The medical care in the countryside and also in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire is not comparable to European standards. In many cases there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Adequate equipment in the first-aid kit (observe customs regulations, accompanying certificate advisable) is required. Check ebizdir for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers over one year old. This does not apply to transit passengers who do not leave the airport in the Republic of the Congo. Since the Republic of the Congo is one of the endemic areas, a yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for all travelers to the Republic of the Congo. [2] A vaccination certificate against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection (especially in the provinces of Kouliou and Bouenza, but also in the capital Brazzaville). A valid proof of vaccination against cholera can – contrary to the official regulations – occasionally be required. Particular attention should be paid to those arriving from a country with cholera and entering outside of the capital’s international airport. There is an increased risk of cholera across the country, which primarily affects the local population. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Malaria risk all year round in all parts of the country. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be highly resistant to chloroquine. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water should generally be drunk before use, Brushing teeth and making ice cubes can either be boiled or otherwise sterilized or bought pre-packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix canned milk and milk powder with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. Sleeping sickness occurs primarily in the central parts of the country along the Congo, including the provinces of Plateaux, Cuvette and Bouenza. Careful mosquito protection measures are recommended. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt. forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt. forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt.
Money
Currency
1 CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc* = 100 centimes. Currency code: CFA Fr, XAF (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 CFA Fr. Coins come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 CFA Fr. Note: [*] Issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC, State Bank of Central African States) and used by Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Chad and Central African Republic. Issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (BCEAO, State Bank of West African States), the CFA Franc (XOF) is not legal tender in the Republic of the Congo. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit cards
Credit cards are increasingly accepted, but cash payment is preferred. Diners Club and Mastercard are rarely accepted. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards ATMs, where cash can be withdrawn with a credit card and pin number, only exist occasionally in large cities. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in the Republic of the Congo.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 7.30am-11.30am.
Foreign exchange regulations
The export and import of the national currency is prohibited. The export of foreign currencies is subject to declaration.
Currency Exchange
It is recommended to take US dollars or euros with you.
