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17 Best Places To Visit In The Republic of the Congo

Posted on December 19, 2022 |

The Republic of The Congo is a destination full of culture and natural beauty. It houses unique attractions like the Congo River, the second-longest river in Africa, and the vast rainforests of the Congo Basin.

The Republic of The Congo offers a range of experiences, from serene beach holidays to wilderness adventures. It boasts top African destinations, including Brazzaville and numerous national parks and reserves.

Here are 17 notable places to visit in the country.

Brazzaville

Brazzaville, the capital, is on the western Congo River bank, offering urban development and natural beauty.

Notable sites : Basilique Sainte-Anne (distinctive architecture, vibrant stained-glass windows) and Palais du Peuple, a government building with citywide views.

Cultural institutions include the Congo National Museum (rich heritage displays) and Poto-Poto Painting School (1950s, Congolese art insights).

Markets offer local cuisine and crafts, appealing to cultural enthusiasts and casual travelers.

Mount Nabemba

Mount Nabemba, the highest peak in the Republic of Congo, is located in the Sangha Department, approximately 50 kilometers south of Souanke. It stands at 1,020 meters above sea level.

The region is also notable for its diverse wildlife , particularly the western lowland gorillas. Current estimates by the Wildlife Conservation Society suggest that about 125,000 Western Lowland Gorillas remain.

Another significant structure is the Nabemba Tower, the tallest building in the Congo, situated over the Congo River. It houses organizations such as UNESCO and the African Self-help Development Initiative.

Odzala-Kakoua National Park

Odzala National Park, situated in the northwestern part of the Republic of Congo, is a significant conservation area spanning over 13,500 square kilometers of rainforest.

It is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including Western Lowland Gorillas and Chimpanzees. The park’s terrain varies from a savannah forest mosaic in the south to a mature rainforest in the north.

The park offers many activities: gorilla tracking, trekking, exploring nature trails, riverboat tours, and visiting local villages. Birdwatching and monkey spotting can also be enjoyed during a boat trip.

Bateke Plateau National Park

The Bateke Plateau National Park offers stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity. It hosts distinct species native to the Congo Basin, such as lions, side-striped jackals, and Denham’s bustards.

The park appeals to nature enthusiasts due to its diverse flora and fauna. The terrain comprises plateaus, tropical forests, and wetlands, providing a suitable environment for various mammal species.

Pointe Noire

Pointe Noire, a coastal city recognized for its beaches and oil industry, is home to the terminal of the Congo-Ocean Railway, a legacy of French colonial times.

The city’s surroundings offer natural wonders such as the Diosso Gorge, enveloped by vibrant rainforests, and the Conkouati-Douli National Park, teeming with wildlife and varied landscapes.

North of Pointe Noire lies the historic Loango Kingdom, once a royal seat and missionary base. Now, it hosts the Ma-Loango Regional Museum displaying artifacts and archaeological findings.

There are fishing excursions and cultural exploration, complementing its appealing beaches and a lively night scene.

Diosso Gorge

The Diosso Gorges present a landscape sculpted by rain, akin to a smaller version of Colorado. The area boasts luxuriant dark green foliage and imposing red cliffs.

This destination is suitable for those seeking an adventurous experience. Located approximately half an hour from Pointe-Noire, it offers a breathtaking view with its cliffs rising nearly 50 meters above the Atlantic Ocean.

The terrain can be challenging for hikers. Its rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, housing over 10,000 plant species, many of which are endangered.

The Lake Tele, in the Epena District, offers an exceptional wildlife viewing experience and a serene waterfront setting.

This freshwater lake is inhabited by diverse fauna, such as hippos and elephants, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Due to its challenging terrain, it’s one of the least explored regions globally.

Nearby attractions include a museum showcasing Congolese history and culture, an art school, and a field displaying remnants of war machinery and tanks.

Livingstone Falls

Livingstone Falls, a set of rapids in the Congo River, offers a distinctive sight. These rapids are located near the point where the Congo River intersects with the DRC.

Despite not having a significant vertical drop, they stretch up to 500 feet, making them quite different from a typical waterfall.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles among the diverse flora and fauna. A 1.5-hour ‘Livingstone Breezer’ boat tour is available.

Loufoulakari Falls

Loufoulakari Falls offers a memorable experience. The park hosts diverse wildlife , including forest elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, turtles, and dolphins.

They are 80 km from Brazzaville and display vibrant colors. A boat ride to the base of the falls provides a unique perspective. The area’s rich bird species make it ideal for birdwatching and photography.

Pointe Indienne

Pointe Indienne in Kouilou offers a tropical vacation experience, with sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and a rich historical background including a Teke kingdom (Anziku Kingdom) and royal cemetery.

The area is easily accessible by train from Brazzaville, with well-maintained roads within the town providing a cost-effective alternative to land travel.

For those interested in history, the Ma-Loango Historical Museum is located near the former slave route. The island’s natural beauty includes palm-fringed beaches and mangrove lagoons, home to lute turtles.

The area is also a haven for birdwatching and other wildlife viewings, with boat rides on the Ngongo River and the opportunity to observe sea turtles laying eggs during November and February.

Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, located in the north, is a significant rainforest spanning 4000 square kilometers.

It has a diverse wildlife, including western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and many bird species . Notably, it provides a habitat for the endangered mahogany.

Pont Du Djoue

Pont Du Djoue, situated west of the city, is notable for its route du Djoue and the meeting point of the Congo and Djoue rivers. The rapid waters of the river are a key draw.

The confluence of the Congo and Djoue rivers provides a captivating spectacle of roaring waters. The bridge is visited day and night, with the white suspension bridge shining in the sunlight and colorful lights at night.

Ma-Loango Regional Museum

The Ma-Loango Museum, also known as the Diosso Museum, is situated in a former royal palace, now a cultural center. It has a well-maintained collection of 316 artifacts.

The museum’s displays contemporary paintings, masks, and work by local artists. It also features a remarkable collection of historical photographs dating back to the 1920s.

Guided tours are by a lively and informative caretaker, providing insights into the museum’s exhibits. Admission is free and the museum operates daily.

Conkouati-Douli National Park

Conkouati-Douli National encompasses a range of ecosystems, including mangroves and swamp forests, providing habitat for forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, and buffalos.

Marine life, including turtles and dolphins, can also be found in its lagoons and wetlands.

The Noumbi River runs through the park. Villages inside the park add a unique cultural dimension to the natural offerings.

The Republic of The Congo’s Cote Sauvage

Cote Sauvage is notable for its unspoiled landscapes and national parks. Pointe Sauvage’s beach is another highlight, offering favorable conditions for surfing and swimming due to its consistent cross-shore winds.

The beach is typically uncrowded and is conveniently situated near seafood eateries and nightlife venues.

Dimonika Biosphere Reserve

The Dimonika Biosphere Reserve, situated within the Mayombe Mountain chain, hosts a distinctive combination of savanna and lowland guineo-congolese rainforest.

Spanning 11,000 square kilometers, the Mayombe massif encompasses diverse forest types such as mixed-canopy, evergreen rainforest, and semi-evergreen forests.

The area, characterized by rugged terrain, features small grassy clearings and a transition zone to the Niari savannas.

Lesio-Louna Lefini Reserve

The Lefini Faunal Reserve, a protected area, is a habitat for various wildlife species including elephants, buffalos, and hippopotamuses.

Its diverse landscape comprises savannas, gallery forests, and hills. The reserve is notable for its conservation efforts for endangered species. It houses the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, a refuge for orphaned bonobos.

The reserve is also home to over 80 percent of the world’s gorilla population. To explore the Lefini reserve, arrange a visit a week in advance and hire a guide.

The Republic of the Congo represents a distinctive combination of alluring wildlife, impressive natural landscapes , and lively cultures.

Among its remarkable attractions are breathtaking waterfalls and verdant national parks, which are home to an array of diverse wildlife species.

This versatile country caters to various travel preferences, ranging from the energetic city life in Brazzaville to the serene rainforests in the northern region.

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Republic of the Congo

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Economy
• 4.3 Tourist information
• 5.1 Visa requirements
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.4 By boat
• 6.1 By shared taxi or minibus
• 6.2 By taxi
• 6.3 By train
• 10.3 Shopping
• 15.1 Authorities
• 15.2 Political unrest
• 15.3 Civil conflict
• 16 Stay healthy

The Republic of the Congo is a country in Central Africa . It is commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish itself from its giant neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( Congo-Kinshasa ).

One of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa , the Republic of the Congo is rich in diversity and landscapes, with more than 60 languages spoken. The Kongo, the largest ethnic group, make up 48% of the population. Other prominent ethnic groups include the Sangha, the Teke, and the Mbochi. There is also a small European community, comprising 3% of the population.

The Republic of the Congo is a predominantly Christian country, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination in the country. It is a former colony of France . Independent African churches thrive in the country; Kimbanguism, a syncretic movement, has several followers here.

Endowed with pristine wilderness areas and charismatic fauna, there is plenty to do and see in the Republic of the Congo, even though it's not on most travellers' lists.

Regions [ edit ]

Wikivoyage divides Republic of the Congo into six regions.

Cities [ edit ]

• -4.269444 15.271111 1 Brazzaville — the capital is home to one third of the country's people, and has been designated a "City of Music" by UNESCO
• -4.7975 11.850278 2 Pointe Noire — a port city
• -4.200556 12.679167 3 Dolisie — a busy logging town that attracts few foreigners
• -2.945278 12.715556 4 Mossendjo — the regional hub city of the Chaillu Massif mountainous region
• -2.54 14.751944 5 Djambala  — a good base for visiting the Léfini Faunal Reserve
• -0.483333 15.8975 6 Owando — considered one of the best places to visit in the north of Republic of Congo

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -2.775 11.625 4 Mount Fouari National Reserve — big game such as elephant, leopard and buffalo still roam here
• -4.2227 15.406 5 Ile Mbamou — a government-owned island that is about one hour from Brazzaville
• -3.276378 15.477108 6 Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve — a special reserve for endangered western lowland gorillas, bounded by three rivers
• 0.8 14.933333 8 Odzala-Kokoua National Park — the country's most famous national park
• 2.442778 16.554167 9 Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park — the largest and most remote of Congo's national parks and reserves, in the far north bordering the Central African Republic 's Dzanga Sangha National Reserve

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Following independence as the Congo Republic on August 15, 1960, Fulbert Youlou ruled as the country's first president until labour elements and rival political parties instigated a three-day uprising that ousted him. The Congolese military took charge of the country briefly and installed a civilian provisional government headed by Alphonse Massamba-Débat.

Under the 1963 constitution, Massamba-Débat was elected President for a five-year term but it was ended abruptly with an August 1968 coup d'état. Captain Marien Ngouabi, who had participated in the coup, assumed the presidency on 31 December 1968. One year later, President Ngouabi proclaimed Congo to be Africa's first "people's republic" and announced the decision of the National Revolutionary Movement to change its name to the Congolese Labour Party (PCT). On 16 March 1977, President Ngouabi was assassinated. An 11-member Military Committee of the Party (CMP) was named to head an interim government with Col. (later Gen.) Joachim Yhombi-Opango to serve as President of the Republic.

After decades of turbulent politics bolstered by Marxist-Leninist rhetoric, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Congo completed a transition to multi-party democracy with elections in August 1992. Denis Sassou Nguesso conceded defeat and Congo's new president, Prof. Pascal Lissouba, was inaugurated on 31 August 1992.

However, Congo's democratic progress was derailed in 1997. As presidential elections scheduled for July 1997 approached, tensions between the Lissouba and Sassou camps mounted. On 5 June, President Lissouba's government forces surrounded Sassou's compound in Brazzaville and Sassou ordered members of his private militia, known as "Cobras", to resist. Thus began a 4-month conflict that destroyed or damaged much of Brazzaville and caused tens of thousands of civilian deaths. In early October, Angolan troops invaded Congo on the side of Sassou and, in mid-October, the Lissouba government fell. Soon thereafter, Sassou declared himself President. The Congo Civil War continued for another year and a half until a peace deal was struck between the various factions in December 1999.

In sham elections in 2002, Sassou won with almost 90% of the vote cast. His two main rivals Lissouba and Bernard Kolelas were prevented from competing and the only remaining credible rival, Andre Milongo, advised his supporters to boycott the elections and then withdrew from the race. A new constitution, agreed upon by referendum in January 2002, granted the president new powers and also extended his term to seven years as well as introducing a new bicameral assembly. International observers took issue with the organization of the presidential election as well as the constitutional referendum, both of which were reminiscent in their organization of Congo's era of the one-party state.

Elections in July 2009 were boycotted by opposition parties. Inevitably, Sassou was re-elected, but with a questionably high turnout. Demonstrations in Brazzaville were firmly put down by riot police.

The Republic of the Congo's sparse population is concentrated in the southwestern portion of the country, leaving the vast areas of tropical jungle in the north virtually uninhabited. Thus, the Republic of Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, with 85% of its total population living in a few urban areas, namely in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or one of the small cities or villages lining the 332-mile (534 km) railway which connects the two cities. In rural areas, industrial and commercial activity has declined rapidly, leaving rural economies dependent on the government for support and subsistence. Before the 1997 war, about 15,000 Europeans and other non-Africans lived in Congo, most of whom were French. Only about 9,500 remain.

Economy [ edit ]

The country has large reserves of petroleum, the mainstay of the country's economy, and accounts for 80% of the country's exports. Although the country is one of the leading oil producers in Africa , this hasn't exactly translated into prosperity. Political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, heavy dependence on oil, a neglected educational system, and the effects of the 1997 civil war mean that the country is among one of the least developed countries in the world. Most Congolese people live in poverty and unemployment is rampant.

Despite these factors, the government has been keen on diversifying the economy and actively encourages foreign investment.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Republic of the Congo Tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

Visa requirements [ edit ]

The Republic of the Congo is not a country you can just waltz into. There are few visa-free arrangements in place, and thus, almost everyone requires a visa to visit the country .

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival: Benin , Burkina Faso , Ivory Coast , Mauritania , Morocco , Niger , Rwanda , Senegal , Togo , and the United Arab Emirates .

For everyone else, you must possess a valid passport and you must submit the following: two completed visa application forms, two passport photographs, airline tickets, a travel itinerary, an invitation letter from a Congolese individual or organisation (a hotel reservation will normally suffice), and proof you've been vaccinated against yellow fever .

Visa fees tend to be very expensive (The Congolese embassy in the United States charges $200 for visa applications), so plan accordingly. Congolese embassies recommend that you submit all relevant documentation (usually a month before your trip) in advance. Visas typically take 7-10 days to process.

If you hold an "official letter of invitation" you can, in theory, enter the country without a visa, but it may be difficult to obtain because there's little information available on how to obtain it.

By plane [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

It's safe to drive in the Republic of the Congo. A good sealed road goes north from Brazzaville , but only as far north as President Sassou's hometown of Oyo. Beyond Oyo, the roads get very bumpy and are totally impassable in the rain. It is also very hard to get a rental car that you can drive yourself.

By boat [ edit ]

Passenger and VIP ferries operate daily between Brazzaville and Kinshasa roughly every 2 hours between 8AM and 3PM. Prices for the ferries are: US$15 for the passenger and US$30 for the VIP ferry. The VIP ferry is recommended as these are brand new boats and are not as cramped. A valid visa for both countries is required in either direction. The bureaucracy at either end require some time. Entry and exit procedures in Brazzaville are "easy" and straight forward and people are very helpful in assisting to get through without troubles. In contrast, these procedures are a bit difficult in Kinshasa and depend much on whether you are an individual traveller or assisted by an organisation or an official government representative. There are also speed boats to hire, either in a group or alone (price!), however, it is not advisable to book them as they really speed across the river along the rapids.

Barges follow the Congo, then the Oubangui, rivers right up to Bangui .

Get around [ edit ]

By shared taxi or minibus [ edit ].

Ridiculously cheap shared taxis and minibuses run on an ad hoc basis between towns and villages, crammed with Congolese villagers taking all sorts of livestock for sale in Brazzaville .

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis in the Republic of the Congo do not have a meter , which means you have to negotiate for a reasonable fare before going anywhere. Don't expect this to be an easy process if you do not possess solid French language and negotiation skills.

In the capital city, Brazzaville , taxis are white and green in colour. If you want to go to the city centre from the airport, it will cost you 3000 CFA. In the main city, however, the official taxi fare stands at 700 CFA.

By train [ edit ]

The Congo-Ocean Railway (COR, or CFCO) re-opened between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville in Apr 2023 after a 7-year closure. It is scheduled to take 16 hours to complete the 502 kilometres (312 mi) journey. It is the only land route between Congo's two major cities.

Talk [ edit ]

The official language of the country is French . The main indigenous languages are Kituba and Lingala .

See [ edit ]

• Odzala National Park
• Gorillas in Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve .
• Colonial and post-colonial architecture in Brazzaville .
• Sangha Trinational - a forest in the Sangha and Likouala region that is an UNESCO World Heritage Site (shared with Cameroon and the Central African Republic).

Do [ edit ]

Fish for the Goliath Tiger Fish on the Congo River — the largest fish ever caught was 56 kg.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The currency of the country is the Central African CFA franc , denoted FCFA (ISO currency code: XAF ). It's also used by five other Central African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.

The U.S. dollar is not widely accepted.

ATMs [ edit ]

All Ecobank ATMs in the Republic of the Congo take Mastercard and Visa card for cash withdrawal.

Shopping [ edit ]

There is an artisan mart and boutiques in the market near the BDEAC (Banque Developpement pour les Etats de l'Afrique Centrale). Really beautiful jewelry, masks, paintings, and other artwork.

All business is conducted in cash. Small change is very scarce and hard to come by. Do not accept torn or taped banknotes.

Eat [ edit ]

There is good and healthy Chinese food at Osaka Restaurant, in Pointe Noire. The average price for a meal is US$12-18. All meals are served in nice clean dishes, the restaurant is indoors and has AC, with a back-up generator, just in case. Some of the workers speak English and French.

There are several great restaurants in Brazzaville. Any taxi driver can take you to one of these nicer places (FCFA 5000-15 000). Most places are closed on Sundays. Expect beers to be overpriced here (FCFA 1000-2000).

Drink [ edit ]

Palm wine is a local favorite in the village. Beer is the favorite in town next to Fanta, Coke etc. There is also a local red wine (SOVINCO) imported from Gabon and the "brique", a liter of imported, mostly Spanish wine from the box.

There is a big price range on beer (FCFA 500-5,000) depending on what neighborhood and type of bar or restaurant you're in.

Produced in Congo under Heineken supervision: N'Gok (meaning "Crocodile", blond, Congolese), Primus (blond, Belgium, Central Africa), Mütsig (blond, French Alsace Region), Guinness (dark, Ireland), and Turbo King (dark, Central Africa)

Imported: Heineken and Bavaria

If the above is too much there is also water of various local and imported brands sold in 1.5 litre plastic bottles.

Sleep [ edit ]

Work [ edit ].

With incredibly mild tax laws and a huge foreign population, the Republic of the Congo has ideal working conditions, but weak political conditions and excessive bureaucracy mean that many are often reluctant to take up work opportunities in the country. In addition, unemployment is quite high (40-50%), due in large part to a poorly developed education system.

Personal connections matter greatly in the Republic of the Congo, and the importance of having local contacts cannot be overstated. This being said, it's obvious to say that nepotism is quite common here.

Many NGOs are situated in Brazzaville . If you have a background in politics or international relations, working in Brazzaville won't be such a bad idea. In addition, the country is a great place to further develop your French language skills.

The government maintains a list of sectors that are in need of investment or development. If you have any skills to offer, or if your company has anything to offer to the country, the government may be more than willing to help you out. As with any country, do your homework before getting into something.

Stay safe [ edit ]

The Republic of the Congo is generally a safe country. Crime rates tend to be low, and people can travel independently without any major worries or concerns. This said, crime such as robbery and assault remains a concern. As in any developing country, don't draw too much attention to yourself and do what the locals do. As the saying goes, "when in Rome, do what the Romans do".

Authorities [ edit ]

There are numerous police checkpoints throughout the country and it's difficult to know if you're coming across a police checkpoint since many of them are poorly marked. In the event you come across a police checkpoint, the police may ask you for your ID and they may conduct a thorough search of your vehicle. This is purely for security reasons, nothing more, nothing less.

Corruption in the Congolese police is widespread. Since members of the police earn low salaries, it's possible they may coerce you into giving them bribes or they may abuse their powers.

As with all authority figures, always remain calm, firm, and polite. If a policeman asks you to do something, just do it. Do not lose your temper if you end up meeting an ill-behaved official and do not challenge their authority.

Political unrest [ edit ]

The Republic of the Congo is one of the most corrupt and least efficiently governed countries in the world. Corruption, cronyism, and nepotism are widespread.

The Congolese have a strained relationship with their government and demonstrations against the government can turn violent . Although no major protests have occurred since 2015, keep an eye out.

Civil conflict [ edit ]

As aforementioned, many Congolese people are frustrated with their government, and this has often lead to open warfare. The most recent war was the "Pool War", in which more than 13,000 people were displaced in the Pool region. Although ceasefire agreements remain in place, frustrations with the government mean that conflict can erupt at any time.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Population estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS ; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected. In any case use your common sense: do not have unprotected sex.

The likelihood of getting malaria is very high if effective preventative medication is not taken. The malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can be very serious. Medical attention should be sought if any symptoms are shown.

Tap water is not drinkable, if it's even running at all.

Medical care is substandard throughout the country. Hospitals lack modern equipment, necessary medical supplies and medications, and well-trained physicians, nurses and support staff.

• Netcare Clinic: B.P. 2422, Brazzaville, Tel: 547 0911 (Main Line) or 679 6711. This facility is a franchise from South Africa. It is clean, has facilities for 3 private rooms, an ambulance, a one bed emergency room, basic radiography, pharmacy and a laboratory with microscopy, haematology, and basic chemists. There are two main doctors, Dr. Ali, a Lebanese doctor who considered as the best medic in Netcare, and Dr. Stephan, a French doctor who is also a good doctor.
• Pharmacie Mavre Tel: 81 18 39. Located in Centreville, next to the Cabinet Dentaire building

Brazzaville has many pharmacies, but Pharmacie Mavré is recommended. Please remember to always check the expiration dates on boxes before purchasing any products.

Respect [ edit ]

White travelers should take care while travelling in the Republic. Racial tension and discrimination is not uncommon here, so be safe and keep to yourself.

Connect [ edit ]

You can talk to your loved ones using any of the three mobile operators MTN, CelTel (now Zain), or Warid.

The local call rate are relatively cheap and cost you around FCFA 20-20 per minute.

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• Odzala and Dzanga-Sangha
• Odzala, Nouabale-Ndoki and Lobéké
• Odzala, Lobéké and Dzanga-Sangha
• Complete Sangha Trinational: Dzanga Sangha, Nouabalé-Ndoki and Lobéké
• Nouabalé-Ndoki and Dzanga Sangha
• Odzala Luxury Edition: 8 Days New Formula
• Odzala Luxury Edition: 11 Days New Formula
• Odzala And Dzanga Sangha Luxury Edition: 11 Days New Formula
• Odzala And Dzanga Sangha Luxury Edition: 12 Days New Formula
• Coast to River Odyssey
• Mayombe Rainforest Safari
• Conkouati-Douli Park & Chimpanzees
• Congo Surfing
• Pointe-Noire: Private Jungle Train And Mayombe Tree Hut Adventure
• Jungle Retreat In The Mayombe Forest
• Ultimate Frontier DRC Tour | 2018 Edition | Great Lakes to the Great Rainforests and River
• Virunga, Gorillas and Nyiragongo Volcano: Luxury Lodges
• Best Value Virunga 1 Week
• Virunga Budget Tour
• Virunga Mountain Gorilla 2 Day Tour
• Nyiragongo Volcano 2 Day Tour
• Garamba Grand Safari
• Kahuzi Biega Park Chimpanzees and Gorillas: Luxury Lodges
• Kahuzi Biega Budget Tour
• Kahuzi Beiga 2 Day Lowland Gorilla Trek from Bukavu
• Trekking The Rwenzori Mountains from the DRC
• Jane Goodall’s Chimps Tour at Lwiro
• Kigali to Kinshasa Cross-Congo Overland (For Adventurers)
• Interior Cultures and Cities of DRCongo
• Travel to the Kivu Region of Congo: ten days
• Garamba and Virunga: savanna, mountains and volcanoes
• The best of East Congo and Rwanda
• Pygmy & Deep Jungles
• 8 Day Bonobos By River
• 15 Day Bonobos by Airplane
• Bonobos Encounter & Grand Circuit
• Bas Congo & Livingstone Falls
• Katanga Kingdom
• Tiger Fishing
• Salonga National Park Expedition From the Congo River
• Kasai River 7-Day Tiger Fishing Adventure from Kinshasa
• Lake Mukamba 7-Day Guided Fishing Trip from Kinshasa
• Atlantic Coast 7-Day Tarpon Fishing Trip in Muanda
• Meet the Bonobos of the DRC – In the Wild!
• Complete introduction to Kinshasa: one week
• Essential Bas-Congo: From Kinshasa to the coast, ten days
• Twelve days in Bas-Congo and Kinshasa
• Complete roundtrip in Bas-Congo: culture, waterfalls, river exploration and wildlife
• Best of culture and nature: Bas-Congo and the mountain gorillas of Virunga
• DRC sample platter: Bas-Congo, Kinshasa and Kisangani
• Essential Katanga Discovery
• Gungu Festival And Pende Cultural Visit
• Photographic Cultural Tour: Kimbanguistes, Voodoo Wrestlers, Sapeurs And Tata Gonda
• Gbadolite: The Versailles Of The Jungle, Inside Mobutu’s Old Palace
• The pygmy Tribes of Equateur And The Wagenia Fishermen of Kisangani
• Pioneer Expedition: Kinshasa To Mbuji-Mayi With Gungu Festival
• Okapi Reserve and Edo Rainforest Expedition
• Overland Trip From Zambia To Congo: Lusaka To Likasi and Kiubo Falls
• Kinshasa To Mbandaka: Bonobo River Tour And Pygmy Tribes
• Kisangani: Expedition To Yangambi
• Kisangani: Congo River, Wagenia Falls, Fisherman’s Island And Slave Trade Point
• Kisangani: Complete City Visit, Waterfalls, Yangambi and Lokele Tribe
• Bili Ape Expedition From Kisangani
• Maiko National Park Expedition
• Mbuji-Mayi: Overnight At Lake Munkamba
• Two Days In Mbuji Mayi: Lake Mukumba And Diamond Mines
• Lomami National Park Expedition
• Primate And Gorilla Circuit In Kivu
• Congo River: Best of DR Cruising
• Congo River Cruise – Best Of Brazza Cruising!
• Boat Trip from Brazzaville to Oyo
• Congo River: Complete (Large Study/Tour/History Groups)
• Epic River Journey From Bangui To Kinshasa: Pymys, Bonobos and Tigerfish
• Two weeks On The Congo River: Wagenia Falls, Tribes And Bonobos (New Tour, 2022)
• Congo River – River Towns Paintings, Murals, Graffiti, and Public Art Sites
• Trail of Two Oceans: 15-Day East to West Africa Adventure by Rail
• Trail of Two Oceans: 15-Day West to East Africa Adventure by Rail
• Copper Trail: 15-Day Victoria Falls to Lobito by Rail
• Copper Trail: 15-Day Lobito to Victoria Falls by Rail
• Congo Aerial
• Introduction to the two Congos
• Garamba and Kidepo Valley
• Garamba and Murchison Falls
• Group Tours
• Brazzaville City & Culture Tour
• Congo River Half-Day
• Louna Park Full Day
• Bela Waterfalls Full Day
• Rainforest Resort
• Congo River Full Day
• Louna Park Overnight
• Congo River Overnight
• Kinshasa City Tour
• “Sapeurs” Style and Muhammad Ali “Rumble in the Jungle” Tour
• Kinshasa By Night
• Congo River Cruise
• Bonobo Eco Excursion
• Zongo Waterfalls
• Bombo Lumene
• Kisantu & Mbanza Ngungu
• Inga Dam And Waterfalls Overnight Tour
• Best of Pointe Noire: Congo Natural Wonders Tour
• Cultural Performance & African Banquet
• Ocean Fishing Trip
• Surfing Lesson & Rental
• Loueme River Overnight Adventure
• Les Sara Forest and Falls
• Les Sara Overnight
• Dimonika Pointe Noire Day Tour
• Private Jungle Train Day Tour From Pointe-Noire
• Kiubu Falls Overnight Tour
• Motorbike Crossing In Kipushi Desert With Sundowner
• Kolwezi Day Tour From Lubumbashi (overnight)
• Likasi Day Tour From Lubumbashi
• Kisangani (“Stanleyville”) Day Tour
• Stanley Falls (Boyoma Falls) & Wagenia Fisherman Day Tour
• Canoe on the Congo River from Stanleyville (Kisangani)
• Mt. Goma Volcanic Observatory: Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira View | Exclusive
• Crossing The Equator: Mbandaka City Tour And Pygmy Tribes
• Essential Kalemie: Lake Tanganyika, Quad Biking And City Tour By Bicycle
• Exclusive Diamond Mine Visit In Mbuji-Mayi (Highly Secured)
• Kananga City Tour And Exclusive Military School Visit
• Kindu City Day Tour
• Visa Service
• Vehicle Rental
• Domestic Flight Booking Service for ROC
• Secure Airport Transfer and Airport Lounge Goma
• Domestic Flight Booking Service for DRC
• River Crossing for Personnel
• River Crossing for Vehicles
• Goma/Bukavu/Kigali (Kivus/Virunga Range) Travel Services
• Ouesso To Bayanga and Bomassa: Boat Transfer
• Libongo To Ouesso / Bomassa / Bayanga: Boat Transfer
• Zongo To Bangui: Boat Transfer
• Mobaye (Gbadolite) to Bangui: Boat Transfer
• Goma To Kigali: Transfer By Private Car
• Bukavu To Kigali: Transfer By Private Car
• Airport facilities Congo: Protocol, Runway Access, Transport And Guards
• Photography And Filming Permits For Congo
• Security: Armed Guards And Secure Transport In Congo
• Site Survey and Field Survey Service Team in DR Congo – Hire Fixers and Surveyors
• Cheap Consolidated Freight Cargo Shipping Service from Dubai to Kinshasa, DR Congo
• DR Congo and RO Congo Film and Media Permits System
• DRCongo Work Permits and Work Visa Service and Staffing Legal Administrative Service Congo-Kinshasa
• Congo Private Security Company – Congo Security Service and Best Firm for DRC and ROC
• Congo Rent A Car with Driver and Security Service
• Kinshasa Car Rental and Airport Services
• (DRC) Safe Car Hire with Driver
• (ROC) Safe Car Hire with Driver
• Kinshasa Apartment Rental – Secure & Furnished – Monthly or Yearly
• Congo Staffing & Scientific Research Services
• Welcome To Congo
• Five Must Do Experiences In Congo
• Five Must See Destinations In Congo-Brazzaville
• Ten Unique Experiences In The Two Congos
• Ten beautiful places in Bas-Congo
• The National Parks Of Congo-Kinshasa
• National Parks Of Congo-Brazzaville
• Frequently Asked Questions For Traveling In Congo
• Cross the entire DRC (1 month routes we’ve done in the past)
• Dzanga Sangha Congo-CAR Super Trip: ​Budget ​ Brazzaville to Bayanga
• CTT Special Sangha Lodge & Dzanga Bai Doli Lodge Overland Tours (Low Price Guarantee)
• Bangui & Around/Boali Falls CAR Day Tours: From Bangui, CAR
• Libreville to Pointe Noire 2 Country 1 Week High End Version
• Already Booked? Briefing Room
• Booking Terms & Conditions

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Republic of the Congo Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in the Congo. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio May 23, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles May 28, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  localized  to Niari (last case reported 9–12 months ago) and Pool (last case reported 9–12 months ago) in the Republic of the Congo. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the Congo.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the Congo. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the Congo.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to the Congo take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for the Congo.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In the Congo poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to the Congo are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to the Congo who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in the Congo. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in the Congo, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to the Congo. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African sleeping sickness (african trypanosomiasis).

• Tsetse fly bite 
• Avoid Bug Bites

African Trypanosomiasis

African Tick-Bite Fever

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Mosquito bite

Avoid animals

• Touching infected animals (including bats and primates) or their body fluids
• Touching body fluids (blood or sweat) from an infected person
• Touching objects contaminated with the body fluids of a person infected with Ebola or Marburg virus
• Avoid sick people
• Avoid animals and areas where they live

Ebola virus

• Scratched or bitten by an infected animal such as a rodent or primate
• Touching an infected animal or touching animal products, including skins and meat
• Being near an infected person who is coughing or sneezing
• Touching the body fluids or rash of a person with monkeypox
• Avoid animals and animal products
• Avoid people who are sick

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the Congo, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the Congo. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the Congo include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in the Congo. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the Congo’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in the Congo. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of the Congo may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in the Congo, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Congo, Republic of the for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Home » Travel Guides » Congo » 15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo

15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC and formerly Zaire) has a history that’s difficult to take in.

From the mismanagement of Belgium’s King Leopold, to the corrupt leader Mobutu Sese Seko, to the battlegrounds of Africa’s horrific “world war,” the country has experienced long periods of instability. But the second largest African nation is staging a comeback and by most accounts, is headed in the right direction.

There are regularly travel advisories for DRC, but during times of stability, there is a magic wilderness to explore here.  The country is covered in UNESCO designated national parks.  They’ve got active volcanoes, raging rivers, and all the wildlife you expect of Africa. Caution is needed but the DRC is the literal and figurative heart of Africa.

Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Congo !

1. Kinshasa

The capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as one of the 11 provinces, is Kinshasa. It’s chaotic and buzzing with energy and really huge – with over ten million residents.

Established by Henry Stanley in the late 19th century as a trading post it’s now likened to an African New York City.  Enjoy a boat ride on the Congo or a BBQ picnic on its shores.

The Marche des voleurs, or the city market, is colourful and intense and loads of fun. There is a great street art culture here and if you sit in one of the small cafes off the 30 Juin Boulevard, the artists will come up and show you their pieces for sale.  It’s a great way to talk to locals and relax.

2. Lola Ya Bonobo

Lola Ya Bonobo is a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Kinshasa area.

The bonobos are hunted for bush meat, and when a mother is killed, the babies are often taken and sold on the black market as pets.  The sanctuary tries to recover as many as possible so that they can live out their lives in safety.  One of the four great apes, bonobos have been relatively isolated until the 20th century.

The sanctuary covers 30 hectares of forest and you can visit the several feeding stations that the staff use to help track the apes.  The sanctuary also accepts volunteers.

3. Kahuzi Biega National Park

Named after the 3,000+ metre Mt. Kahuzi and the 2,700+ metre Mt. Biega this spectacular national park is located in the South Kivu Province and stretches from the Congo River basin to Bukavu.

Kahuzi and Biega are extinct volcanoes that now afford some incredible hiking. It was created in 1970 in order to protect the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and just ten years later was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorilla poaching has been a problem for decades but thanks to the park authority, a dedicated education effort is ongoing. Today, the gorillas are still endangered, but their quality of life has improved and conditions are improving year each year.

You’ll find incredible biological diversity in the park like endemic plants, elephants, chimps, genet, antelope, and serval.

4. Nyiragongo Volcano

The skyline of Goma in the DRC is dominated by Nyiragongo. This unbelievable, 3,000+ metre volcano last erupted in 2011, destroying up to 15% of the surrounding land and leaving over 120,000 homeless.

Erupting 34 times in the last 130 years, Nyiragongo is located at the junction where the African tectonic plate is breaking.

The landscape around Goma is striking, with black solidified lava so wide that the place looks like an above ground coal mine. There is an active lava lake inside the crater which can sometimes be visited.

The area has recovered nicely from the last blast and you’ll find plenty of new shops and markets to discover.

5. Virunga National Park

Located along the borders of Rwanda and Uganda, Virunga National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the country’s oldest national park, it’s also the most biologically diverse.  You’ll find lava plains, savannas, forests, valleys, active volcanoes, swamps, and even glacier peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains.

Roughly 25% of endangered mountain gorillas call the park home, and Virunga is the only park to have three of the four great apes in one place.

The Okapi, an endangered species that looks like a cross between a giraffe and a zebra, also make the park their home.  You can spot hippos, lions, elephants, and a number of rare and exotic birds.

The park has three distinct areas, all worth a visit:  The Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward area, and the Mikeno volcano area.

6. Lake Kivu

Straddling the border between the DRC and Rwanda, Lake Kivu is the sixth largest lake in Africa.

One of a series of freshwater lakes in the region, Lake Kivu offers lovely scenic drives between the towns that dot her shores. From Cyangugu to Gisenyi, the gently winding road affords breathtaking vistas as you leisurely make your way.

Tons of banana and eucalyptus trees line the road and the locals will pause and wave as you pass by. Gisenyi is the largish town that was once a colonial beach resort and so has some nice old mansions and great places to stop for a sundowner’s cocktail.

7. Garamba National Park

This national park is filled with unending grasslands and savannahs.  And these are filled with elephants, giraffes, hippos, black rhinos, and white rhinos.

Garamba National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and an amazing sanctuary for several endangered species.

It’s rare to see so many different classifications of large mammals sharing the same space and that makes a visit to the park an absolute must.

8. Salonga National Park

Salonga is both the DRC and Africa’s largest tropical rainforest.  In this UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll find several endangered species including the Congo peacock, dwarf chimpanzees, forest elephants, and the slender-snouted crocodile.

The park is quiet isolated and you must take a boat to reach it.

This vital ecosystem is so large that it plays an important role in climate regulation for the entire country.

9. Okapi Wildlife Reserve

This UNESCO World Heritage Reserve is unique for the large variety of primates and exotic birds that call it home.

There are incredibly opportunities for trekking to some even more incredible waterfalls within the reserve.  The landscape along the Epulu and the Ituri rivers is simply stunning.

Also calling the reserve home are the pygmy nomad tribes of the Efe and Mbuti hunters.  It’s a great place to see the endangered Okapi (about one-sixth of the entire population are found here).

In a country of remote locations and national parks, Maiko is the DRC’s most inaccessible national park.

It is also the only park where you’ll find all three of the country’s endemic species: the Okapi, the Congo peafowl, and the Grauer gorilla.  And don’t forget chimpanzees, elephants, leopards, and bongos.

Though it’s not well known or well visited, the forest represents an enormous carbon sink and its future protection is globally important to addressing climate change.  Within Maiko’s borders are the Simba Mai Mai people, who fled here in the 1960’s seeking a kind of political asylum.

Today, the government is working to resettle the roughly 700 inhabitants in order to protect the forest.

11. Falls of Zongo

Located in Bas-Congo (about 130 km from the city of Kinshasa), the Falls of Zongo represent Mother Earth at her best.

If you’re looking for a few days outside of the city, the Falls are a great option.  You can tent camp or rent a bungalow and explore the area for a couple of nights.

Enjoy hiking and taking a cool dip below the falls.

12. Boyoma Falls

Once called Stanley Falls, Boyoma Falls is a long series of cataracts located along the Lualaba River.

After an overall drop of 61 metres and at the end of the seventh cataract, the river merges with the Congo River. The Wagenya fishing tribe live in the region and after generations of living along this unique river, they’ve developed special methods to catch fish.

You’ll see their wooden tripods in the rapids, resting in the natural holes formed in the rocks by the running water. The tripods hold baskets that serve as nets for the fishermen.

A two hour boat ride from the city of Bukavu will take you to Idjwi, a lush island of green mountains and incredible biodiversity.

Idjwi feels like an entirely different world within the DRC – newcomers are often greeted with fresh fruit, and motorcycle or walking are the two primary modes of transportation. Hiking around the island is idyllic and peaceful.

The inhabitants are proud that they have never seen war on their land and you’ll quickly feel the difference this makes.

Accommodation is sparse, but for those adventurers who arrive on this beautiful island, Mother Nature will more than make up for it.

14. Kisangani

Kisangani, formerly Stanleyville, is the third largest city in the DRC and lies completely within the tropical forest.

The city’s new name originates from the nearby Boyoma Waterfalls and means “the city on the island.” Kisangani has great shopping (check out the avenue de l’Eglise) and fantastic local restaurants.

It’s also known for its striking architecture and surprisingly makes a popular convention destination.

Be sure to check out the many museums, botanical gardens, and zoo.  The Rasaire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in the Central market is particularly appealing to visitors. At the University of Kisangani you can view an impressive collection of East African and Congolese archaeological artefacts.

15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo:

• Lola Ya Bonobo
• Kahuzi Biega National Park
• Nyiragongo Volcano
• Virunga National Park
• Garamba National Park
• Salonga National Park
• Okapi Wildlife Reserve
• Falls of Zongo
• Boyoma Falls

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: May 23, 2024 08:00 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, democratic republic of congo (kinshasa) - avoid non-essential travel.

Avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to high crime rates, civil unrest and the risk of kidnapping.

Eastern and northeastern areas of DRC - Avoid all travel

• Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé and Ituri
• Haut-Lomami
• points of entry to Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda
• areas bordering South Sudan (including the Garamba National Park), the Central African Republic and Uganda (including Virunga National Park).

If you decide to travel to these areas despite this advisory, you should regularly review the situation to determine whether your continued presence in the area is warranted.

The security situation around Goma, in North Kivu, is unstable. If you are in the region, be ready to leave on short notice should the situation further deteriorate.

Kasaï provinces - Avoid all travel

• Kasaï-Central
• Kasaï-Oriental

Mai-Ndombe province - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the province of Mai-Ndombe due to intercommunal violence.

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Security situation in eastern DRC

Since the beginning of February, 2024, the security situation in eastern DRC has become more unstable and unpredictable.

Fighting has intensified between security forces and the M23 rebel group in North Kivu. The conflict has caused hundreds of casualties and displaced thousands of people.

Avoid all travel to eastern DRC, including to North Kivu. If you decide to travel despite this advisory, continually reassess the situation to determine whether your presence in the area is warranted.

Demonstrations in Kinshasa

On May 19, 2024, there are reports of gunfire and clashes in the Gombe area of Kinshasa following a possible coup attempt.

Since February 10, 2024, violent demonstrations have taken place in Kinshasa, near Boulevard du 30 Juin.

Foreign embassies have also been targeted by demonstrators, including those of:

• the United States
• the United Kingdom

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

If you are in Kinshasa:

• exercise caution
• expect a heightened security presence and enhanced security measures
• monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• carry proper identification at all times
• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances

The security situation in DRC is unpredictable and could deteriorate suddenly.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in Kinshasa. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent suddenly. They can also cause major disruption to traffic and public transport.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place 
• Follow the instructions of local authorities 
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations 

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Eastern DRC

The situation remains volatile in the east of the country due to the persistent presence of and regular clashes between over 120 armed groups. 

The affected provinces are:

• Bas-Uélé
• Haut-Uélé

Crime is endemic throughout these areas, and there are many reports of human rights violations.

State of siege

Since 2021, the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri have been under a state of military siege. These provinces are under military administration until further notice.

Provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu

Clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group continue around Goma in North Kivu.

Despite the signing of peace agreements and the presence of UN forces, armed conflict persists in certain regions outside the provincial capitals. Members of various armed groups continue to perpetrate acts of pillage and violent crimes against the civilian population, including murder, kidnapping, armed assault and rape. The ensuing humanitarian crisis has led to major displacements.

Military operations are still underway in some areas, including near:

• Virunga National Park
• the tri-border area with Uganda and Rwanda 

Military operations could lead to a deterioration in the security situation in various locations outside the two capitals, Goma and Bukavu. Some places are particularly dangerous, including:

 North Kivu

Avoid all travel to the provinces of North and South Kivu. If you decide to travel despite this advisory:

• continually reassess the situation to determine whether your presence in the area is warranted
• take into account the information provided by Congolese authorities and MONUSCO, to help avoid dangerous situations
• avoid public transportation
• expect disruptions to local businesses and services, including airports

Tanganyika Province

The province of Tanganyika, and especially Manono Territory, is the theatre of an ethnic conflict between the Pygmies and the Luba. The Mai-Mai militia periodically re-engage.

Ituri Province

Armed clashes persist in the province of Ituri. There is a terrorist threat in the Beni and Irumu territories.

Haut-Lomami Province

Violent crime continues in Haut Lomami Province. Travellers have been ambushed, robbed and kidnapped.

Border regions of South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Uganda, including Garamba National Park

Despite intensified operations by the Ugandan, Congolese and South Sudanese armed forces and the United Nations, the Lord's Resistance Army continues to commit acts of violence against the civilian population.  Numerous casualties have been reported, and thousands of people have fled the region.

Points of entry from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda

Entry points at the Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda borders should be avoided at all times due to the prevailing insecurity and disorder. The borders separating the DRC from Burundi and Rwanda may be closed at any time.

Kasaï provinces

Although the situation is currently calm in the Kasaï provinces, armed clashes have previously claimed thousands of victims in the provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï-Central and Kasaï-Oriental.  Kidnappings have also taken place.

Intercommunal violence in Mai-Ndombe

Inter-community violence has been a regular occurrence in Mai-Ndombé Province since June 2022, particularly in the Kwamouth territory where thousands of residents have been displaced. The violence has claimed hundreds of victims. Attacks have also occurred in neighboring provinces, including the commune of Maluku in northern Kinshasa Province.

In the capital, choose a hotel in the commune of Gombe, which is both the administrative headquarters and a commercial zone.

• Exercise extreme caution outside the commune of Gombe
• Avoid all travel after dark

There is a threat of terrorism in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly:

• in the region of Beni-Butembo and Goma in North Kivu
• in the vicinity of Boga in Ituri
• towards the border with Uganda

Terrorist groups clash over control of good-trafficking routes, mining sites, and agricultural areas.

Attacks on civilians and government targets occur frequently. Further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Large-scale events could be targeted.

• Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• Monitor local media
• Follow the instructions of the local authorities

Crime rates are high in the DRC due to extreme poverty and the lack of enforcement.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs regularly throughout the country, including in Kinshasa. Theft is frequent:

• on public transportation
• in crowded areas
• at and around ATMs

During your trip to the DRC:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• always leave your car doors locked and windows up
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• avoid travelling alone
• be especially cautious of your surroundings when withdrawing cash from ATMs, even in a hotel

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs in both urban and rural areas, especially after dark. Incidents include:

• armed robbery
• sexual assaults
• armed home burglaries
• car and motorcycle hijackings

During your stay:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• avoid walking alone
• don't leave major highways, and don't park in unsupervised areas
• if you are attacked, don't resist

Kidnappings

Kidnappings occur regularly in the eastern and northeastern provinces.  Foreigners are often targeted. Incidents occur mainly in the following areas:

• Virunga Park in North Kivu
• North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings targeting foreigners occur. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours in broad daylight and stripped of their possessions.

These attacks are often perpetrated by small groups of individuals dressed in police uniforms. The threat is particularly high in the Gombe district in Kinshasa.

If you plan to travel to the DRC despite the risks:

• be vigilant at all times
• avoid walking in areas accessible to the public
• use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules
• travel only in a convoy of at least two vehicles for long trips
• if you are threatened, don’t resist

Curfews can be imposed without notice.

Always comply with the directives issued by local authorities.

Road safety

Road safety is poor throughout the country. Fatal accidents are frequent.

Road conditions

Roads are generally poorly maintained and badly lit throughout the country. 

Some roads can become impassable during the rainy season and require a four-wheel drive vehicle, including in some parts of the capital, Kinshasa.

The road between Kinshasa and Matadi is paved, but the risk of accidents is very high due to:

• vehicles that are poorly maintained, overloaded and often abandoned on the road
• insufficient lighting
• lack of road signs

Driving habits

Drivers don't always respect traffic laws, and police rarely enforce it. Drivers can be aggressive and reckless.

If you drive in the DRC:

• always drive defensively
• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area
• only travel in convoys of at least two vehicles on long journeys
• avoid traveling after dark
• check with local authorities to see if you need authorization to travel within the country

Official motorcades

Motorists should pull over to the shoulder of the road when sirens or police announce the approach of presidential or other official motorcades.

• Avoid taking photos of processions
• Only proceed when the police signal for you to do so

Local authorities may increase the number of roadblocks during the night, especially at the following locations:

• in Limete, Ngaba, Kintambo, Ngaliema, Ndjili and Mont Ngafula
• around Camp Kokolo

Carry official identification at all times.

Don't cross any roadblock without stopping, even if it seems unguarded.

Representatives of local authorities may try to confiscate your identification in hopes of receiving a bribe to return them. To reduce this risk in the event of an identification check, try as much as possible to show your identification without lowering your car window.

Law enforcement impersonation

Criminals may impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from you.

• If you are stopped by an officer, ask to see proof identity
• Don't get into a car with strangers, even if they claim to be police officers

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Tourist infrastructure

Tourist facilities are very limited in Kinshasa and virtually non-existent outside the capital.

• Plan your trip accordingly
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• Bring a cell phone, charger and local emergency numbers

Power outages

Power outages can occur on a nationwide scale.

Local authorities may impose electricity rationing measures.

Power outages sometimes disrupt essential services, such as:

• public transport, including flights
• medical services
• public water supply
• telecommunications
• purchase of essential goods

Not all buildings have generators.

• Plan accordingly
• Make sure you always have a complete emergency kit on hand

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network is not always reliable. Fixed telephone lines are virtually non-existent, and cell phone coverage can be intermittent.

Internet access may be limited during periods of civil unrest.

• Don't rely on your cell phone in an emergency, especially outside major cities
• Avoid traveling alone
• Inform someone close to you of your itinerary

Public transportation

Public transport in the DRC is neither reliable nor safe.

You can rent a car with or without a driver from rental companies or travel agencies.

If you're going to Kinshasa, make sure someone meets you at the airport.

Avoid using public transport, including cabs, especially after dark.

Bus routes are not well displayed, and bus stops are poorly located. Vehicles are often overloaded and in very poor condition. Accidents are frequent. 

Only use tour operators offering direct routes from your point of departure.

Taxis and ride-sharing apps

Not all taxis are officially marked, and they generally do not meet safety or mechanical reliability standards. Some ride-sharing apps are available in Kinshasa.

If you need to take a taxi:

• use an officially marked, reliable cab company recommended by your hotel
• never share a cab with strangers
• use a recommended car apps in Kinshasa

Rail service is limited and unsafe. Accidents occur regularly. Poor track conditions and mechanical breakdowns often cause delays. Trains are crowded and often frequented by thieves.

Ferries are available in many parts of the country, but most are unsafe. Ferry accidents occur regularly.

If you decide to take a ferry:

• only use the services of a reliable company
• always confirm the departure time before arriving at the port
• make sure the appropriate safety equipment is available
• don't board a boat that looks overloaded or unseaworthy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Congolese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from DRC.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required - students must obtain a tourist visa Transit visa: required

To enter DRC, Canadians must obtain a visa from the DRC embassy in Ottawa before leaving Canada.

You cannot obtain a visa at a port of entry or at a DRC embassy other than that of your country of residence.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Difficulties at ports of entry

Travellers going to DRC commonly encounter difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry.

Arrival at N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa can be chaotic. Travellers can sometimes be temporarily detained and asked by security and immigration officers to pay unofficial “special fees.”

Departure tax

All air passengers leaving DRC must pay an airport infrastructure development tax (IDEF) in the amount of US$58 (subject to change without notice). You must obtain proof of payment of the IDEF (called a Go Pass) to be permitted to board your flight. This document is available at special counters in banks or designated institutions, and at airports.

Crossing to Brazzaville

To cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, you must have an entry visa issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Mpox (monkeypox): Advice for travellers - 16 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of their trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Wild poliovirus (WPV1) and/or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV1 or cVDPV3)) is/are present in this destination.

This destination is subject to Temporary Recommendations under the World Health Organization’s polio Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) .  

Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .
• Make sure that the polio vaccinations are documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. This is the only document accepted as proof of vaccination. It is provided at Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres .
• Carry the certificate as proof of vaccination.

Proof of vaccination:

• Travellers who are visiting for longer than 4 weeks may be required to receive a dose of polio vaccine 1 to 12 months before they leave this destination. This may be required even if you have previously received all the recommended polio vaccine doses as part of the routine vaccine schedule in Canada.
• Make sure that the polio vaccination is documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)  is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a tsetse fly. Tsetse flies usually bite during the day and the bites are usually painful. If untreated, the disease is eventually fatal. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from bites especially in game parks and rural areas. Avoid wearing bright or dark-coloured clothing as these colours attract tsetse flies. There is no vaccine available for this disease.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Onchocerciasis (river blindness)   is an eye and skin disease caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected female blackfly.  Onchocerciasis often leads to blindness if left untreated. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from blackfly bites, which are most common close to fast-flowing rivers and streams. There is no vaccine available for onchocerciasis although drug treatments exist.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

There is a risk of   plague   in this country. Plague is a bacterial disease that can cause serious illness, and if left untreated, death.

The occurrence of cases in areas where the plague bacteria are known to circulate can be influenced by weather and environmental conditions. In some countries, this results in seasonal outbreaks. Travellers to areas where plague routinely occurs may be at risk if they are camping, hunting, or in contact with rodents.

Plague is spread by:

• bites from fleas infected with the plague
• direct contact with body fluids or tissues from an animal or person who is sick with or has died from plague

Overall risk to travellers is low.   Protect yourself   by   reducing contact with fleas  and potentially infected rodents and other wildlife.

Mpox (monkeypox)   is a risk in this country. It is a viral disease that can cause serious illness in some circumstances. Risk is generally low for most travellers.

Mpox spreads in 3 ways:

• from animals to humans through direct contact or by eating or preparing undercooked meat of infected animals or coming into contact with an infected animal's body fluids
• from person to person through close contact, including direct contact with the skin lesions, blood, body fluids, or mucosal surfaces (such as eyes, mouth, throat, genitalia, anus, or rectum) of an infected person
• through direct contact with contaminated objects such as bedding and towels, or by sharing personal objects used by an infected person

Follow recommended public health measures   and avoid contact with animals such as rodents and primates to help prevent getting or spreading the infection.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Sporadic outbreaks of Ebola disease occur in this country.

Ebola disease can be caused by 6 different viruses, including Sudan virus and Ebola virus, which spread through contact with infected bodily fluids (from people or animals). It is very serious and often fatal.

Practise good hygiene (frequent and proper hand washing) and avoid contact with the body fluids of people with Ebola disease or unknown illnesses. Avoid contact with wild animals.

Of the different viruses that cause Ebola disease, there is only a vaccine to prevent disease caused by Ebola virus. It is available under certain circumstances; however, it is not authorized for sale in Canada. There are currently no approved vaccines or effective treatments for Ebola disease caused by the other viruses, including Sudan virus.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is adequate in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Public facilities may lack medical supplies and equipment.

Doctors and hospitals generally require immediate payment.  

Medical evacuation is often very costly and may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Some prescription medications may not be available in the DRC.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the DRC.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Persons convicted of the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can expect prison terms and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to present your passport and visa at any time. In such situations, you should remain calm and cooperative. Failure to comply could result in expulsion.

• Always carry a certified copy of your passport and visa with you
• Always keep your original passport in a secure place

Photographs

It is forbidden to take photographs, under penalty of arrest or detention, of the following places:

• government buildings
• military installations

Dress and behavior

The DRC is a conservative society. Public displays of affection, including holding hands or kissing, are not socially acceptable.

To avoid offending local residents:

• dress conservatively
• behave with discretion
• respect social and religious traditions
• ask permission before taking their photos

Lèse-majesté

The law forbids disrespecting the head of state, as well as making remarks alleged to threaten national security and malicious comments in public. 

Local authorities have sometimes intimidated, harassed, and arrested journalists, activists, and politicians when they have publicly criticized the government, president or state security forces.

Penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Other traffic laws

Motorists and pedestrians are required to stop for the raising and the lowering of the national flag at approximately 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in the DRC.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of the DRC, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the DRC.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the DRC by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the DRC to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency is the Congolese franc (CDF).

The DRC is a cash-based economy. The US dollar is widely accepted. Shopkeepers and foreign exchange dealers require banknotes to be in good condition (without tears and of recent issue, i.e. US dollars printed after 2009).

Credit cards are generally not accepted, except in certain hotels, restaurants and department stores.

Large hotels have ATMs where cash advances can be made using certain credit cards, but these are not always in operation.

Currency declaration

You must declare:

• any sum equivalent to more than US$10,000 upon arrival in the country
• any foreign currency upon exit from the country

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from April to October in the north and from November to March in the south. Flash flooding and landslides may occur during these periods and could severely disrupt essential services.

If you are in the affected areas:

• monitor local news and weather reports

Seismic activity

The DRC is located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes may occur.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Volcanic eruptions are common in some parts of the country. Mount Nyiragongo, situated on the edge of Goma, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The latest eruption in May 2021 forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people, caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in many casualties.   

If you are travelling near an active volcano:

• take official warnings seriously and respect exclusion zones
• monitor local media to stay up-to-date on latest developments and volcanic activity levels
• follow the advice of local authorities

Forest fires and bush fires

Forest and bush fires are frequent from June to August. Fire risk ratings and high alert levels may be issued in affected areas. Air quality in an area affected by a forest fire may deteriorate due to thick smoke.

In the event of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, especially if you suffer from respiratory problems
• prepare to modify your itinerary or even evacuate the area quickly
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• check local media regularly for updates

Local services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Consular assistance

Republic of Congo

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Republic of the Congo

Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Republic of the congo - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the Republic of the Congo due to crime.

Country Summary: While not common, violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, remains a concern throughout the Republic of the Congo.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Brazzaville.  U.S. government employees must use two vehicles to travel to the Pool region. They are also restricted to beaches adjacent to their hotels in Pointe Noire due to crime.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Republic of Congo.

If you decide to travel to the Republic of the Congo:

• Avoid demonstrations.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for the Republic of the Congo.
• Have a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Yes, obtain in advance

Yellow fever

Not to exceed 5 million CFA (~$8,000)

Declare CFA over 1 million (~$1,500)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy brazzaville.

70-83 Section D Maya Maya Boulevard  Brazzaville Republic of the Congo Telephone: +242 06 612 2000  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +242 06 612 2010 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s  Fact Sheet on Republic of the Congo  for information on U.S.-Republic of the Congo relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements:

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Requirements for Entry:

• Visa, obtain before traveling
• World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination
• Invitation letter or a hotel reservation (multiple copies)

Visit the  Embassy of the Republic of the Congo  website and or the nearest Congolese embassy or consulate for tourist visa information and document requirements for work visas, and review the Before You Go Checklist . Working without authorization is punishable by prison and/or deportation.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the Republic of Congo.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs information  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Political violence and civil unrest may occur. In the past, political demonstrations have led to armed clashes, deaths, and injuries. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. Official travel outside Brazzaville must be approved by the Embassy on a case-by-case basis. The Republic of Congo’s borders remain porous, particularly with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic; cross-border crime and armed activity may occur.

National Parks and Wildlife Areas : Heed all instructions given by guides or trackers. Armed poachers are present in some parks and forested border regions. Ensure you have the proper medical and medevac insurance for safari/adventure tours.

Roadblocks : Armed soldiers or national police may conduct vehicle searches and check passengers for identity papers. These roadblocks often are poorly marked, and local authorities may target foreigners to solicit bribes.

Crime : While not common, violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and assault, remains a concern throughout the Republic of the Congo. Opportunistic crime, such as petty theft, pickpocketing, mugging, vehicle theft, and burglary, are frequently reported. Most crimes affecting expatriates in Brazzaville involve financially motivated opportunistic theft, robbery, and/or burglary, sometimes involving 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.

Demonstrations  occur, though they have been on a small-scale in recent years. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Gatherings of armed gangs may occur in Brazzaville’s outlying neighborhoods; gang members have been known to perpetrate random acts of violence against passersby.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.  
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are not prevalent in Republic of the Congo. Those scams that do occur are typically initiated through Internet postings/profiles, dating apps, or by unsolicited emails and letters.

Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police (French) at +242 06 665-4804 and the U.S. Embassy at +242 06 612 2000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. There is a CFA 12,000 franc charge for most police reports (~$20). Legal action or recourse is extremely limited. Emergency services are limited in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire and virtually non-existent elsewhere. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written request.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in case of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information :

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  Department of State's travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution , and  Travel Advisories .
•  Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook . 
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Tourism : The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is extremely limited in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. You may be taken in for questioning by the police if unable to produce an acceptable form of identification. Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs may result in long prison sentences and heavy fines. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Dual nationality is legally recognized; if however, Congolese officials prosecute you as a Congolese citizen, we may be limited in our ability to assist. See our  webpage  for further information.

Photography : It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, key infrastructure such as ports, train stations, and airports, and along border areas. You could be detained or arrested, fined, and have equipment confiscated. Do not take photos of Congolese without their permission.

Phone Service : Cell phones are used extensively. SIM cards can be purchased locally to use with a compatible cell phone. Telecommunications systems outside of cities are unreliable or non-existent.

Currency : The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the official currency. On a day-to-day basis, the Congo is a cash economy. Credit or debit cards are not widely accepted. ATMs dispense funds in local currency. You must declare CFA over 1 million upon arrival with a bank or cashier’s receipt or risk fines and CFA confiscation.

Customs : Arts and crafts, particularly wooden objects, are subject to an export tax. Ask to speak with the airport supervisor if customs agents solicit bribes when you seek to export these items.

Artifacts : It is prohibited to export items of historical significance such as wood pieces, sculptures, and paintings. Violators risk imprisonment and heavy fines. For a list of prohibited items, contact a Congolese embassy or consulate.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers : There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Republic of the Congo. LGBTI individuals, however, face societal discrimination and harassment. There have been reports of police in Pointe-Noire verbally, physically, or sexually abusing openly gay young men and harassing gay men to elicit bribes.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in the Republic of the Congo prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the law is generally not enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be extremely limited in the main cities and nonexistent in the rest of the country.

Students : See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : Women travelers may face additional risks and must stay vigilant of their surroundings. See more tips for  Women Travelers here . Sexual assault is a threat that is significantly under reported. Police reports for cases of sexual assault are free. However, the victim may be responsible for hospital fees charged for the associated medical examination. Domestic violence is widespread but likewise rarely reported.

For emergency services in Republic of the Congo, dial 117.

Ambulance services and emergency services are:

• Available, but response times are unpredictable.
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The U.S. Embassy does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure the medication is legal in Republic of the Congo.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Republic of the Congo. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the rainy season. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

o   Infants, children, and teens

o   People over 65 years of age

o   People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;

o   People with heart disease or diabetes

o   People who work or are active outdoors

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals  here . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are not available throughout the country. Health care in rural areas is extremely poor and well below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment before admitting a patient.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Water Quality: 

• Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

General Health:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow Fever

Other diseases that may be present: 

• Leptospirosis
• Schistosomiasis
• African Sleeping Sickness (African Trypanosomiasis)
• African Tick-Bite Fever
• Chikungunya
• Tuberculosis (TB)

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.

HIV/AIDS: HIV treatment is available at the Central Hospital in Brazzaville.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Republic of the Congo.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Fatal accident rates are rising in areas with new highways, attributed to excessive speed, erratic driving habits, and lack of safety standards. 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. However, most roads are in a poor state of repair or are dirt tracks and require an off-road vehicle; during the rainy season, September-December and February-May, they become impassable. Other hazards include pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchairs, and animals.  

Be aware of increased risk of ambush and highway robbery when driving in rural or isolated areas.

• spare tires
• food and water
• satellite phone
• maps and navigation equipment
• first aid kit
• protective clothing

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 license is required. Use of cell phones while driving is prohibited.

Traffic stops :

• Resist paying bribes. Politely ask for a ticket or for the officer’s name and badge number if no violation is alleged.
• Ask to contact the U.S. Embassy if you are not released.
• Report attempts to solicit bribes to the U.S. Embassy.

Accidents : 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.

Public Transportation:

• Travel can be unsafe due to reckless driving, overcrowding, poor vehicle maintenance, and the potential for crime.        
• Hire only 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.
• The line between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville is in service for freight only

River Boats

• Accidents may occur but travel is relatively safe.
• Expect delays since captains wait to fill seats before departing.
• Operating hours of Brazzaville port on the Congo River are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily (stops 12 noon on Sunday) though ferry service between Brazzaville and Kinshasa may close with minimal notice.
• A visa is required to cross the Congo River between Brazzaville and Kinshasa (DRC) in both directions.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight : As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in the Republic of the Congo, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of the Republic of the Congo’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Republic of the Congo should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the Republic of the Congo . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Us man seen begging for his life after ‘failed congo coup’ was on his first trip overseas.

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A 21-year-old American man was reportedly on his first trip overseas when he got “mixed up” in a failed coup attempt in Congo before appearing in a video to beg for his life — with his fate still unknown.

Fifty people, including three Americans, were detained over a wild plot to overthrow the Congolese government — led by Christian Malanga, 41, who was shot dead in the failed uprising Sunday.

The US citizens captured over their alleged involvement in the failed effort were identified as Tyler Thompson, 21, convicted marijuana trafficker Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun and Malanga’s son, Utah high school football player  Marcel Malanga , 21.

Thompson’s stepmother, Miranda Thompson, told ABC News her stepson traveled overseas for the first time last month to see the family of his close friend Marcel — with whom teammates said he had played high school football in the Salt Lake City suburb of West Jordan, Utah.

She added it was also the first time he had ever flown on his own.

It’s unclear what role, if any, Thompson had in the failed coup.

According to Thompson’s family, they thought he was on vacation in South Africa when the shocking incident unfolded.

Miranda claimed that while in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, Thompson informed them that the vacation had been interrupted by a bout of malaria and that Malanga had offered to cover expenses to extend the trip and “make up for lost time,” ABC News reports.

She said she was not made aware of any plans for them to travel to Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We have no idea how he got mixed up in all of this. He was on vacation with his friend’s family, and the next thing we know is he’s been arrested in the DRC. We don’t know what led up to him being there or how he got there,” she told  the Times of London .

“Everything we know about Marcel is that he was a kind and respectful kid, this is a complete 180 from everything we know about him.”

She said that when she later saw images of him being detained and beaten by Congolese soldiers, she experienced “complete and utter shock.”

“It doesn’t feel real,” she said.

“We are stunned and heartbroken by the videos we have seen from the coup attempt.

“We have no idea how he got wrapped up in this situation, which is completely out of character for him. We are certain he did not go to Africa with plans for political activism.”

Video footage of the arrests widely shared on social media shows Thompson with a terrified look on his bloodied face as he is surrounded by Congolese soldiers. 

After Thompson appeared to beg for his life, he and Marcel were forced to stand up while soldiers tied their hands behind their backs. 

The Congolese government has not confirmed whether Thompson is still alive, leaving his loved ones in anguish.

Christian Malanga, who had been exiled from Congo to the US, where he became a naturalized citizen,  headed  the United Congolese Party, which describes itself as an  “opposition political party-in-exile.”

Joined by armed men, Malanga appeared in a  livestreamed video  posted on Facebook the morning of the attack accusing President Felix Tshisekedi’s government of doing “many stupid things in this country,”  according to Reuters.

Zalman-Polun was apparently connected to Marcel’s father through a gold mining company — suggesting that the uprising itself may have had ties to either or both industries.

A DRC  government statement  later commended the “prompt reaction” of the DRC’s security forces in foiling the attack.

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Family of American caught in Congo failed coup says their son went to Africa on vacation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) — The family of  an American  caught up in a failed coup attempt in Congo said their son, Tyler Thompson, was in Africa on vacation with family friends and had not previously engaged in political activism, in a statement provided to The Associated Press.

“We are stunned and heartbroken by the videos we have seen from the coup attempt,” his stepmother, Miranda Thompson, said in a message on X, formerly know as Twitter. “We have no idea how he got wrapped up in this situation, which is completely out of character for him. We are certain he did not go to Africa with plans for political activism.”

Thompson was among  at least two other Americans  who were named by the Congolese army as part of  a failed effort to overthrow the government  in Kinshasa in the early hours of Sunday morning under an eccentric, self-exiled leader, Christian Malanga. The two other Americans allegedly involved were a convicted marijuana trafficker, Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, and Malanga’s Utah-born son, Marcel, 21, who was arrested by Congolese forces.

Malanga, the alleged leader, was shot dead after resisting arrest, the Congolese army said. In all, six people were killed in the attack on the presidential palace and another on the residence of a close ally of  President Felix Tshisekedi.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the attack in a call with Tshisekedi and offered help from the U.S. with the investigation, according to a summary of the call.

The stepmother said Thompson was not politically engaged and was excited to see the world with family friends. He had played high school football with Marcel Malanga in the Salt Lake City suburb of West Jordan and traveled to Congo with his former teammate.

“He is a good kid, a hard worker and a respectful young man. We’re so lost as to how he ended up in this mess,” Thompson’s stepmother said.

The U.S. Embassy in Congo said Thursday that it was still waiting for the Congolese government to provide evidence that the arrested individuals were Americans before it could provide consular services to them.

The Congolese government has not given a date for when the suspects will appear in court.

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Utah man declined $100K offer to travel to Congo on ‘security job’ that was covert coup attempt

Daniel Gonzalez poses for a photograph Friday, May 24, 2024, in Magna, Utah. Gonzalez, the friend of a 21-year-old from Utah arrested in Congo this week for his alleged involvement in his father’s failed effort to overthrow the government in Kinshasa, said he had turned down a six-figure offer to come on the trip as part of the family’s security detail. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Christian Malanga, president of the United Congolese Party, attends seminars discussing Africa’s future in the global economy at the Spencer Fox Eccles Business building at the University of Utah on Oct. 20, 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Malanga, the alleged leader, was killed Sunday, May 19, 2024 after resisting arrest, the Congolese army said. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP)

This undated photo provided by Miranda Thompson, shows her stepson Tyler Thompson, 21, of West Jordan, Utah, who has been identified as one of the Americans reportedly involved in a foiled coup plot in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Miranda Thompson via AP)

Congolese security forces secure the streets of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday May 19, 2024, after Congo’s army said it has “foiled a coup” and arrested the perpetrators, including several foreigners, following a shootout between armed men in military uniform and guards of a close ally of Congo’s president that left three people dead in the capital, Kinshasa. (AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi)

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The friend of a prominent Congolese opposition leader’s son said he turned down a six-figure offer to travel there from the U.S. as part of the family’s security detail in what turned out to be a failed coup attempt.

Marcel Malanga, the 21-year-old son of eccentric coup leader Christian Malanga, was detained by Congolese forces Sunday morning, along with a former classmate from their hometown of West Jordan, Utah, after his father was killed in a shootout while resisting arrest. His high school football teammate, Tyler Thompson , 21, was one of two other Americans arrested after an ill-fated attack on the presidential palace in Kinshasa.

Six people were dead and dozens arrested, including the three Americans, following that attack and another on the residence of a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi , the Congolese army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, said.

Daniel Gonzalez, a former teammate of the two Utah residents caught up in the foiled coup, told The Associated Press that Marcel had offered him $50,000 to $100,000 to spend four months in Congo as a security guard for his politician father. The 22-year-old FedEx worker strongly considered it, but said it lacked concrete details. He ultimately declined so he could spend the summer with his girlfriend.

“I feel really sad for Tyler and Marcel but, at the end of the day, I can just be grateful that I didn’t go because I would be stuck in the same scary situation,” Gonzalez said.

Marcel’s lucrative offer to Gonzalez sheds light on how he might have enticed Thompson to come along on what his stepmother, Miranda, said was supposed to be a vacation.

It was one of many propositions the coup leader’s American son made to former football teammates in what many described as a desperate effort to bring someone with him to Congo. He pitched the trip to some as a family vacation and still to others as a service trip to build wells in drought-stricken communities.

Although it’s unclear whether Thompson was offered money, multiple teammates told the AP that he had alluded to such incentives, telling one friend that the trip could be a “big financial opportunity.”

Thompson’s family insists he’s a political pawn who was dragged into an international conflict under false pretenses. They’ve had no direct communication with their son since the coup and are worried for his safety, his stepmother said.

Marcel’s mother, Brittney Sawyer, said her son is innocent and had followed his father.

Christian Malanga, the slain leader of the Congolese opposition political party, considered himself president of a shadow government in exile, which he called the “New Zaire.” He described himself on his website as a refugee who settled in Salt Lake City with his family in the 1990s, pursuing business opportunities in gold mining and used car sales before eventually moving back to Congo to fight for political reforms.

Congolese security forces secure the streets of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi)

While campaigning for the Congolese Parliament, he claimed he was jailed and endured torturous beatings. He later published a manifesto detailing plans to reform Congo’s security services and described his movement as an effort to organize fellow emigres against the “current Congolese dictatorship government regime.”

“Marcel was pretty secretive about his dad. He didn’t even know him well until he spent last summer in Africa,” Gonzalez said. “There’s no way Marcel had any idea what he’d be getting us into or he never would’ve offered. He’s one of the best friends a person could have.”

In the early hours Sunday, Christian Malanga began livestreaming video on social media from inside the palace. He is seen with his armed son, who hastily pulls a neck gaiter over his face, looking around wide-eyed. Congo officials have not commented on how the attackers were able to get inside.

Gonzalez, of Herriman, Utah, said he had communicated with Marcel about the financial offer over Snapchat, in messages that have since disappeared, in the months leading up to the coup attempt. He was shocked to learn how the trip played out.

Marcel had told Gonzalez that his father was letting him hire a friend so he would have company during his summer abroad. He seemed excited to be able to offer such a substantial amount of money to a close friend who needed it, Gonzalez explained.

The Malangas had promised on-the-job training, full coverage of travel expenses and the chance to explore a new part of the world while making an income, he said. Marcel insisted repeatedly that it was safe, but didn’t share details about his father’s background.

Neither Gonzalez nor his mother thought the trip would be unsafe, he said, despite the U.S. State Department strongly discouraging travel to Congo — but he turned it down when his girlfriend asked him not to leave for four months.

He later saw private Snapchat videos filmed by Marcel that showed Thompson looking frightened as armed Congolese soldiers surrounded their vehicle. In Gonzalez’s final Snapchat exchange with his friend before their capture, he asked whether Thompson was OK and urged them to stay safe.

Marcel assured him that they were.

Other former football teammates, including Luke Barbee and Jaden Lalor, had heard different pitches about the trip and wondered why Marcel seemed so desperate to bring someone along. Neither could fathom their friends’ possible involvement in a violent attack.

“I consider Marcel a brother to me and Tyler a friend, and I truly believe Marcel’s father must have pressured them for his own wants,” Lalor said. “I just want them back safely.”

Analysis: The curious case of Russia in Central African Republic

Russia’s involvement in Central Africa seems like an attempt to establish a corridor of influence but Moscow may soon find its dream is a mirage, experts say.

The Central African Republic (CAR) has intermittently been the backdrop for somebody else’s war.

Despite having a population of only 4.8 million people, it is approximately the same size as France, Denmark and the Netherlands combined.

That vast open space has been used as a venue for battles by different parties; former coloniser France, strongmen from Chad, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the notorious Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army and a United States Special Forces unit.

The latest visitors are Russia, its army and the private military outfit Wagner, who, unlike some of those who came before them, have mostly been welcomed by the locals.

“A number of citizens here consider Wagner’s presence a good thing, especially since their operatives and our army pushed back an assault on our capital, Bangui in January 2021,” reports freelance journalist Fiacre Salabe from the city.

That month, rebels backed by a former president, François Bozizé, attempted to take control of the country after his candidacy for the presidential elections had been rejected by the Constitutional Court.

A standoff and fierce battles ensued but in the end, the rebels were held back, thanks in no small part to the contributions made by Wagner. That episode is the subject of an action-packed film, Tourist, which has been played in Bangui’s main stadium to capacity crowds.

Wagner’s defence of Bangui in January 2021 is seen as one of its very few success stories on the continent. It led to President Faustin Archange Touadéra, whose re-election Bozizé and his rebels were seeking to prevent, declaring Russian as the country’s third official language, after Sango and French.

Learning the language will also be mandatory in the country’s universities as of the next academic season – and in lower education levels later.

An armed romance

The Russia-CAR romance goes back to 2017, when Touadéra met longstanding Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the seaside resort of Sochi. The following year, he met President Vladimir Putin.

The CAR was under UN sanctions at the time and the Russians were instrumental in having those sanctions partially lifted, so they could start selling light arms to the CAR.

With those arms came the instructors and thus Wagner, the outfit accused of being funded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, one of Putin’s close confidantes. Russia has also said its men there are military instructors but denied their participation in human rights abuses there.

The Russia-Africa summit held in October 2019, also in Sochi, cemented the ties further and Wagner became central to the CAR security architecture, with its operatives working with soldiers of the FACA (Forces Armées Centrafricaines) in the field and its advisers collaborating directly with Touadéra.

But Wagner’s significance should not be overstated, argued Alex Vines, director of the Africa Programme at the London-based Royal Institute of International Affairs.

“They have protected the elites in Bangui, fought back Bozizé’s rebels and they haven’t lost a lot of people doing that,” he told Al Jazeera. “But they are not getting a good return on investment other than some individuals profiting from access to resources they got in return for their services.”

These resources are mostly gold and diamonds, which they accessed through another Wagner-linked company, Lobaye Invest, which has free rein at several mining locations across the CAR.

The Russians are faced with a problem that has confronted all foreign powers that got a foothold in this large chunk of Central Africa: Having gained access, now what to do with that access?

In the last century, the old colonial power France mostly parcelled out concessions nationwide for exploitation by private companies. This model produced predatory systems of resource extraction that rivalled those of Belgian-run Congo for cruelty and disregard for basic human rights.

And this history feeds into the current strain of anti-French sentiment that Salabe regularly observes on the streets of Bangui.

“The appreciation of the Russians is absolutely tied in with anti-French sentiment, similar to what you find in Mali, for instance,” he told Al Jazeera. “France is considered dishonest and unhelpful. There are regular anti-French demonstrations, these are organised by people close to those in power here.”

These demonstrations simultaneously hail the new saviours, Russia and Wagner.

The qualifications “dishonest” and “unhelpful” not only apply to the poor French track record of development in the CAR but also to underwhelming French efforts to restore some semblance of stability there.

France was either in the driving seat, for instance during the 2013-2016 Opération Sangaris, its seventh military mission in the CAR since Independence in 1960, aimed at disarming rebels and restoring stability but tainted by accusations of sexual abuse of children by some French soldiers.

Or they were in a support role, helping national or regional missions achieve the peace that has continued to elude the country.

The estimated 1,200 operatives working for Wagner are there, ostensibly, for similar reasons. Writing for the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), a government-aligned think-tank, the Moscow-based geopolitical analyst Andrew Korybko used language to this effect in a January 12 blog post in which he referred to Russia’s help in “the rehabilitation” of CAR.

The message that Russia’s presence is a good thing is the central theme in Tourist, the movie. A slick production, all sound and fury, it tells the story of a Russian soldier, nicknamed “Tourist”, who arrives in Bangui and helps fight off the rebels trying to capture the capital.

The film is dubbed in Sango, the national language and lacks any subtlety in conveying the message of Russian heroes come to town.

A new film, Granit, glorified the exploits of Wagner in Mozambique and was played in the same stadium last January before an audience that, according to local reports, thought the film was again about the CAR.

Not far from the university in Bangui stood a monument that carried the same message: A large Russian soldier is the centrepiece for an ensemble that forms an armed shield protecting an African family cowering in the background. It was inaugurated last December by Touadéra.

But reality seems different from propaganda.

Interestingly, in an interview published on the RIAC website, the outgoing head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the CAR stated that there are now more displaced persons in the country than ever before – 1.3 million people, so clearly, not everything has improved.

Armed gangs continue to split and regroup and analysts argue that the presence of Wagner has made the country even more lawless than it already was.

A government-commissioned report released last October said that Wagner operatives had been found to be involved in extrajudicial killings, summary executions and looting. International watchdog Human Rights Group also came to a similar conclusion  earlier this year.

On February 23, the eve of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 36-year-old Jean Sinclair Maka Gbossokotto, one of the CAR’s most prominent journalists was found dead under mysterious circumstances.

His friends insist he was poisoned to silence his work – debunking misinformation spread nationwide from all sides but mostly by Wagner-linked troll factories.

His murder follows that of three Russian investigative journalists killed in August 2018, as they were investigating Wagner’s actions in the CAR, and how it made its money.

Back to the drawing board

But Wagner’s time in the CAR has not been a resounding success for the group.

First, the pickings from the gold and diamond concessions they were given in recompense for their work have not been particularly fruitful.

Also, major donors like the European Union and the World Bank have halted further payments to CAR, as they await assurances that their money will not be spent on matters like paying Russian mercenaries.

And now Moscow’s vision has been blurred by its invasion of Ukraine.

“Beyond irritating the West, Russia has no strategic interest in the CAR per se,” Vines pointed out. “They have never been historically interested in the country. But the CAR was supposed to be part of what you may call a ‘corridor of influence’ across this part of the African continent, starting in Sudan and then going on into Congo.”

“Ukraine puts a stop to that,” he said. ”They are overstretched and, of course, Russia is not China. They don’t have deep pockets. So as far as building that corridor of influence is concerned, it’s back to the drawing board.”

That Russian military base in the CAR, which had been talked about since 2019, is unlikely to materialise and there are credible reports saying that Wagner is reducing its presence in the CAR because its operatives are needed in Ukraine.

Is the CAR’s size overwhelming yet another military visitor?

• Travel Updates

US man seen ‘begging for life’ during failed Congo coup attempt

An American man who was reportedly on his “first trip overseas” has been seen begging for his life during a failed coup attempt in Congo.

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A 21-year-old American man was reportedly on his first trip overseas when he got “mixed up” in a failed coup attempt in Congo.

He then appeared to beg for his life in a video shared online, with his fate still unknown.

Fifty people, including three Americans, were detained over a wild plot to overthrow the Congolese government, the New York Post reports.

The coup was led by Christian Malanga, 41, who was shot dead in the failed uprising Sunday.

The US citizens captured over their alleged involvement in the failed effort were identified as Tyler Thompson, 21, convicted marijuana trafficker Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun and Malanga’s son, Utah high school football player Marcel Malanga, 21.

Thompson’s stepmother, Miranda Thompson, told ABC News her stepson travelled overseas for the first time last month to see the family of his close friend Marcel — with whom teammates said he had played high school football in the Salt Lake City suburb of West Jordan, Utah.

She added it was also the first time he had ever flown on his own.

It’s unclear what role, if any, Thompson had in the failed coup.

According to Thompson’s family, they thought he was on vacation in South Africa when the shocking incident unfolded.

Miranda claimed that while in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, Thompson informed them that the vacation had been interrupted by a bout of malaria and that Malanga had offered to cover expenses to extend the trip and “make up for lost time,” ABC News reports.

She said she was not made aware of any plans for them to travel to Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We have no idea how he got mixed up in all of this. He was on vacation with his friend’s family, and the next thing we know is he’s been arrested in the DRC. We don’t know what led up to him being there or how he got there,” she told the Times of London.

“Everything we know about Marcel is that he was a kind and respectful kid, this is a complete 180 from everything we know about him.”

She said that when she later saw images of him being detained and beaten by Congolese soldiers, she experienced “complete and utter shock.”

“It doesn’t feel real,” she said.

“We are stunned and heartbroken by the videos we have seen from the coup attempt.

“We have no idea how he got wrapped up in this situation, which is completely out of character for him. We are certain he did not go to Africa with plans for political activism.”

Video footage of the arrests widely shared on social media shows Thompson with a terrified look on his bloodied face as he is surrounded by Congolese soldiers.

After Thompson appeared to beg for his life, he and Marcel were forced to stand up while soldiers tied their hands behind their backs.

The Congolese government has not confirmed whether Thompson is still alive, leaving his loved ones in anguish.

Christian Malanga, who had been exiled from Congo to the US, where he became a naturalised citizen, headed the United Congolese Party, which describes itself as an “opposition political party-in-exile.”

Joined by armed men, Malanga appeared in a livestreamed video posted on Facebook the morning of the attack accusing President Felix Tshisekedi’s government of doing “many stupid things in this country,” according to Reuters.

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Zalman-Polun was apparently connected to Marcel’s father through a gold mining company — suggesting that the uprising itself may have had ties to either or both industries.

A DRC government statement later commended the “prompt reaction” of the DRC’s security forces in foiling the attack.

This story first appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced here with permission.

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In Conflict-Torn Congo, Russia’s Rebranded Wagner Group Sees Opportunity for Exploitation

G OMA, Congo — In a makeshift nightclub in the hull of the overnight ferry from Goma to Bukavu, a handful of teenage boys are trying out some new moves. Some land, some don’t. When they don’t, the elderly man on the bench next to us nudges us and rolls his eyes, amused.

The DJ, who has so far been playing the usual Afrobeats hits and Congolese rumba, whips out a more unexpected Communist crossover: the Russian Internationale — the pre-1944 Soviet national anthem — mixed with a Congolese beat. People immediately pack the dancefloor.

Here in eastern Congo, enthusiasm is palpable for the “Russians,” a catch-all term for the roughly 1,000 Eastern European mercenaries stationed in Goma as well as actual Russian mercenaries embedded in other fragile states — and the Russian government, which said in March that it approved a tentative military cooperation agreement.

The reason is simple. Since 2022, this area has been mired in one of the world’s most catastrophic conflicts. With Rwanda’s help , the M23 militia has raped and massacred its way through the North Kivu province and is edging nearer to the regional capital Goma — close enough that, the night before, we could hear the rumble of explosions outside the city.

The conflict has displaced millions, wrecked lives and livelihoods and destroyed the modest tourist industry. Even the endangered mountain gorillas, the area’s most lucrative draw for visitors, have fled the besieged Virunga National Park to neighboring Rwanda.

With international attention taken up by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, there is little interest in the crisis here and no hope of support from the West. The East African Community sent some soldiers early on, but the alliance quickly soured . Even the UN peacekeepers are packing up to leave.

Congo is desperate for help, and the only groups keen to step in are mercenaries, Russian and otherwise, circling to see what they can gain.

Increasingly, too, a complex web of military and commercial actors from Russia, China, UAE, the U.S., France, Bulgaria and Romania — the interests of which on paper should not overlap — appear to be working together to maximize this extraction.

Historically, inviting in foreign militaries and especially mercenary groups has gone spectacularly badly throughout Africa.

And while Russia may have pulled off an impressive PR feat by convincing Congolese citizens that it will be a genuine ally, its mercenary forces’ actions elsewhere on the continent tell a very different story.

“The Wagner Group and other emerging Russia-backed forces and ‘advisers’ exploit the resources and people of African countries for their personal gain. They are a threat to stability and prosperity in countries where they are present,” a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said in an emailed statement.

“These forces do not lower terrorism but rather exacerbate the threat by pursuing draconian, violent tactics. This results in dramatic increases of cyclical violence,” the spokesperson added.

As Western countries sanctioned Moscow following its 2014 annexation of Crimea, the Kremlin began frantically pushing to sign military cooperation deals with various African nations. This included a May 2019 military agreement with Congo’s neighbor, Congo-Brazzaville/Republic of the Congo, that saw Russia send military specialists to the country and help maintain its Soviet-made equipment. The Kremlin claimed it inked a similar agreement with Congo earlier this year.

Since 2017 , Russia has also aggressively expanded its military presence across Africa through the Wagner Group, a collection of front companies and Russian mercenary outfits formerly owned by the late businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Once a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, Prigozhin launched the Wagner Group following the annexation of Crimea to further the Kremlin’s foreign policy goals even as sanctions piled up and the country became diplomatically isolated.

The U.S. designated the Wagner Group as a transnational criminal organization in January 2023, and the Treasury sanctioned connected individuals and companies.

But by May last year, it was believed to have around 5,000 mercenaries stationed in Africa — many of whom were former Russian soldiers and convicts.

Wagner troops have been detected in Mali, Sudan, Central African Republic, Libya and Mozambique, and its mercenaries have been accused of torture, rape, child abduction and summary execution of civilians. Wagner-linked companies are allegedly involved in gold smuggling and illegal mineral exploitation, using Cameroon as a logistics and transport hub. The group also engaged in election meddling (through AFRIC, Prigozhin’s fake election monitoring organization) in Congo, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Mozambique and South Africa.

These activities tend to follow the same pattern, journalist Julia Steers said.

“Get into a country that has a complex and protracted conflict that has been unsolvable by other countries by selling security personnel, services and training, and then once you are in the country you take advantage of what that country has to offer — by propaganda in the media and civil society there, by getting the political class on your side,” she says.

That might be through exploitative businesses, as in the Central African Republic, she said, or straight-up resource extraction, as in Mali. But in any case, the question boils down to: “How can we take advantage of what this country has to offer once we have got our foot in the door through this security agreement?”

Steers was formerly VICE News’ Nairobi bureau chief and has spent years investigating and interviewing Wagner employees across the region, gaining rare access to their operations on the ground.

Wagner’s Africa strategy, Steers says, is to identify hotspots with vast mineral wealth that are beleaguered by conflict and present themselves as the solution.

“In reality, what we’ve seen is that they often just prolong the conflict in a different way,” she said.

The trick appears to be doing just enough to contain the worst militias that the population comes to accept abuse and exploitation as a necessary payoff.

“When I was first in the Central African Republic, the sentiment was very much, ‘Russia very bad, Wagner very bad, they’re slaughtering us’,” Steers said. “But when the rebels almost took Bangui, it truly was Wagner that prevented it from falling. The perception on the ground — and the reality on the ground — was that they are doing something.”

If a country is in dire enough straits, she said, the population starts to see “very, very incremental improvements” as a positive thing — “even at the cost of human rights.”

Prigozhin and several Wagner commanders died when an apparent explosion caused his private jet to crash in August 2023, two months after launching a short-lived mutiny that Putin called an act of treason.

But the Wagner Group lives on in Africa and is now reportedly directly controlled by the Kremlin under the new name Africa Corps.

In February, the BBC reported that General Andrei Averyanov, head of a Russian military intelligence unit that specializes in “targeting killings and destabilizing foreign governments,” had assumed leadership of Africa Corps and appeared to be striking deals with powerful warlords, coup leaders and military juntas in Libya, Burkina Faso, CAR, Mali and Niger to help consolidate control in return for signing away mineral rights to Russia.

The Kremlin said last June that the Russian state had no role in Wagner’s multimillion-dollar business interests in Africa.

Wagner/Africa Corp is hardly the first set of state-linked mercenaries to exploit security crises in African nations and gain access to valuable resources.

During the 1960s, as the last of the European colonial powers were pushed out of Africa by independence movements, several scrambled for ways to cling to whatever power they could, fearing that newly independent African states would align themselves with the Communist U.S.S.R.

Today, the private security contracting business in Congo is booming. The American Erik Prince, formerly of the notorious Blackwater group, was alleged by a UN report to have been discrediting MONUSCO peacekeeping services to potentially fill their role with his mercenaries.

The most prominent actor currently on the ground however is Horatiu Potra, the Romanian mercenary who openly operates his armed private security firm, Asociatia RALF, in eastern Congo. The armed security operators are officially there as military instructors and to guard key infrastructure like airports. But, from on-the-ground observations, they were also taking part in active combat missions in North Kivu.

The risk of foreign fighters operating inside Congo was brought to international attention this month when U.S. citizen Christian Malanga was shot dead while leading an attempted coup in Kinshasha. Another three U.S. citizens were detained by Congolese forces.

The motivations and wider support for the group involved in this failed attempt to seize power remain unclear, but the operation stands as a reminder that, even in 2024, foreign actors are still using armed force to gain control in this mineral-rich state.

Russia will capitalize on situations like this when it accuses many Western companies, governments, militaries and certainly private security forces operating in Africa of selfishness and exploitation.

The problem is that they have made it clear, at every juncture, that they will do the same.

“If Africa Corps, formerly Wagner, were to arrive in the DRC, their objectives would be the same as they have been elsewhere — and even more so — which is to strengthen and extend the influence of the Russian state and show the West as feckless and self-interested, although Russia is feckless and extremist, and really acting like a neo-colonial power in Africa,” says Vanda Felbab-Brown, co-director of the Africa Security Initiative at the Brookings Institution in Washington.

And while ideologically opposed countries — especially the U.S. and France on one side and Russia and China on the other — disparage each other’s predatory inclinations, behind the scenes, their most vocally patriotic mercenary leaders and mining investors appear more than happy to work together, forging dangerous alliances in spite of, rather than in support of, their respective countries’ interests.

Back in Goma, outside a building that locals identify as a “Russian” base, a mercenary with an Eastern European accent smirks when we ask him if he’s Russian or Romanian.

“It doesn’t matter where I’m from,” he says. “All that matters is that as long as we’re here, you’re safe.”

In a sense, it’s true — no matter where these mercenaries are from, the outcome will be the same. Rebel militias might be held back, at least a little, at least for a time — and in the long term, the country will see even more of its wealth and resources slip away into foreign hands.

But here in eastern Congo, where the most pressing priority is keeping the wolf from the door, it’s a risk politicians and the public appear willing to take.

Utah man declines US$100K to travel to Congo on 'security job' that was covert coup attempt

Six people were dead and dozens arrested, including the three Americans, following that attack and another on the residence of a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi

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The friend of a prominent Congolese opposition leader’s son said he turned down a six-figure offer to travel there from the U.S. as part of the family’s security detail in what turned out to be a failed coup attempt.

Marcel Malanga, the 21-year-old son of eccentric coup leader Christian Malanga, was detained by Congolese forces Sunday morning, along with a former classmate from their hometown of West Jordan, Utah, after his father was killed in a shootout while resisting arrest. His high school football teammate, Tyler Thompson, 21, was one of two other Americans arrested after an ill-fated attack on the presidential palace in Kinshasa.

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Six people were dead and dozens arrested, including the three Americans, following that attack and another on the residence of a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi, the Congolese army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, said.

Daniel Gonzalez, a former teammate of the two Utah residents caught up in the foiled coup, told The Associated Press that Marcel had offered him $50,000 to $100,000 to spend four months in Congo as a security guard for his politician father. The 22-year-old FedEx worker strongly considered it, but said it lacked concrete details. He ultimately declined so he could spend the summer with his girlfriend.

• Family of American caught up in Congo failed coup says their son went to Africa on vacation

“I feel really sad for Tyler and Marcel but, at the end of the day, I can just be grateful that I didn’t go because I would be stuck in the same scary situation,” Gonzalez said.

Marcel’s lucrative offer to Gonzalez sheds light on how he might have enticed Thompson to come along on what his stepmother, Miranda, said was supposed to be a vacation.

Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.

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It was one of many propositions the coup leader’s American son made to former football teammates in what many described as a desperate effort to bring someone with him to Congo. He pitched the trip to some as a family vacation and still to others as a service trip to build wells in drought-stricken communities.

Although it’s unclear whether Thompson was offered money, multiple teammates told the AP that he had alluded to such incentives, telling one friend that the trip could be a “big financial opportunity.”

Thompson’s family insists he’s a political pawn who was dragged into an international conflict under false pretenses. They’ve had no direct communication with their son since the coup and are worried for his safety, his stepmother said.

Marcel’s mother, Brittney Sawyer, said her son is innocent and had followed his father.

Christian Malanga, the slain leader of the Congolese opposition political party, considered himself president of a shadow government in exile, which he called the “New Zaire.” He described himself on his website as a refugee who settled in Salt Lake City with his family in the 1990s, pursuing business opportunities in gold mining and used car sales before eventually moving back to Congo to fight for political reforms.

While campaigning for the Congolese Parliament, he claimed he was jailed and endured torturous beatings. He later published a manifesto detailing plans to reform Congo’s security services and described his movement as an effort to organize fellow emigres against the “current Congolese dictatorship government regime.”

“Marcel was pretty secretive about his dad. He didn’t even know him well until he spent last summer in Africa,” Gonzalez said. “There’s no way Marcel had any idea what he’d be getting us into or he never would’ve offered. He’s one of the best friends a person could have.”

In the early hours Sunday, Christian Malanga began livestreaming video on social media from inside the palace. He is seen with his armed son, who hastily pulls a neck gaiter over his face, looking around wide-eyed. Congo officials have not commented on how the attackers were able to get inside.

Gonzalez, of Herriman, Utah, said he had communicated with Marcel about the financial offer over Snapchat, in messages that have since disappeared, in the months leading up to the coup attempt. He was shocked to learn how the trip played out.

Marcel had told Gonzalez that his father was letting him hire a friend so he would have company during his summer abroad. He seemed excited to be able to offer such a substantial amount of money to a close friend who needed it, Gonzalez explained.

There's no way Marcel had any idea what he'd be getting us into

The Malangas had promised on-the-job training, full coverage of travel expenses and the chance to explore a new part of the world while making an income, he said. Marcel insisted repeatedly that it was safe, but didn’t share details about his father’s background.

Neither Gonzalez nor his mother thought the trip would be unsafe, he said, despite the U.S. State Department strongly discouraging travel to Congo — but he turned it down when his girlfriend asked him not to leave for four months.

He later saw private Snapchat videos filmed by Marcel that showed Thompson looking frightened as armed Congolese soldiers surrounded their vehicle. In Gonzalez’s final Snapchat exchange with his friend before their capture, he asked whether Thompson was OK and urged them to stay safe.

Marcel assured him that they were.

Other former football teammates, including Luke Barbee and Jaden Lalor, had heard different pitches about the trip and wondered why Marcel seemed so desperate to bring someone along. Neither could fathom their friends’ possible involvement in a violent attack.

“I consider Marcel a brother to me and Tyler a friend, and I truly believe Marcel’s father must have pressured them for his own wants,” Lalor said. “I just want them back safely.”

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Trump suggested he would have bombed Moscow for invading Ukraine, WP reports

Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested at a fundraising event that he would have bombed Moscow in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Washington Post (WP) reported on May 28, citing several anonymous donors and advisers.

In a piece detailing some of the claims and demands the former U.S. president has made while on a fundraising drive for his current presidential bid, the paper also said he would attack Beijing if China invaded Taiwan on his watch.

According to WP, Trump's comments "surprised some of the donors."

Trump has not publicly threatened to bomb Moscow but, in a phone call leaked in March 2022, Trump told a friend he had privately made such a threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself.

Publicly, Trump described Putin as a " genius " in the days leading up to Russia's full-scale invasion when Moscow moved troops into eastern Ukraine.

He has also regularly claimed he could stop the war in Ukraine "in 24 hours" though he has never publicly stated how he would do this.

The Washington Post wrote on April 7, citing anonymous sources, that Trump had privately said he could end it by pressuring Ukraine to cede Crimea and Donbas to Moscow.

According to the Washington Post, Trump also said he believes that both Moscow and Kyiv "want to save face, they want a way out," claiming that Ukrainians in Russian-occupied territories would not object to being part of Russia ."

If the deal and the idea is simply to give our territories, then it is very primitive," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in response.

Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, going up against incumbent President Joe Biden .

In a bid to raise the gigantic sums necessary to run a presidential campaign, WP also reports Trump as telling both new and regular donors they would have to significantly increase what they're offering.

One businessman who usually gave Republicans $2-3 million would have to give a $25 million or $50 million contribution or he would not be "very happy."

Read also: Ukraine urges allies to lift Western arms ban on hitting targets inside Russia. Will they?

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This week in Bidenomics: 4 more years … of inflation?

Voters don't just blame Biden for current inflation. They think he'll cause future inflation, too.

Some Americans live in a parallel economy where everything is terrible

Many Americans mistakenly think the economy is shrinking and the stock market is tanking. What gives?

Nikki Haley writes 'finish them' on Israeli artillery shell: A look at her trip to Israel and her past comments on the war in Gaza

Nikki Haley was visiting an Oct. 7 attack site in Israel and signed the shell less than 24 hours after an Israeli strike killed 45 Palestinians at an encampment in Rafah.

Chinese EV makers, and their connected vehicles, targeted by new House bill

Chinese EV manufacturers face a new challenge in their pursuit of U.S. customers: a new House bill that would limit or ban the introduction of their connected vehicles. The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, comes as the trade war between the U.S. and China heightens in the aftermath of the Biden administration’s decision to quadruple import duties on Chinese electric vehicles to 100%. The bill’s goal appears to curb manufacturers before they can flood the American market with smart, cheap cars.

Fed's Williams and Barkin soothed worries about any rate hikes in 2024

New York Fed president John Williams and Richmond Fed president Thomas Barkin offered comments Monday that soothed any concerns the Fed might be considering a rate hike.

Fed study offers new clues that help explain America’s gloomy mood

Many Americans say they were better off, financially, during the COVID years, when stimulus funds were flooding the economy.

Mexico marks deadliest election campaign in its modern history as country moves to elect 1st female president. Here's what to know.

A total of 37 candidates have been assassinated ahead of Sunday’s vote in Mexico, a security consultancy says.

This week in Bidenomics: Something bigger than 'Bidenflation'

Donald Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts might finally distract voters from thinking about what they don't like about Joe Biden.

Here's why you're seeing the 'All eyes on Rafah' image shared across social media

The phrase “All eyes on Rafah” originated from a World Health Organization director’s comments back in February.

The coming Supreme Court decisions that could ripple across the business world

The nation's highest court is expected to make rulings that could limit the reach of social media, the ability of federal agencies to crack down on companies, and the power of bankruptcy courts to shield powerful parties from liability.

New Yahoo News/YouGov poll: Approval of Biden's handling of Israel-Hamas war falls to new low amid campus protests

No other issue — not inflation, not immigration — tests as poorly for the president at this point.

What a justice's upside-down flag means for the Supreme Court

The revelation that a symbol of the “Stop the Steal” movement flew outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home has reignited debates about his ability to rule impartially on Jan. 6-related cases.

3 Americans accused of involvement in Congo coup attempt. Here's what we know about what happened.

A spokesperson for the Congo army said three Americans from Utah were detained following the foiled coup on May 19.