Living in Republic of Congo
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Republic of Congo, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
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Details
Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Republic of Congo. There is no British Embassy in Republic of Congo but read about how our Embassy in Kinshasa can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Congolese authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy in Kinshasa on Facebook and Twitter
Before you go
See our travel advice for Republic of Congo for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Coronavirus
Follow the advice of the Congolese government and your local authority. You should also read the Congo travel advice for our latest guidance.
For information on vaccines abroad, see our COVID-19 travel guidance.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Congo. All British passport holders need to get a visa before travelling to the Republic of Congo. See Visas section of our travel advice for more information
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Republic of Congo.
Check the Congo travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Republic of Congo
There is no reciprocal formal healthcare agreements between the UK and Republic of Congo.
There is no legal requirement for you to register for healthcare as a resident in Republic of Congo.
If you cannot register for healthcare, you should ensure you have private healthcare cover for Republic of Congo, see List of medical facilities in Republic of Congo
If you become ill during or immediately after travelling to the Republic of the Congo, seek medical advice immediately. Medical facilities in the country are limited, particularly in rural areas, and medical evacuation is likely to be necessary for all but the most basic treatments.
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. If you take medication regularly, bring a properly-marked supply, sufficient for the time you will be in the country.
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Republic of Congo. Certain medicines may not be available in Republic of Congo (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Republic of Congo to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines
Working in Republic of Congo
If you are planning to move to Republic of Congo and work, you may need a visa. All British passport holders require a visa to travel to Republic of Congo. Visas can be obtained at the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Congo in the UK.
Studying in Republic of Congo
If you plan to study in Republic of Congo, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. Find out how to get a Republic of Congo visa.
Contact the relevant higher education providers in Republic of Congo to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Republic of Congo. Find an English-speaking lawyers in Republic of Congo
Read guidance on:
tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
tax on your UK income if you live abroad
tax if you get a pension and live abroad
paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Republic of Congo, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Social security pensions are available for locals only. British nationals living in Republic of Congo are not entitled to social security pensions.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
Some credit cards are accepted in Brazzaville. The local currency is the Franc CFA but Euros are widely used. There are a number of ATMs that dispense Euros in Brazzaville; take normal security precautions when withdrawing money. Western Union and other money transfer agencies are present in most main towns. Make sure you have arrangements in place before leaving the UK to have funds sent to you in case of emergency.
Accommodation and buying property
The constitution of Republic of Congo guarantees the right of individuals to private ownership of property. It also encourages and watches over the security of foreign investment. Foreigners can own land and property in Republic of Congo.
Driving in Republic of Congo
Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Republic of Congo. UK driving licences are not valid for visitors and visitors are expected to obtain a Congolese driving licence. You can contact DGTT - Direction Générale des Transports Terrestres, on telephone +242 064080695 to obtain a Congolese driving licence. The office is located on 78, Boulevard Denis Sassou Nguesso, Brazzaville.
The British Embassy cannot issue or renew a UK driving licence. Please contact the DVLA for information about renewing a licence or applying for a new licence.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA).
Please note that driving in Brazzaville can be dangerous. Police can demand bribes for no reason. Car doors should be kept locked at all times in case of thieves.
Guidance for travelling by road in Republic of Congo see Congo Travel advice on road travel
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see taking vehicles out of uk
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Republic of Congo, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
Only Congolese citizens have the right to vote and foreigners do not have the right to vote. Voting generally takes place every four years.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Republic of Congo you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport. Get a child passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Republic of Congo read our guidance on:
What to do if someone dies abroad
Bereavement guidance for Republic of Congo
English-speaking funeral directors in Congo
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
If you plan to get married in Republic of Congo, the local authorities may ask you for a certificate of non-impediment. You can apply for it at the British Embassy in Kinshasa, and it takes seven (7) days to process it.
Pets
You can import your pets from abroad to Congo. Please read Regulations on pets in Republic of Congo
Emergencies
Dial +242 066654804 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade,
Dial +242 066654804 to report a missing child
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Republic of Congo, read the Republic of Congo: Information for victims of rape and sexual assault See also Guidance for victim of rape and sexual assault abroad
English Speaking lawyers in Republic of Congo
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Kinshasa
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Last updated 26 March 2024 + show all updates
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Yearly check. We updated date to reflect new date on the document.
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First published.