Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border in Likouala Region.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTelephone: 0203 691 5979
\n\nEmail: contactambacouki@gmail.com
\n\nAddress: 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OHW
\n\nYour passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter the Republic of Congo.
\n\nApply for a visa before you travel. Contact the Republic of Congo Embassy in the UK for more information.
\n\nTo pass border control in the Republic of Congo, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
\n\nFor more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Republic of Congo guide.
\n\nTravellers arriving in the Republic of Congo may be subject to enhanced health screening measures due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":" Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of the Republic of Congo.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Republic of Congo, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nDemonstrations 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.
\n\nThe Pool Region has historically been an area of conflict between Government Forces and the Ninja insurgent group. Live conflict has not been reported since both parties signed a ceasefire agreement in 2017. Violent clashes could arise again with little or no notice in response to political events. Be vigilant for reports of local unrest.
\n\nThere have been reports of crime, particularly opportunistic crime such as pickpocketing, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, and criminals may target foreigners.
\n\nTake care of your belongings, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. To reduce your personal risk:
\n\nCriminals may target your car. Take extra precautions against criminals targeting your vehicle, especially when travelling outside urban centres and anywhere in the Pool Region and Mouyondzi District. Reduce the risk of carjacking and break-ins by:
\n\nPolice 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.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in the Republic of Congo, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nSome road conditions, particularly in remote parts of the country may be poor, particularly during the wet season from November to May. Reduce the risks of rural travel by using a well-maintained 4-wheel drive vehicle with necessary supplies. Travelling in convoy and in daylight will reduce the risk of being stranded if a breakdown or accident happens.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nA passenger rail service operates between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire however, the service is often slow and unreliable.
\n\nThe river border crossing between Brazzaville and Kinshasa can close without warning. The ferry stops running in late afternoon, does not run on Sunday and may be cancelled when there is bad weather. Check before travelling.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of the Republic of Congo. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic (CAR) border in Likouala Region.
\n\nThere is a risk of violence, crime and insecurity in this area due to instability in CAR.
\n\nSome areas in the Pool region have historically been areas of conflict between the government and the Ninja insurgent group. There have not been any reports of live conflict since a ceasefire was agreed in 2017, however a risk remains of violent clashes breaking out with little or no notice, particularly in the districts of Boko, Kindamba, Kinkala, Mayama and Mindouli.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nThere’s no central number for emergency services. Check for local medical facilities and carry contact details with you.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before you travel:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in the Republic of Congo , including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical 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.
\n\nMake 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.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in the Republic of Congo where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nThere’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.
\n\nCheck for local medical facilities and carry contact details with you.
\n\nTelephone numbers can be unreliable.
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n