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Republic of Congo Travel Guide

Key Facts
Area: 

342,000 sq km (132,046 sq miles).

Population: 

4,740,992 (UN estimate 2016).

Population density: 

13.9 per sq km.

Capital: 

Brazzaville.

Government: 

Republic.

Head of state: 

President Judith Suminwa Tuluka 2024.

Head of government: 

Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso since 2021.

Electricity: 

230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used.

Bordered to the East by the vast Congo River, the Republic of Congo is often confused with its bigger and more notorious sibling, the DRC, on the other side of the river, and this certainly hasn’t done its tourist reputation any favours in recent years.

But for those intrepid enough to give the smaller, quieter and lesser-known Congo a try, they’ll find that it boasts beautiful landscapes characterised by undulating virgin rainforest, waterfalls, lagoons, river rapids and swamps. These wild places are home to an abundance of interesting flora and fauna, most notably rare primate species such as mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

While these iconic primates are the main attraction for the handful of tourists now trickling into the country, the forest is also home to several indigenous tribes, which have maintained their traditional way of life, almost entirely removed from Western civilization.

Standing in stark contrast to most of the rest of the country, Congo’s fast-growing capital, Brazzaville, is a fascinating metropolis. Looking across the Congo River to the dilapidated sprawl of Kinshasa, the DRC capital, Brazzaville is by far the prettier and more appealing of the two cities, with a burgeoning arts scene, good food, vibrant nightlife, an interesting colonial heritage and welcoming locals.

Since it gained its independence from the French in 1960, the Republic of Congo has been plagued by sporadic but severe bouts of civil war and ethnic conflict, the most bloody of which followed disputed parliamentary elections in 1993 and reached its pinnacle in 1997, fuelled in part by the prize of the country's substantial offshore oil wealth, which motivated many of the warlords.

A peace accord was finally signed in 2003 and since then the country has slowly but surely been reimagining itself as a peaceful destination that is no longer defined by its torrid history, and one that deserves to be noticed and appreciated.

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

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.

Some districts in Pool Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Pool Region districts of:

  • Boko
  • Kindamba
  • Kinkala
  • Mayama
  • Mindouli

Mouyondzi District in Bouenza Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Mouyondzi District in Bouenza 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: 

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 and contact FCDO:   

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Congo’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Republic of Congo set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Republic of Congo Embassy in the UK.

Telephone: 0203 691 5979

Email: contactambacouki@gmail.com

Address: 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OHW

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter the Republic of Congo.

Applying for a visa

Apply for a visa before you travel. Contact the Republic of Congo Embassy in the UK for more information.

Vaccine requirements

To pass border control in the Republic of Congo, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:

  • a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission
  • a polio vaccine, due to the risk of polio transmission

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Republic of Congo guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Republic of Congo. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of the Republic of Congo. 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Republic of Congo

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Republic of Congo, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Demonstrations happen occasionally. In the past, demonstrations have become violent. Even when they are peaceful there is a risk of violence. Avoid any areas with demonstrations.

Crime

Reports of crime, particularly opportunistic crime such as pickpocketing, have increased in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, and criminals target foreigners. You’re at greater risk of crime at night, and also in rural areas.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Take care of your belongings, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. To reduce your personal risk:

  • avoid walking in the streets after dark
  • do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables
  • avoid isolated areas, including beaches

Vehicle crime

Armed gangs may target your car. Take security advice if you intend to travel any distance. Reduce the risk of carjacking and break-ins by:

  • locking doors and keeping windows closed
  • not driving away from main routes
  • always parking in a secure location

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Police may ask you for ID. Always carry a colour copy of your passport, including your visa entry stamp. If you live in Congo, also always carry a colour copy of your residency card.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in the Republic of Congo, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Republic of Congo. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

Road conditions are generally poor and deteriorate during the wet season from November to May. If you travel overland off the main roads, you’ll need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

Checkpoints

There are frequent vehicle checkpoints in the Republic of Congo, which can be poorly marked. If you’re asked for documents at a checkpoint, stay in your vehicle and show them through a closed window.

Air travel

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in the Republic of Congo that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Rail travel

There are currently no rail services between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. When rail services were running, there were several instances of criminal gangs targeting trains on this route.

Boat travel

The river border crossing between Brazzaville and Kinshasa can close without warning. The ferry stops running in late afternoon, and there is no service on Sundays. Check before travelling.

This section has safety advice for regions of the Republic of Congo. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border area in Likouala Region

FCDO advises against all travel within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic (CAR) border in Likouala Region. 

There is a risk of violence, crime and insecurity in this area due to instability in CAR.

Some districts in Pool Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Pool Region districts of:

  • Boko
  • Kindamba
  • Kinkala
  • Mayama
  • Mindouli

In the Pool Region there continue to be reports of:

  • sporadic fighting between rebel groups and the military
  • large numbers of displaced people
  • crime and armed banditry

The authorities may stop you travelling at night. To travel by day, you may need a permit from the Congolese army and a military escort.

Mouyondzi District in Bouenza Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Mouyondzi District in Bouenza Region. There is a risk of violent crime including carjackings and targeted attacks.  

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

There’s no central number for emergency services. Check for local medical facilities and carry contact details with you.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before you travel:

See what health risks you’ll face in the Republic of Congo , including:

  • yellow fever
  • schistosomiasis
  • malaria and dengue
  • mpox

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

If you take medication, bring enough for your time in the Republic of Congo and make sure it is clearly labelled. Bring a copy of any prescription.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in the Republic of Congo  

Medical facilities in the country are limited, particularly in rural areas. Medical evacuation is likely to be necessary for all but the most basic treatments. If you become ill while in the Republic of Congo or straight after leaving the country, get immediate medical advice.

Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation; this should specifically include the very high costs of evacuation by air ambulance.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Republic of Congo where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in the Republic of Congo

There’s no central number for emergency services in the Republic of Congo. You can report crimes to local police on 06 665 4804. Few police will speak English.

Check for local medical facilities and carry contact details with you.

Telephone numbers can be unreliable.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

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