However, civil war in 1997 and further unrest continued to halt reforms. The Congo-Ocean Railway forms an important link in the equatorial Africa transport system. The road network, on the other hand, is under developed. The principal airlines that fly to Brazzaville are Air Afrique, Air France, Sabena and Air Portugal. International airports are located at Brazzaville and Pointe Noire and several smaller airports are served by the national airline, Lina Congo.
All nationals require visas in order to visit Congo.
A superior insurance service is provided by the local representative of AfriNet, risk managers and insurance brokers of Africa. The state of health, the current immunisation status, location and the local disease situation lead to risk of contraction of cholera, hepatitis A, malaria, schistosomiasis, typhoid fever, and yellow fever in Congo. A risk assessment is recommended prior to arrival in the country. The Congo's main export commodities include cut diamonds, petroleum products, lead products, timber and saw mill products and sugar, while the main import commodities include chemical products, machinery, food products, iron steel and other metals and metal products. The Ministry of Finance and Budget, who has delegated his approval authority to the General Directorate, administers Exchange Control and all exchange transactions must be effected through authorised banks or the postal administration.