Republic of the Congo Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Republic of the Congo
General travel safety in Republic of the Congo on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Republic of the Congo
Updates
Updated: 2 Oct 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional exceptions)
There are more or higher risks than what you would typically find at locations with level 1. You should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.
Safety and Security Tips
Precautions
Avoid travelling by car or train between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, as there have been attacks on vehicles, incidents of harassment and intimidation, and arrests along the route. Instead, travel by air between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Thieves are at work along Pointe-Noire's beaches. Stay on the busy beaches and avoid beaches after dark. Local police resources are limited, and response times to emergency calls are often very slow. In robbery cases, legal recourse is limited. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence, and do not venture out alone after dark. Throughout the country, there are poorly marked roadblocks monitored by undisciplined, armed soldiers. Security forces may stop foreigners and attempt to extort money or goods from them. If you are stopped at a roadblock, remain in your vehicle and present your documents through the window.
Road safety
Except for National Route 2 north of Brazzaville, which runs to the city of Oyo, most roads are dirt tracks. If you are travelling overland outside major cities, do so during the day, in a convoy of at least two four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Women's safety
Based on the crime situation of the Republic of Congo, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of precaution during travel.
Crime
Criminals, sometimes armed, act especially at night. Street crimes such as muggings and purse snatchings occur, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. There have been a number of break-ins and burglaries at residences in Brazzaville and Pointe‑Noire. The homes of foreigners seem to be particularly targeted.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police117 or 112
- Fire118
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Although the laws of Rep. of Congo do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is less tolerated socially and public display of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Taking photographs of public buildings and military facilities is prohibited. Do not photograph anyone without their permission.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is required.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Republic of the Congo.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements
Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Republic of the Congo
Wysokie
Areas with malaria
All
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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