Packing list for Congo-Brazzaville, travel insurance for Congo-Brazzaville and taking your belongings

What to bring to Congo-Brazzaville: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and a valid visa. Check current visa requirements well before departure. Bring multiple paper and digital copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and yellow fever vaccination certificate. The local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). You can withdraw cash in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, but it does not always work. Bring sufficient cash euros or US dollars to exchange.
• Clothing: light, breathable clothing (for example, cotton or linen) is comfortable for the warm and humid climate. Long sleeves and long trousers provide good sun protection and offer extra protection against mosquitoes. A light raincoat or poncho is useful during the rainy seasons. Camouflage clothing is prohibited.
• Shoes: sturdy hiking boots are suitable for rainforests and nature reserves such as Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Comfortable sandals or flip-flops are pleasant in the cities and at accommodations.
• Care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high protection factor, lip balm, hand gel, and wet wipes.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack for the rainy season, as well as waterproof bags for electronics and sealable bags to protect against dust and moisture.
• Insects and animals: a powerful mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridine is essential.
• Sleeping and sleeping: a sleeping bag liner can be pleasant at simple accommodations. An impregnated mosquito net is important if you are staying outside of larger hotels.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a comprehensive first-aid kit including ORS, anti-diarrhea medication, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, disinfectant, personal medication, and – depending on medical advice – malaria prophylaxis.
• Outdoors and practical items: reusable water bottle with a good filter, sunglasses, and a cap or hat.
• Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type C and E sockets. A powerful headlamp/flashlight and a substantial power bank are important due to power outages.

To consider:

• French phrasebook or translation app.
• Binoculars for gorillas, forest elephants, and birds.
• Water purification tablets or a water filter.
• Quick-drying towel.

Are there mosquitoes in Congo-Brazzaville?

• Yes, mosquitoes are present all year round and are particularly numerous in the rainforest and during the rainy seasons.
• Malaria poses a significant health risk throughout almost the entire country. Dengue and chikungunya also occur.
• You can protect yourself well with mosquito repellent, protective clothing, and a mosquito net.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Congo-Brazzaville?

• It is unknown whether sandflies are a problem in Congo-Brazzaville, but as far as is known, the sandfly-borne disease leishmaniasis does not occur. In any case, mosquito repellent containing DEET and protective clothing also protect against sandflies.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Are DEET, or other mosquito repellents, available in Congo-Brazzaville?

• Little is known about whether mosquito repellents are available in Congo-Brazzaville.
• They may be available in small quantities in the cities at pharmacies and larger supermarkets.
• It is best to bring enough of your own trusted mosquito repellent.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Congo-Brazzaville, or bring it with you to Congo-Brazzaville?

• No, cannabis is illegal for recreational, medical, and industrial use. Possession, use, trade, and import carry severe penalties.
• Bringing cannabis into Congo-Brazzaville can result in a prison sentence of five to twenty years.