Sub Saharan Africa

Congo
Still current at: 25 November 2009 Updated: 02 September 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Local Travel section. We no longer advise against all but essential travel to the Republic of Congo.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

The incidence of street crime, armed robbery or vehicle hi-jacking is low in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, although there are frequent police checkpoints. Since January 2007, vehicle hijacking in Pointe Noire has increased. Take sensible security precautions i.e. do not walk in the streets after dark, or carry large amounts of money or valuables.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Congo (Rep of) Country Profile

The ‘Ninja’ former rebel group, that was active during the civil war, signed a peace agreement with the Government in March 2003. The situation remains peaceful but there remains a risk of rebel activity and sporadic fighting in some parts of the country (see Local Travel).

There is a likelihood of increased instability should there be considerable changes in the political environment.

If in Brazzaville, you should keep yourself updated locally on the security situation. In the event of trouble in the capital you should remain indoors and follow local advice from the British Honorary Consul; the main town centre hotels tend to be relatively safe.

Local Travel

We advise against all but essential travel to the Pool region, as there remains the risk of sporadic rebel activity and armed banditry.

The risk of rebel attacks on the coastal town of Pointe Noire itself is considered very low although there have been civil disturbances reported in June 2008. The road and railway between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire pass through the Pool region where armed criminal gangs continue to periodically rob vehicles and trains.

Road travel in the Pool region requires a permit from the Congolese army. You are therefore advised to travel between these cities by air (but see Air Safety section).

Crime (sometimes armed) is committed against boats using the Ubangi River in the Likouala region, where the river forms the border with the DRC; this area is subject to periodic instability.

Think very carefully whether your journey is essential and avoid travelling at night.

Boat Travel

The river crossing/border with Kinshasa may close without warning. We advise travellers to check the situation before committing to one route or another.

Road Travel

Road conditions are generally poor and deteriorate during the wet season, which lasts from November to May. Overland travel off the main roads requires a four-wheel drive vehicle.

For more information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security.

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Contacts

Congo (Democratic Republic), Kinshasa, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo
BFPO 5319

Telephone:

(243) 81 715 0761
(243) 81 715 0724 For genuine emergencies only

Fax:

(243) 813 46 4291

Email: ambrit@ic.cd

Office hours:

GMT:
Mon-Thur: 0630-1330
Fri: 0630-1300

Local Time:
Mon-Thur: 0730-1430
Fri: 0730-1400
Out of hours, Embassy answer machine gives a contact number

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