Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to the Republic of the Congo.
Republic of the Congo Status
WATCH
Travel to the Republic of the Congo is operating overall, including international flights and major airports. However, enhanced health screening may apply because of the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, while significant security warnings apply near the Central African Republic border.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Do not confuse the two Congos
The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a different country from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DR Congo. Its capital is Brazzaville.
Brazzaville Airport
Maya-Maya International Airport is operating. International and regional services continue to destinations including Addis Ababa, Lomé, Abidjan, Douala and Libreville.
Pointe-Noire
Air services between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire are also operating, alongside international connections from Pointe-Noire.
Ebola screening
Travellers arriving in the Republic of the Congo may currently be subject to enhanced health screening because of the Ebola outbreak centered in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Visa requirements
Foreign visitors who require a visa should obtain it before travelling. Do not assume that a visa can be obtained on arrival.
Yellow fever
Travellers must have proof of yellow fever vaccination to pass border control. Current UK guidance also states that proof of polio vaccination is required.
Brazzaville-Kinshasa crossing
Brazzaville and Kinshasa face each other across the Congo River. Passenger ferry services operate between the two capitals, but the crossing can close without warning.
Ferry operating limitations
The Brazzaville-Kinshasa ferry stops operating in the late afternoon, does not normally run on Sundays and can be cancelled because of bad weather. Travellers should check before going to the port.
Central African Republic border
Strong security warnings apply to the northern border with the Central African Republic. UK guidance advises against all travel within 50 kilometres of the CAR border in Likouala Region because of violence, crime and instability across the border.
Pool Region
The Pool Region has a history of conflict. Although no live conflict has been reported since the 2017 ceasefire, official guidance warns that clashes could recur with little notice in some districts.
Crime
Opportunistic crime, including pickpocketing, occurs in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Foreign visitors can be targeted, particularly in isolated areas and after dark.
Road travel
Road conditions can be poor outside major urban areas, particularly during the wet season. Police and security checkpoints are also common.
Latest Travel Changes
Enhanced Ebola screening
Current entry guidance says travellers arriving in the Republic of the Congo may face enhanced health screening because of the Ebola outbreak centered in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
International aviation continues
Maya-Maya International Airport continues to handle domestic and international services. There is no current nationwide aviation shutdown.
Central African Republic border warning remains
Strong official security advice remains in effect for the northern border area in Likouala Region.
Brazzaville-Kinshasa ferry remains sensitive
The river crossing between the Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo can close without warning, so travellers should confirm operations before attempting to cross.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, passport and Republic of the Congo visa requirements before departure.
Make sure you have the required vaccination documentation, including your yellow fever certificate.
Be prepared for additional health screening on arrival because of the current Ebola outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
If travelling between Brazzaville and Kinshasa, check the ferry’s operating status and hours before going to the river crossing.
Avoid the area within 50 kilometres of the Central African Republic border in Likouala Region covered by severe official security warnings.
Take additional precautions against theft in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.