Travel and Visa Requirements for Congolese

• A valid international travel passport
• A completed visa application form
• The applicable visa fee
• Evidence of permission to enter the destination country
• A photocopy of your passport data page
• Financial proof — an original bank statement
• A letter of invitation, where one is required

Exact requirements vary by destination and visa type — always confirm what your destination needs before you apply.

The Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville, the Congo) is a country in central sub-Saharan Africa. It has its capital city in Brazzaville. The Congo is known for its massive rain forests, endangered animal species and laid back urban life. It must be distinguished from The Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo Kinshasa, DR Congo) although both countries have similar cultures and peoples.

The country sits on the equator in the central western part of sub Saharan Africa and has a tropical climate. The most frequent climatic occurrence in this country is rainfall. Congo experiences maximum rainfall from March to May and September to November. There is a short dry season from June to August. The best time to visit the Congo is during the dry season as the weather is fairer.

The Congo is majorly comprised of Bantu-speaking peoples from about 74 tribes. The three largest groups in the country are the Kongo (Bakongo), the Sanga, and the Teke. The official language of the Congo is French, with the two national languages being Kituba and Lingala. The Congo is 50% Christian, 48% animist, and 2% Muslim.

Congolese culture features traditional folk music with French, Arabic, and African elements all artistically wrapped up to create a very distinguished sound. The music is usually accompanied by classical instruments like the "mvet" or xylophone. Their cuisine is basically built upon grains, tubers, and meats. Maize, cassava, chicken, goat meat and fish are common foods in the Congo. Their foods are also influenced by French, Arabic, and Chinese cuisine and you can find great French restaurants all around Congolese cities.

Amongst the festivals and events in the Congo, The Golden Tam-Tam is a must see. This is the Congolese version of the American Grammy awards. It was created in 2015 to celebrate Congolese musicians. It is a great way to experience good Congolese music and how it has now been infused with more urban elements. Another great festival is the Feux de Brazza, a popular international festival celebrating traditional Congolese music. It is obvious that the Congolese do love their music.

The Congo is a warm and welcoming country that offers a number of great tourist attractions. Some of these attractions are:

• Brazzaville: This is the laid back, easy going capital city of the Congo and features a lot of great restaurants, hotels, and recreational centres. It also boasts a fair number of decent beaches to relax in. Brazzaville is a great place to experience the urban Congolese life.
• Parc National d' Odzala: This is one of the oldest National parks in Africa and the oldest in the Congo. It is a large chunk of rain forest serving as a stronghold for the world's last lowland gorillas and forest elephants. It also has luxurious travel experiences for those who can afford it.
• Parc National Conkouati-Douli: This is the newest of the three national parks in the Congo and the most bio diverse with a huge habitat ranging from swamps to savannas to rain forests. It is home to dolphins, mandrills, chimpanzees, gorillas, etc.
• Parc National Nouabale Ndoki: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to many endangered species such as western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants as well over 300 bird species.

The Casino Supermarket in Brazzaville is also a must visit to shop at. The supermarket has nearly everything you could think of with an impressive selection of beers and wines as well.

Congo Brazzaville is one of the most urbanized African countries with 85% of its entire population living in the urban cities such as Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. This leaves the northern part of the Congo almost entirely unpopulated and reserved for the preservation of wildlife. So, if you are looking for a true, raw wilderness experience and call of nature, the Congo beckons!

There are budget and luxury hotels in Congo Brazzaville.