloaded & printed)
- Valid passport (minimum of 3 months) (Ensure there are 2 blank pages to affix visa)
- Two 50mm x 50mm passport colour photographs
- Prepaid DHL envelope with a tracking number
- A copy of airline tickets or itinerary
- An invitation letter (legalised by CID) or hotel reservation
- Three Months recent bank statements
- Business visa: business letter (legalised by CID)
Visa Processing Time
- On average, visa applications take 10 working days
- Preference is given to online applications
Visa Cost
Visitors Short-Stay (30 days): ZAR 1200
- All payments must be made in cash at the embassy
- Rates may change according to exchange rates
Visa Forms
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
Allée des Aiglons, vers le Lycée Chaminade, BP: 14592, Brazzaville
Telephone: +242 06 660 0211
Email: loussoukem@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/brazzaville/