Republic of Congo

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 117 to reach local police for emergencies.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur, although usually on a small scale.   They may take place in response to political or economic issues or may occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.

Crime

Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and assault, remains a concern throughout the Republic of the Congo.  

• Opportunistic crimes are frequently reported. These include petty theft, pickpocketing, mugging, vehicle theft, and burglary.
• Most crimes affecting expatriates in Brazzaville involve financially-motivated opportunistic theft, robbery, or burglary. These crimes sometimes involve the use of bladed weapons.
• Risk of crime increases at night and in remote or isolated areas.
• Violent crime exists in outlying southern and northern neighborhoods of Brazzaville due to armed gang activity. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in the Republic of the Congo. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers
• If using dating apps or websites in the Republic of the Congo:
• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 117 for emergencies, or +242-06-665-4804 to contact the local police (French).

There is a CFA 12,000 franc charge (approximately 20 USD) for most police reports. Legal action or recourse is extremely limited.

Emergency services are limited in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire and virtually non-existent elsewhere. 

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact local authorities and to follow-up with the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. 
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in the Republic of Congo, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Photography

It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings or military installations. Drone operators have also been identified and arrested for flying commercial drones over sensitive locations.  

• Do not take photos of any security personnel, key infrastructure such as ports, train stations, and airports, or along border areas.
• You could face detention or arrest, fines, and have equipment confiscated.
• Do not take photos of Congolese people without their permission.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Detention conditions

A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.

• Detainees in the Republic of the Congo often can’t get their prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or required to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation the Republic of Congo.

• However, lesbian and gay individuals face societal discrimination and harassment.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in the Republic of the Congo prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law, however, may not be enforced.  .

• Expect accessibility to be extremely limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure within main cities, and nonexistent in the rest of the country. The U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville is an accessible facility.
• Public sentiment around disability is generally respectful.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of the Congo to receive a list of providers.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Republic of the Congo Traveler Information 
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 118 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are limited and not reliable.  Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances not be equipped with advanced medical equipment and may not be staffed with trained paramedics.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in the Republic of the Congo. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to the Republic of the Congo.
• Most hospitals/clinics and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often require payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• lWe strongly recommend supplemental international insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

You must be vaccinated against yellow fever to enter the country. Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are not available throughout the country.

• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources/supplies and are not reliable. 
• Hospitals and doctors always require payment in advance prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Controlled substances such as Tramadol (an opioid painkiller) are heavily regulated and scrutinized, even when prescribed by a U.S. doctor. Travelers should carry a copy of the original prescription if they must travel with these medications.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine  

U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while receiving care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners. We strongly recommend against participating in these practices.  Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to the country to have a child through the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in the Republic of the Congo, with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Congolese courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink or use in cooking.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
•  For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Most roads are in a poor state of repair or are dirt tracks and require an off-road vehicle. During the rainy season, from September to December and February to May, they become impassable.

• Fatal accident rates are rising in areas with new highways. Beware of erratic driving or drivers traveling at excessive speeds.
• Several highways have been completed, connecting the southern port city of Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville and to the northern town of Ouesso on the border with Cameroon and west to neighboring Gabon.
• Other hazards include pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, and animals.
• Service stations and fuel are scarce in rural areas. Professional roadside assistance is not available.   

Traffic laws 

A valid U.S. state or international driver’s permit is required to drive in the Republic of the Congo. U.S. citizens have sometimes reported traffic police asking for bribes instead of issuing formal tickets. Politely decline to pay on the spot. Instead, ask for an official written citation.

In case of an accident:

• In case of an accident, remain inside the vehicle and call for police.
• If a hostile mob forms, leave the scene and proceed directly to the nearest police station or gendarmerie to report the incident.
• Do not stop at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people have gathered.

Taxis and ride-shares

Only hire government-authorized green and white taxis in Brazzaville, and blue and white taxis in Pointe-Noire.

• Maintenance varies greatly. Taxis do not undergo routine inspections and are generally not air conditioned.
• Negotiate fares before embarking since taxis are not metered. Most taxi drivers will round-up fares or not return change.

Public and commercial transportation

Bus travel can be unsafe due to reckless driving, overcrowding, poor vehicle maintenance, and the potential for crime.  

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the ROC for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to the Republic of the Congo should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• The Republic of the Congo experiences rainy seasons from October to December and from February through May.
• Extreme rainfall can cause flooding.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates