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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: August 17, 2006 16:27
EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:59
EST
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| Congo (Brazzaville) |
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1. INTRODUCTION
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. A minor editorial change has been done in section 13.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW9)
You are advised against non-essential travel outside Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Due to insecurity in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), you should use extreme caution if travelling to the border areas in northern Congo along the Ubangui River. The presence of DRC refugees in Impfondo and in other towns and villages along the banks of the river may cause serious tensions. Business visitors should travel to the Republic of Congo only if they have assistance from their hosts and/or local authorities.
The security situation remains unpredictable. Sporadic fighting occurs in the Pool region, which includes the capital, Brazzaville, and east of Bouenza. Travel between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire should be by air. Canadians travelling to the Republic of Congo should stay in close contact with the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (see below), or Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Even though a ceasefire accord was signed in March 2003 between the Congolese government and the Ninja rebel group, war-related crimes, such as the murder of Congolese civilians or looting of private property, remain a risk, particularly in the Pool region. Canadians should exercise caution and should be especially vigilant and avoid situations where political violence and demonstrations may occur.
Criminal activity occurs as a result of long-term economic recession and the influx of arms. Street crime such as mugging and purse snatching can occur. Local police resources are limited and response to emergency calls is often very slow (15 minutes or more). In case of robbery, legal recourse is limited. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure. Do not show signs of affluence, and do not venture out alone after dark.
Poorly marked roadblocks monitored by undisciplined, armed soldiers are present throughout the country. Security forces may detain foreigners and/or attempt extortion. Passenger travel on the railroad is discouraged, as there are frequent reports of extortion by undisciplined security forces and robberies by criminal elements along the route.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Drive defensively, as traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Other than National Route 2, north of Brazzaville, which reaches the city of Oyo, most roads are dirt tracks. Overland travel outside major cities should only be undertaken during daylight hours, in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles. Travellers should provide their itinerary to the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa. Although no authorization is required for road travel in the Pool region, Canadians can take the precaution of requesting information on current safety issues from the Congolese local security services or the United Nations offices in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Domestic air service is a good alternative to road travel. Note that while flights between Brazzaville and the cities of Pointe-Noire, Nkayi and Loubomo run on a daily basis, the air links to other cities like Impfondo may be more random. Departure schedules are often not respected.
The rail line between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville is not safe and is frequently attacked by rebels. This rail service is very sporadic at best.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from September to June in the south. Some roads may become impassable during this period. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Photography of public buildings or military installations is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
There is no resident Canadian government office in the Republic of Congo. You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Democratic Republic of Congo - KINSHASA, Embassy of Canada
Address: 17, Pumbu Avenue, Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8341, Kinshasa 1, Democratic Republic of Congo
Tel.: 243 895-0310/0311/0312/
Fax: 243 997-5403 or 243-81-301-6515
E-mail: kinshasa@international.gc.ca
Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa, DRC, at the numbers listed above and follow the instructions. You can also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Congolese authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on February 23, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements or on items it is forbidden to carry across borders, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the Republic of Congo.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Congo, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Republic of Congo. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. ____________________________________________________________ Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XAF). The economy is primarily cash-based, but credit cards are accepted at a few hotels and restaurants in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Republic of Congo (capital: Brazzaville) is located in central Africa, bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Angolan enclave of Cabinda, and the Atlantic Ocean. The official language is French. Tourist facilities are limited. There are frequent electrical power outages and fuel shortages.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are poor and supplies of medicine are limited. Travellers should not drink tap water. It is also not advisable to eat bush meat. Visitors should only drink bottled water with unbroken seals.
Currently, diarrhea is of particular concern in the Niari department, especially in Tsinguid, Vouka and Mayoko villages. These regions should be avoided.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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