Congo
Central Africa · Africa · Physician brief
Yellow fever vaccination required for entry
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers aged 9 months and older entering the Republic of the Congo. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and is valid for life. Carry the original certificate with you. Yellow fever is also endemic, so the vaccine is medically recommended regardless of the entry rule.
CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Limited medical infrastructure
Medical care outside Brazzaville is very limited and serious cases often require evacuation. Arrange comprehensive travel-health and repatriation insurance before departure, and carry a personal medical kit including standby malaria treatment if advised by your travel medicine specialist.
EKRM / HealthyTravel ↗ · Updated 2026
Recent alerts
All alerts →On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
ECDC Epidemiological Updates · Jun 23, 2026
Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 13 June 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths have increased rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, 915 confirmed cases; 896 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 19 from Uganda; and 234 d…
WHO Disease Outbreak News · Jun 19, 2026
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda are experiencing outbreaks of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). CDC recommends practicing enhanced precautions for travel to Uganda or to provinces in the DRC other than those affected by the outbreak. Country List : Democratic…
CDC Travel Health Notices · Jun 15, 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
HighHigh risk throughout the country, year-round, including Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. The predominant parasite is the dangerous P. falciparum, with widespread chloroquine resistance. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers in addition to strict mosquito-bite prevention.
- Risk
- High, country-wide, year-round
- Parasite
- Mainly P. falciparum
- Resistance
- Chloroquine-resistant
- Prophylaxis
- Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Yellow fever
HighYellow fever is endemic. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers aged 9 months and older, and a valid certificate is required for entry. A single dose provides lifelong protection. See country alert for entry details.
- Risk
- Endemic
- Entry rule
- Certificate required (≥9 months)
- Vaccine
- One dose, lifelong validity
Dengue
LowDengue transmission occurs, carried by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. The same bite-prevention measures used against malaria and chikungunya also protect against dengue.
- Vector
- Aedes mosquito — bites during daytime
- Prevention
- Daytime repellent and covering up
Chikungunya
ModerateChikungunya is present and transmitted by the same daytime Aedes mosquitoes as dengue, so dengue prevention also protects against chikungunya. Vaccination may be considered in outbreak settings (see EKRM statement).
General prevention
Food & water
Strict food and water precautions are essential — use bottled or reliably treated water, avoid ice and raw produce, and eat only thoroughly cooked food. These measures reduce traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera. Healthcare access outside Brazzaville is limited; travel and repatriation insurance is strongly advised.
Mosquito protection
Aggressive mosquito-bite prevention is essential — malaria risk is high year-round, country-wide. Use DEET or picaridin repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep under an insecticide-treated net. The same precautions also reduce dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.