Congo: Officials update some COVID-19 measures, as of Jan. 3 /update 35

Officials in the Republic of Congo update some COVID-19 measures as of Jan. 3; domestic and international travel restrictions in place.

Event

Officials have updated some COVID-19 measures, as of Jan. 3. In Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, the weekend and public holiday curfew time (20:00-05:00) will continue to be aligned with the weekday 23:00-05:00 curfew. All incoming travelers arriving via the Beach port in Brazzaville and the Tchiamba-Nzassi border post will have to undertake a PCR test on arrival. Likewise, all outbound travelers will have to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 24 hours before departing the country. The state of health emergency will also be extended for 20 more days from Jan. 3.

Domestic Measures:

There is no curfew outside of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Facemasks are mandatory in public spaces and on public transportation.
Some restrictions on gatherings remain in place. Sporting events are limited to 50 people.
Restaurants and bars have reopened, but measures must be taken to accommodate customers in outside areas if possible. Nightclubs remain closed until further notice.
Weddings are permitted to occur.
State-owned markets can open six days a week instead of five.
A health pass (proof of vaccination) is required in order to enter public or private administrative buildings.

Persons traveling by air, road, rail, or waterways between cities have to present a vaccination certificate or a negative test. Health, education, law enforcement, and other public servant personnel as well as cab, bus, and other public transport drivers need a vaccination certificate.

International Travel Restrictions

Arriving and departing travelers must complete a travel form before their trip; incoming travelers must also pay in advance for a PCR test to be carried out on arrival. The form can be accessed by clicking here.
All travelers arriving and departing Congo are encouraged to present a negative PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Children under the age of 10 are exempt.
Land and river borders remain restricted.
Persons arriving from countries with a high circulation of variants will be quarantined. The exact countries impacted is unclear. The duration of the quarantine is also unclear.

Additional amendments to restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are possible in the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and ensure that all pre-arrival tests are conducted.