Republic of Congo travel guide
About Republic of Congo
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.
Key facts
342,000 sq km (132,046 sq miles).
4,740,992 (UN estimate 2016).
13.9 per sq km.
Brazzaville.
Republic.
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso since 1997.
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso since 2021.
Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
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 and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
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.
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the Republic of Congo.
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.
Health risks and recommended vaccines
Check TravelHealthPro’s current advice on the Republic of Congo to find out how to reduce the health risks you’ll face there.
TravelHealthPro also lists the recommended vaccines that could apply to you. At least 8 weeks before you travel, check how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page.
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.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities 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:
- finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in the Republic of Congo
- dealing with a death in the Republic of Congo
- being arrested or imprisoned in the Republic of Congo
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you are in the Republic of Congo and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, who provide consular assistance for the Republic of Congo.
FCDO in London
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)
