{"slug":"congo","title":"Congo travel advice","updated_at":"2026-06-02T11:16:18+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-06-02T10:16:18Z","change_description":"New information about Ebola screening when arriving in country (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/congo","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Congo’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>Telephone: 0203 691 5979</p>\n\n<p>Email: contactambacouki@gmail.com</p>\n\n<p>Address: 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OHW</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You must have a visa to enter the Republic of Congo.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"applying-for-a-visa\">Applying for a visa</h3>\n\n<p>Apply for a visa before you travel. Contact the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk\">Republic of Congo Embassy in the UK</a> for more information.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To pass border control in the Republic of Congo, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission</li>\n  <li>a polio vaccine, due to the risk of polio transmission</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/55/congo#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Republic of Congo guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"ebola\">Ebola</h2>\n\n<p>Travellers 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.</p>\n\n<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) has <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2026-epidemic-of-ebola-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-determined-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern\">declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern</a>. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice\">Check entry requirements</a> for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<p>This guide also has safety advice for <a href=\"/foreign-travel-advice/congo/regional-risks\">regions of the Republic of Congo</a>. </p>\n\n<p>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.  </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-the-republic-of-congo\">Terrorism in the Republic of Congo</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Republic of Congo, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"political-situation\">Political situation</h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>The 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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<p>There have been reports of crime, particularly opportunistic crime such as pickpocketing, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, and criminals may target foreigners.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Take care of your belongings, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. To reduce your personal risk:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>avoid walking in the streets after dark</li>\n  <li>do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables</li>\n  <li>avoid isolated areas, including beaches</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"vehicle-crime\">Vehicle crime</h3>\n\n<p>Criminals 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:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>locking doors and keeping windows closed, including whilst travelling</li>\n  <li>not driving away from main routes</li>\n  <li>always parking in a secure location</li>\n  <li>making journeys during daylight hours in rural areas</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in the Republic of Congo, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an <abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>.</p>\n\n<p>Some 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.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"checkpoints\">Checkpoints</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"air-travel\">Air travel</h3>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-air-safety-list\">UK Air Safety List (ASL)</a> 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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-Industry/Airlines/Licensing/Requirements-and-guidance/Third-Country-Operator-Certificates\">UK Civil Aviation Authority</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"rail-travel\">Rail travel</h3>\n\n<p>A passenger rail service operates between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire however, the service is often slow and unreliable.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"boat-travel\">Boat travel</h3>\n\n<p>The 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.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern .","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables","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."]}
