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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

DRC-Central African Republic border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic.

Eastern DRC  

FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of:

• Haut-Uélé and Ituri, including the entire DRC-South Sudan border
• North Kivu, including all travel by air into and out of Goma airport, but excepting the city of Goma
• South Kivu, except the city of Bukavu, where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
• Haut-Lomami

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• the city of Goma

Territory in Mai-Ndombe Province

FCDO advises against all travel to the Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province. This is between, and including, the towns of Kwamouth, Bandundu and the southern border of Mai-Ndombe province.

Areas in Kinshasa Province

• the districts of N’djili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa city, south of the main access road to N’djili airport, in Nsele commune
• the N1 road in Kinshasa Province, between and including Menkao to the west, Kenge to the east, the border of Mai-Ndombe province to the north, and 10km to the south
• the district of Kasa Vubu in Kinshasa City bordered by the N1 Triumphal Road (Stadium), Barumbu District, Lingwala District and South of the botanical garden.

Kasaï Oriental, Kasaï, Kasaï Central

FCDO advises against all travel to the province of Kasaï Oriental.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the provinces of Kasaï and Kasaï Central.

See details about why FCDO advises against travel .    

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 19, 2024 08:42 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, democratic republic of congo (kinshasa) - avoid non-essential travel.

Avoid non-essential travel to to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to high crime rates, civil unrest and the risk of kidnapping.

Eastern and northeastern areas of DRC - Avoid all travel

• Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé and Ituri
• Haut-Lomami
• points of entry to Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda
• areas bordering South Sudan (including the Garamba National Park), the Central African Republic and Uganda (including Virunga National Park).

If you decide to travel to these areas despite this advisory, you should regularly review the situation to determine whether your continued presence in the area is warranted.

The security situation around Goma, in North Kivu, is unstable. If you are in the region, be ready to leave on short notice should the situation further deteriorate.

Kasaï provinces - Avoid all travel

• Kasaï-Central
• Kasaï-Oriental

Mai-Ndombe province - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the province of Mai-Ndombe due to intercommunal violence.

Back to top

Security situation in eastern DRC

Since the beginning of February, 2024, the security situation in eastern DRC has become more unstable and unpredictable.

Fighting has intensified between security forces and the M23 rebel group in North Kivu. The conflict has caused hundreds of casualties and displaced thousands of people.

Avoid all travel to eastern DRC, including to North Kivu. If you decide to travel despite this advisory, continually reassess the situation to determine whether your presence in the area is warranted.

Demonstrations in Kinshasa

Starting February 10, 2024, violent demonstrations are taking place in Kinshasa, near Boulevard du 30 Juin.

Foreign embassies have also been targeted by demonstrators, including those of:

• the United States
• the United Kingdom

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

If you are in Kinshasa:

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances
• expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence

The security situation in DRC is unpredictable and could deteriorate suddenly.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in Kinshasa. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent suddenly. They can also cause major disruption to traffic and public transport.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place 
• Follow the instructions of local authorities 
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations 

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Eastern DRC

The situation remains volatile in the east of the country due to the persistent presence of and regular clashes between over 120 armed groups. 

The affected provinces are:

• Bas-Uélé
• Haut-Uélé

Crime is endemic throughout these areas, and there are many reports of human rights violations.

State of siege

Since 2021, the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri have been under a state of military siege. These provinces are under military administration until further notice.

Provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu

Clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group continue around Goma in North Kivu.

Despite the signing of peace agreements and the presence of UN forces, armed conflict persists in certain regions outside the provincial capitals. Members of various armed groups continue to perpetrate acts of pillage and violent crimes against the civilian population, including murder, kidnapping, armed assault and rape. The ensuing humanitarian crisis has led to major displacements.

Military operations are still underway in some areas, including near:

• Virunga National Park
• the tri-border area with Uganda and Rwanda 

Military operations could lead to a deterioration in the security situation in various locations outside the two capitals, Goma and Bukavu. Some places are particularly dangerous, including:

 North Kivu

Avoid all travel to the provinces of North and South Kivu. If you decide to travel despite this advisory:

• continually reassess the situation to determine whether your presence in the area is warranted
• take into account the information provided by Congolese authorities and MONUSCO, to help avoid dangerous situations
• avoid public transportation
• expect disruptions to local businesses and services, including airports

Tanganyika Province

The province of Tanganyika, and especially Manono Territory, is the theatre of an ethnic conflict between the Pygmies and the Luba. The Mai-Mai militia periodically re-engage.

Ituri Province

Armed clashes persist in the province of Ituri. There is a terrorist threat in the Beni and Irumu territories.

Haut-Lomami Province

Violent crime continues in Haut Lomami Province. Travellers have been ambushed, robbed and kidnapped.

Border regions of South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Uganda, including Garamba National Park

Despite intensified operations by the Ugandan, Congolese and South Sudanese armed forces and the United Nations, the Lord's Resistance Army continues to commit acts of violence against the civilian population.  Numerous casualties have been reported, and thousands of people have fled the region.

Points of entry from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda

Entry points at the Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda borders should be avoided at all times due to the prevailing insecurity and disorder. The borders separating the DRC from Burundi and Rwanda may be closed at any time.

Kasaï provinces

Although the situation is currently calm in the Kasaï provinces, armed clashes have previously claimed thousands of victims in the provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï-Central and Kasaï-Oriental.  Kidnappings have also taken place.

Intercommunal violence in Mai-Ndombe

Inter-community violence has been a regular occurrence in Mai-Ndombé Province since June 2022, particularly in the Kwamouth territory where thousands of residents have been displaced. The violence has claimed hundreds of victims. Attacks have also occurred in neighboring provinces, including the commune of Maluku in northern Kinshasa Province.

In the capital, choose a hotel in the commune of Gombe, which is both the administrative headquarters and a commercial zone.

• Exercise extreme caution outside the commune of Gombe
• Avoid all travel after dark

There is a threat of terrorism in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly:

• in the region of Beni-Butembo and Goma in North Kivu
• in the vicinity of Boga in Ituri
• towards the border with Uganda

Terrorist groups clash over control of good-trafficking routes, mining sites, and agricultural areas.

Attacks on civilians and government targets occur frequently. Further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Large-scale events could be targeted.

• Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• Monitor local media
• Follow the instructions of the local authorities

Crime rates are high in the DRC due to extreme poverty and the lack of enforcement.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs regularly throughout the country, including in Kinshasa. Theft is frequent:

• on public transportation
• in crowded areas
• at and around ATMs

During your trip to the DRC:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• always leave your car doors locked and windows up
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• avoid travelling alone
• be especially cautious of your surroundings when withdrawing cash from ATMs, even in a hotel

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs in both urban and rural areas, especially after dark. Incidents include:

• armed robbery
• sexual assaults
• armed home burglaries
• car and motorcycle hijackings

During your stay:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• avoid walking alone
• don't leave major highways, and don't park in unsupervised areas
• if you are attacked, don't resist

Kidnappings

Kidnappings occur regularly in the eastern and northeastern provinces.  Foreigners are often targeted. Incidents occur mainly in the following areas:

• Virunga Park in North Kivu
• North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings targeting foreigners occur. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours in broad daylight and stripped of their possessions.

These attacks are often perpetrated by small groups of individuals dressed in police uniforms. The threat is particularly high in the Gombe district in Kinshasa.

If you plan to travel to the DRC despite the risks:

• be vigilant at all times
• avoid walking in areas accessible to the public
• use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules
• travel only in a convoy of at least two vehicles for long trips
• if you are threatened, don’t resist

Curfews can be imposed without notice.

Always comply with the directives issued by local authorities.

Road safety

Road safety is poor throughout the country. Fatal accidents are frequent.

Road conditions

Roads are generally poorly maintained and badly lit throughout the country. 

Some roads can become impassable during the rainy season and require a four-wheel drive vehicle, including in some parts of the capital, Kinshasa.

The road between Kinshasa and Matadi is paved, but the risk of accidents is very high due to:

• vehicles that are poorly maintained, overloaded and often abandoned on the road
• insufficient lighting
• lack of road signs

Driving habits

Drivers don't always respect traffic laws, and police rarely enforce it. Drivers can be aggressive and reckless.

If you drive in the DRC:

• always drive defensively
• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area
• only travel in convoys of at least two vehicles on long journeys
• avoid traveling after dark
• check with local authorities to see if you need authorization to travel within the country

Official motorcades

Motorists should pull over to the shoulder of the road when sirens or police announce the approach of presidential or other official motorcades.

• Avoid taking photos of processions
• Only proceed when the police signal for you to do so

Local authorities may increase the number of roadblocks during the night, especially at the following locations:

• in Limete, Ngaba, Kintambo, Ngaliema, Ndjili and Mont Ngafula
• around Camp Kokolo

Carry official identification at all times.

Don't cross any roadblock without stopping, even if it seems unguarded.

Representatives of local authorities may try to confiscate your identification in hopes of receiving a bribe to return them. To reduce this risk in the event of an identification check, try as much as possible to show your identification without lowering your car window.

Law enforcement impersonation

Criminals may impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from you.

• If you are stopped by an officer, ask to see proof identity
• Don't get into a car with strangers, even if they claim to be police officers

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Tourist infrastructure

Tourist facilities are very limited in Kinshasa and virtually non-existent outside the capital.

• Plan your trip accordingly
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• Bring a cell phone, charger and local emergency numbers

Power outages

Power outages can occur on a nationwide scale.

Local authorities may impose electricity rationing measures.

Power outages sometimes disrupt essential services, such as:

• public transport, including flights
• medical services
• public water supply
• telecommunications
• purchase of essential goods

Not all buildings have generators.

• Plan accordingly
• Make sure you always have a complete emergency kit on hand

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network is not always reliable. Fixed telephone lines are virtually non-existent, and cell phone coverage can be intermittent.

Internet access may be limited during periods of civil unrest.

• Don't rely on your cell phone in an emergency, especially outside major cities
• Avoid traveling alone
• Inform someone close to you of your itinerary

Public transportation

Public transport in the DRC is neither reliable nor safe.

You can rent a car with or without a driver from rental companies or travel agencies.

If you're going to Kinshasa, make sure someone meets you at the airport.

Avoid using public transport, including cabs, especially after dark.

Bus routes are not well displayed, and bus stops are poorly located. Vehicles are often overloaded and in very poor condition. Accidents are frequent. 

Only use tour operators offering direct routes from your point of departure.

Taxis and ride-sharing apps

Not all taxis are officially marked, and they generally do not meet safety or mechanical reliability standards. Some ride-sharing apps are available in Kinshasa.

If you need to take a taxi:

• use an officially marked, reliable cab company recommended by your hotel
• never share a cab with strangers
• use a recommended car apps in Kinshasa

Rail service is limited and unsafe. Accidents occur regularly. Poor track conditions and mechanical breakdowns often cause delays. Trains are crowded and often frequented by thieves.

Ferries are available in many parts of the country, but most are unsafe. Ferry accidents occur regularly.

If you decide to take a ferry:

• only use the services of a reliable company
• always confirm the departure time before arriving at the port
• make sure the appropriate safety equipment is available
• don't board a boat that looks overloaded or unseaworthy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Congolese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from DRC.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required - students must obtain a tourist visa Transit visa: required

To enter DRC, Canadians must obtain a visa from the DRC embassy in Ottawa before leaving Canada.

You cannot obtain a visa at a port of entry or at a DRC embassy other than that of your country of residence.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Difficulties at ports of entry

Travellers going to DRC commonly encounter difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry.

Arrival at N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa can be chaotic. Travellers can sometimes be temporarily detained and asked by security and immigration officers to pay unofficial “special fees.”

Departure tax

All air passengers leaving DRC must pay an airport infrastructure development tax (IDEF) in the amount of US$58 (subject to change without notice). You must obtain proof of payment of the IDEF (called a Go Pass) to be permitted to board your flight. This document is available at special counters in banks or designated institutions, and at airports.

Crossing to Brazzaville

To cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, you must have an entry visa issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 17 April, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Mpox (monkeypox): Advice for travellers - 16 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of their trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Wild poliovirus (WPV1) and/or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV1 or cVDPV3)) is/are present in this destination.

This destination is subject to Temporary Recommendations under the World Health Organization’s polio Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) .  

Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .
• Make sure that the polio vaccinations are documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. This is the only document accepted as proof of vaccination. It is provided at Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres .
• Carry the certificate as proof of vaccination.

Proof of vaccination:

• Travellers who are visiting for longer than 4 weeks may be required to receive a dose of polio vaccine 1 to 12 months before they leave this destination. This may be required even if you have previously received all the recommended polio vaccine doses as part of the routine vaccine schedule in Canada.
• Make sure that the polio vaccination is documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)  is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a tsetse fly. Tsetse flies usually bite during the day and the bites are usually painful. If untreated, the disease is eventually fatal. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from bites especially in game parks and rural areas. Avoid wearing bright or dark-coloured clothing as these colours attract tsetse flies. There is no vaccine available for this disease.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Onchocerciasis (river blindness)   is an eye and skin disease caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected female blackfly.  Onchocerciasis often leads to blindness if left untreated. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from blackfly bites, which are most common close to fast-flowing rivers and streams. There is no vaccine available for onchocerciasis although drug treatments exist.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

There is a risk of   plague   in this country. Plague is a bacterial disease that can cause serious illness, and if left untreated, death.

The occurrence of cases in areas where the plague bacteria are known to circulate can be influenced by weather and environmental conditions. In some countries, this results in seasonal outbreaks. Travellers to areas where plague routinely occurs may be at risk if they are camping, hunting, or in contact with rodents.

Plague is spread by:

• bites from fleas infected with the plague
• direct contact with body fluids or tissues from an animal or person who is sick with or has died from plague

Overall risk to travellers is low.   Protect yourself   by   reducing contact with fleas  and potentially infected rodents and other wildlife.

Mpox (monkeypox)   is a risk in this country. It is a viral disease that can cause serious illness in some circumstances. Risk is generally low for most travellers.

Mpox spreads in 3 ways:

• from animals to humans through direct contact or by eating or preparing undercooked meat of infected animals or coming into contact with an infected animal's body fluids
• from person to person through close contact, including direct contact with the skin lesions, blood, body fluids, or mucosal surfaces (such as eyes, mouth, throat, genitalia, anus, or rectum) of an infected person
• through direct contact with contaminated objects such as bedding and towels, or by sharing personal objects used by an infected person

Follow recommended public health measures   and avoid contact with animals such as rodents and primates to help prevent getting or spreading the infection.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Sporadic outbreaks of Ebola disease occur in this country.

Ebola disease can be caused by 6 different viruses, including Sudan virus and Ebola virus, which spread through contact with infected bodily fluids (from people or animals). It is very serious and often fatal.

Practise good hygiene (frequent and proper hand washing) and avoid contact with the body fluids of people with Ebola disease or unknown illnesses. Avoid contact with wild animals.

Of the different viruses that cause Ebola disease, there is only a vaccine to prevent disease caused by Ebola virus. It is available under certain circumstances; however, it is not authorized for sale in Canada. There are currently no approved vaccines or effective treatments for Ebola disease caused by the other viruses, including Sudan virus.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is adequate in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Public facilities may lack medical supplies and equipment.

Doctors and hospitals generally require immediate payment.  

Medical evacuation is often very costly and may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Some prescription medications may not be available in the DRC.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the DRC.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Persons convicted of the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can expect prison terms and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to present your passport and visa at any time. In such situations, you should remain calm and cooperative. Failure to comply could result in expulsion.

• Always carry a certified copy of your passport and visa with you
• Always keep your original passport in a secure place

Photographs

It is forbidden to take photographs, under penalty of arrest or detention, of the following places:

• government buildings
• military installations

Dress and behavior

The DRC is a conservative society. Public displays of affection, including holding hands or kissing, are not socially acceptable.

To avoid offending local residents:

• dress conservatively
• behave with discretion
• respect social and religious traditions
• ask permission before taking their photos

Lèse-majesté

The law forbids disrespecting the head of state, as well as making remarks alleged to threaten national security and malicious comments in public. 

Local authorities have sometimes intimidated, harassed, and arrested journalists, activists, and politicians when they have publicly criticized the government, president or state security forces.

Penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Other traffic laws

Motorists and pedestrians are required to stop for the raising and the lowering of the national flag at approximately 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in the DRC.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of the DRC, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and the DRC.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the DRC by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the DRC to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency is the Congolese franc (CDF).

The DRC is a cash-based economy. The US dollar is widely accepted. Shopkeepers and foreign exchange dealers require banknotes to be in good condition (without tears and of recent issue, i.e. US dollars printed after 2009).

Credit cards are generally not accepted, except in certain hotels, restaurants and department stores.

Large hotels have ATMs where cash advances can be made using certain credit cards, but these are not always in operation.

Currency declaration

You must declare:

• any sum equivalent to more than US$10,000 upon arrival in the country
• any foreign currency upon exit from the country

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from April to October in the north and from November to March in the south. Flash flooding and landslides may occur during these periods and could severely disrupt essential services.

If you are in the affected areas:

• exercise caution
• monitor local news and weather reports

Seismic activity

The DRC is located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes may occur.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Volcanic eruptions are common in some parts of the country. Mount Nyiragongo, situated on the edge of Goma, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The latest eruption in May 2021 forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people, caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in many casualties.   

If you are travelling near an active volcano:

• take official warnings seriously and respect exclusion zones
• monitor local media to stay up-to-date on latest developments and volcanic activity levels
• follow the advice of local authorities

Forest fires and bush fires

Forest and bush fires are frequent from June to August. Fire risk ratings and high alert levels may be issued in affected areas. Air quality in an area affected by a forest fire may deteriorate due to thick smoke.

In the event of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, especially if you suffer from respiratory problems
• prepare to modify your itinerary or even evacuate the area quickly
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• check local media regularly for updates

Local services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Consular assistance

Republic of Congo

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Update April 12, 2024

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Democratic Republic of Congo

Carpeted by huge swaths of rainforest and punctuated by gushing rivers and smoking volcanoes, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) is the ultimate African adventure. As much a geographical concept as a fully fledged nation, DRC has experienced one of the saddest chapters in modern history, suffering a brutal 20th century of colonial exploitation, authoritarian madness and what has been dubbed Africa's first 'world war', which finally ended in 2003 with the rise of the Kabila political dynasty.

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Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parc National des Virunga

Eastern DRC

DRC's magnificent calling card is Virunga, Africa's oldest national park and home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the incredible, active Nyiragongo…

Perhaps DRC's most magnificent single sight, active volcano Nyiragongo soars above the city of Goma and the surrounding Virunga National Park and sends…

Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Ninety minutes west of Kinshasa, just beyond the city's sprawl, this excellent project provides a home for orphaned bonobos. Long thought to be…

Musée National de Kinshasa

This amazing ethnographic archive comprising some 45,000 objects has been waiting patiently for its new home, a US$10 million prestige investment from…

Parc National de Kahuzi-Biéga

South Kivu's star attraction is this national park, where you can track habituated eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas) for just US$400 per person…

Chutes du Zongo

A popular day trip from Kinshasa despite the expensive 4WD hire (US$200) necessary to get here, the gorgeous 65m-high Zongo Falls are one of DRC's most…

Serpents du Congo

This excellent snake farm is located 28km from downtown Kinshasa and makes for a great day out. Owner Franck will gladly show you the poisonous and…

Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage

Provided you make it back from your gorilla track in a timely fashion, it should be possible to visit the world’s only mountain gorilla orphanage, which…

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Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond

Democratic Republic of the Congo

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Geography
• 4.2.1 Congo Free State
• 4.2.2 Belgian Congo
• 4.2.3 Congo Crisis
• 4.2.4 Mobutu
• 4.2.5 First and Second Congo Wars
• 4.2.6 Modern DRC
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.6 Holidays
• 5.1.1.1 Additional requirements
• 5.1.2 Information
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.3 By train
• 5.6 By boat
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By truck
• 6.4 By ferry
• 6.5 By train
• 14.1 Political unrest
• 14.2 Driving conditions
• 14.3 Corruption
• 14.4 Photography
• 15 Stay healthy

The Democratic Republic of the Congo ( French : République Démocratique du Congo (or RDC); often shortened to DRC or D.R. Congo ) is the largest and most populous country in Central Africa , as well as the world's largest Francophone country.

This country is also referred to as Congo-Kinshasa to distinguish it from its northwestern neighbor, the Republic of the Congo (also known as "Congo-Brazzaville").

Although the country has pristine wilderness areas, charismatic fauna, volcanic peaks, friendly people, mineral wealth, and rainforests, the country has been in a state of flux since the 1960s and large parts of the country are unsafe for travel.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• -4.321944 15.311944 1 Kinshasa – the capital of the DRC and the largest French speaking city in the world.
• -2.5 28.866667 2 Bukavu
• -1.679444 29.233611 3 Goma
• -5.896111 22.416667 4 Kananga
• 0.515278 25.191111 5 Kisangani
• -11.664167 27.482778 7 Lubumbashi – the DRC's mining hub.
• -5.816667 13.483333 8 Matadi
• 0.048611 18.260278 9 Mbandaka

Other destinations [ edit ]

Several parks are on the UNESCO World Heritage List .

• -0.5 29.5 1 Virunga National Park
• -2.314806 28.758667 2 Kahuzi-Biega National Park
• 4 29.25 3 Garamba National Park
• -2 21 4 Salonga National Park
• 2 28.5 5 Okapi Wildlife Reserve
• -0.4 27.566667 6 Maiko National Park

Understand [ edit ]

Geography [ edit ].

The DRC is truly vast . At 2,345,408 square kilometres (905,567 sq mi), it is larger than the combined areas of Spain , France , Germany , Sweden , and Norway —or nearly three and a half times the size of Texas .

The defining feature of the country is the second largest rainforest in the world. Rivers large and small snake throughout the country and with a poor road network remain the main means of transport to this day. The Congo River is the third largest river in the world measured by discharge—it even continues into the Atlantic, forming a submarine canyon roughly 50 mi (80 km) to the edge of the continental shelf! It also has the distinction of being one of the deepest rivers in the world with depths up to 220 m (720 ft). Because of the huge volume of water, depth, and rapids, the Congo River is home to a large number of endemic species. The Congo River "begins" at Boyoma Falls near Kisangani . Above these falls, the river is known as the Lualaba River, whose longest tributary extends into Zambia . The Obangui River forms the border between the DRC and CAR/Congo-Brazzaville before flowing into the Congo River.

The Albertine Rift—a branch of the East African Rift—runs along the eastern border of the DRC. It is responsible for Lakes Tanganyika , Kivu, Edward, & Albert. The rift is flanked by a number of extinct volcanoes and two volcanoes that are still active today. The Rwenzori Mountains and Virunga Mountains along the border with Rwanda are quite scenic, rising in the midst of lush tropical forests and sometimes eerily shrouded in mist. Several peaks are over 4000m (13,000 feet). Mount Nyiragongo contains one of only four continuous lava lakes in the world.

The only part of the country not covered by lush forests is the south, around the Kasai Province, which contains mostly savannah and grasslands.

History [ edit ]

For several millennia, the land that now forms the DRC was inhabited by hundreds of small hunter/gatherer tribes. The landscape of dense, tropical forests and the rainy climate kept the population of the region low and prevented the establishment of advanced societies, and as a result few remnants of these societies remain today. The first and only significant political power was the Kongo Kingdom, founded around the 13th-14th centuries. The Kongo Kingdom, which spread across what is now northern Angola , Cabinda , Congo-Brazzaville , and Bas-Congo, became quite wealthy and powerful by trading with other African peoples in ivory, copperware, cloth, pottery, and slaves (long before Europeans arrived). The Portuguese made contact with the Kongos in 1483 and were soon able to convert the king to Christianity, with most of the population following. The Kongo Kingdom was a major source of slaves, who were sold in accordance to Kongo law and were mostly war captives. After reaching its height in the late 15th-early 16th century, the Kongo Kingdom saw violent competition for succession to the throne, war with tribes to the east, and a series of wars with the Portuguese. The Kongo Kingdom was defeated by the Portuguese in 1665 and effectively ceased to exist, although the largely ceremonial position of King of Kongo remained until the 1880s and "Kongo" remained the name of a loose collection of tribes around the Congo River delta. Kivu and the areas near Uganda , Rwanda , & Burundi were a source of slaves to Arab merchants from Zanzibar . The Kuba Federation, in southern DRC, was isolated enough to avoid slaving and even repel Belgian attempts to make contact with them beginning in 1884. After its peak of power in the early 19th century, however, the Kuba Federation broke apart by 1900. Elsewhere, only small tribes and short-lived kingdoms existed.

The land that is now the DRC was the last region of Africa to be explored by Europeans. The Portuguese never managed to travel more than one to two hundred kilometres from the Atlantic coast. Dozens of attempts were made by explorers to travel up the Congo River, but rapids, the impenetrable jungle around them, tropical diseases, and hostile tribes prevented even the most well-equipped parties from travelling beyond the first cataract 160 km inland. Famed British explorer Dr Livingstone began exploring the Lualaba River, which he thought connected to the Nile but is actually the upper Congo, in the mid-1860s. After his famous meeting with Henry Morton Stanley in 1867, Livingstone travelled down the Congo River to Stanley Pool, which Kinshasa & Brazzaville now border. From there, he travelled overland to the Atlantic.

In Belgium , the zealous King Leopold II desperately wanted Belgium to obtain a colony to keep up with other European powers, but was repeatedly thwarted by the Belgian government (he was a Constitutional monarch). Finally, he decided he would obtain a colony himself as an ordinary citizen and organized a "humanitarian" organization to establish a purpose to claim the Congo, and then set up several shell companies to do so. Meanwhile, Stanley sought a financier for his dream project—a railway past the Congo River's lower cataracts, which would allow steamers on the upper 1,000 mile section of the Congo and open up the wealth of the "Heart of Africa". Leopold found a match in Stanley, and tasked him with building a series of forts along the upper Congo River and buying sovereignty from tribal leaders (or killing those unwilling). Several forts were built on the upper Congo, with workers & materials travelling from Zanzibar. In 1883, Stanley managed to travel overland from the Atlantic to Stanley Pool. When he got upriver, he discovered that a powerful Zanzibari slaver got wind of his work and captured the area around the Lualaba River, allowing Stanley to build his final fort just below Stanley Falls (site of modern Kisangani ).

Congo Free State [ edit ]

When the European powers divided Africa amongst themselves at the Conference of Berlin in 1885, under the umbrella of the Association internationale du Congo , Leopold, the sole shareholder, formally gained control of the Congo. The Congo Free State was established, containing all of the modern DRC. No longer needing the AIC, Leopold replaced it with a group of friends and commercial partners and quickly set about to tap the riches of the Congo. Any land not containing a settlement was deemed property of the Congo, and the state was divided into a private zone (exclusive property of the State) and a Free Trade Zone where any European could buy a 10-15 year land lease and keep all income from their land. Afraid of Britain's Cape Colony annexing Katanga (claiming the right to it wasn't exercised by Congo), Leopold sent the Stairs Expedition to Katanga. When negotiations with the local Yeke Kingdom broke down, the Belgians fought a short war which ended with the beheading of their king. Another short war was fought in 1894 with the Zanzibari slavers occupying the Lualaba River.

When the wars ended, the Belgians now sought to maximize profits from the regions. The salaries of administrators were reduced to a bare minimum with a rewards system of large commissions based on their district profits, which was later replaced with a system of commissions at the end of administrators' service, dependent on the approval of their superiors. People living in the "Private Domain" owned by the state were forbidden from trading with anyone but the state, and were required to supply set quotas of rubber and ivory at a low, fixed price. Rubber in the Congo came from wild vines and workers would slash these, rub the liquid rubber on their bodies, and have it scraped off in a painful process when it hardened. The wild vines were killed in the process, meaning they became fewer and more difficult to find as rubber quotas rose.

The government's Force Publique enforced these quotas through imprisonment, torture, flogging, and the raping and burning of disobedient/rebellious villages. The most heinous act of the FP, however, was the taking of hands. The punishment for failing to meet rubber quotas was death. Concerned that the soldiers were using their precious bullets on sport hunting, the command required soldiers to submit one hand for every bullet used as proof they had used the bullet to kill someone. Entire villages would be surrounded and inhabitants murdered with baskets of severed hands being returned to commanders. Soldiers could get bonuses and return home early for returning more hands than others, while some villages faced with unrealistic rubber quotas would raid neighbouring villages to collect hands to present to the FP in order to avoid the same fate. Rubber prices boomed in the 1890s, bringing great wealth to Leopold and the whites of Congo, but eventually low-cost rubber from the Americas and Asia decreased prices and the operation in the CFS became unprofitable.

By the turn of the century, reports of these atrocities reached Europe. After a few years of successfully convincing the public that these reports were isolated incidents and slander, other European nations began investigating the activities of Leopold in the Congo Free State. Publications by noteworthy journalists and authors (like Conrad's Heart of Darkness and Doyle's The Crime of the Congo ) brought the issue to the European public. Embarrassed, the government of Belgium finally annexed the Congo Free State, took over Leopold's holdings, and renamed the state Belgian Congo (to differentiate from French Congo, now Republic of the Congo ). No census was ever taken, but historians estimate around half of the Congo's population, up to 10 million people, was killed between 1885 and 1908.

Belgian Congo [ edit ]

Aside from eliminating forced labour and the associated punishments, the Belgian government didn't make significant changes at first. To exploit the Congo's vast mineral wealth, the Belgians began construction of roads and railroads across the country (most of which remain, with little upkeep over the century, today). The Belgians also worked to give the Congolese access to education and health care. During WWII , the Congo remained loyal to the Belgian government in exile in London and sent troops to engage Italians in Ethiopia and Germans in East Africa . The Congo also became one of the world's main suppliers of rubber and ores. Uranium mined in Belgian Congo was sent to the U.S. and used in the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki that ended the Pacific War .

After WWII, the Belgian Congo prospered and the 1950s were some of the most peaceful years in the Congo's history. The Belgian government invested in health care facilities, infrastructure, and housing. Congolese gained the right to buy/sell property and segregation nearly vanished. A small middle class even developed in the larger cities. The one thing the Belgians did not do was prepare an educated class of black leaders and public servants. The first elections open to black voters and candidates were held in 1957 in the larger cities. By 1959, the successful independence movements of other African countries inspired the Congolese and calls for independence grew louder and louder. Belgium did not want a colonial war to retain control of the Congo and invited a handful of Congolese political leaders for talks in Brussels in January 1960. The Belgians had in mind a 5-6 year transition plan to hold parliamentary elections in 1960 and gradually give administrative responsibility over to the Congolese with independence in mid-1960. The carefully crafted plan was rejected by the Congolese representative and the Belgians eventually conceded to hold elections in May and grant a hasty independence on 30 June. Regional and national political parties emerged with once-jailed leader Patrice Lumumba elected Prime Minister and head of the government.

Independence was granted to the "Republic of the Congo" (the same name neighbouring French colony Middle Congo adopted) on 30 June 1960. The day was marked by a sneer and verbal assault directed at the Belgian king after praising the genius of King Leopold II. Within weeks of independence, the army rebelled against white officers and increasing violence directed at the remaining whites forced nearly all 80,000 Belgians to flee the country.

Congo Crisis [ edit ]

After independence, the country quickly fell apart. The region of South Kasai declared independence on 14 June and the region of Katanga declared independence on 11 July under strongman Moise Tshombe. While not a puppet of Belgium, Tshombe was greatly helped by Belgian financial and military aid. Katanga was essentially a neo-colonial state backed by Belgium and the interests of Belgian mining companies. On 14 July, the UN Security Council passed a resolution authorizing a UN peacekeeping force, and for Belgium to withdraw their remaining troops from the Congo. The Belgian troops left, but many officers stayed as paid mercenaries and were key in warding off the Congolese army's attacks (which were poorly-organized and were guilty of mass killings and rape). President Lumumba turned to the USSR for help, receiving military aid and 1,000 Soviet advisers. A UN force arrived to keep the peace, but did little initially. South Kasai was recaptured after a bloody campaign in December 1961. European mercenaries arrived from all around Africa and even from Europe to help the Katangan army. The UN force attempted to round up and repatriate mercenaries, but didn't make an impact. The UN mission was eventually changed to reintegrate Katanga into Congo with force. For over a year UN & Katanga forces fought in various clashes. UN forces surrounded and captured the Katanga capital Elisabethville ( Lubumbashi ) in December 1962. By January 1963, Tshombe was defeated, the last of the foreign mercenaries fled to Angola, and Katanga was reintegrated into the Congo.

Meanwhile, in Leopoldville (Kinshasa), relations between Prime Minister Lumumba and President Kasa-Vubu, of opposing parties, grew increasingly tense. In September 1960, Kasa-Vubu dismissed Lumumba from his Prime Minister position. Lumumba challenged the legality of this and dismissed Kasa-Vubu as President. Lumumba, who wanted a socialist state, turned to the USSR to ask for help. On September 14—just two and a half months after independence—Congolese Army Chief of Staff General Mobutu was pressured to intervene, launching a coup and placing Lumumba under house arrest. Mobutu had received money from the Belgian and US embassies to pay his soldiers and win their loyalty. Lumumba escaped and fled to Stanleyville ( Kisangani ) before being captured and taken to Elizabethville (Lubumbashi) where he was publicly beaten, disappeared, and was announced dead 3 weeks later. It was later revealed that he was executed in January 1961 in the presence of Belgian & US officials (who had both tried to kill him covertly ever since he asked the USSR for aid) and later had his body dissolved (except a tooth) in acid. The CIA and Belgium were complicit in his execution.

President Kasa-Vubu remained in power and Katanga's Tshombe eventually became Prime Minister. Lumumbist and Maoist Pierre Mulele led a rebellion in 1964, successfully occupying two thirds of the country, and turned to Maoist China for help. The US and Belgium once again got involved, this time with a small military force. Mulele fled to Congo-Brazzaville , but would later be lured back to Kinshasa by a promise of amnesty by Mobutu. Mobutu reneged on his promise, and Mulele was publicly tortured, his eyes gouged out, genitals cut off, and limbs amputated one by one while still alive; his body was then dumped in the Congo River.

The whole country saw widespread conflict and rebellion between 1960 and 1965, leading to the naming of this period the "Congo Crisis.”

Mobutu [ edit ]

General Mobutu, a sworn anti-communist, befriended the US and Belgium in the height of the Cold War and continued to receive money to buy his soldiers' loyalty. In November 1965, Mobutu launched a coup, with U.S. & Belgian support behind the scenes, during yet another power struggle between the President and Prime Minister. Claiming that "politicians" had taken five years to ruin the country, he proclaimed "For five years, there will be no more political party activity in the country." The country was placed in a state of emergency, Parliament was weakened and soon eliminated, and independent trade unions abolished. In 1967, Mobutu established the only permitted political party (until 1990), the Popular Movement of the Revolution (MPR), which soon merged with the government so that the government effectively became a function of the party. By 1970, all threats to Mobutu's power were eliminated and in the presidential election he was the only candidate and voters were given the choice of green for hope or red for chaos (Mobutu, green, won with 10,131,699 to 157). A new constitution drafted by Mobutu and his cronies was approved by 97%.

In the early 1970s, Mobutu began a campaign known as Authenticité , which continued the nationalist ideology begun in his Manifesto of N’Sele in 1967. Under Authenticité, Congolese were ordered to adopt African names, men gave up European suits for the traditional abacost, and geographical names were changed from colonial to African ones. The country became Zaire in 1972, Leopoldville became Kinshasa, Elisabethville became Lubumbashi, and Stanleyville became Kisangani. Most impressive of all, Joseph Mobutu became Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga ("The all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, goes from conquest to conquest, leaving fire in his wake."), or simply Mobutu Sese Seko . Among other changes, all Congolese were declared equal and hierarchical forms of address were eliminated, with Congolese required to address others as "citizen" and foreign dignitaries were met with African singing and dancing rather than a European-style 21-gun salute.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the government remained under the tight grip of Mobutu, who constantly shuffled political and military leaders to avoid competition, while the enforcement of Authenticité precepts waned. Mobutu gradually shifted in methods from torturing and killing rivals to buying them off. Little attention was paid to improving the life of Congolese. The single-party state essentially functioned to serve Mobutu and his friends, who grew disgustingly wealthy. Among Mobutu's excesses included a runway in his hometown long enough to handle Concorde planes which he occasionally rented for official trips abroad and shopping trips in Europe; he was estimated to have over US$5 billion in foreign accounts when he left office. He also attempted to build a cult of personality, with his image everywhere, a ban on media from saying any other government official by name (only title), and introduced titles like "Father of the Nation," "Saviour of the People," and "Supreme Combatant." Despite his Soviet-style single party state and authoritarian governance, Mobutu was vocally anticommunist, and with the fear of Soviet puppet governments rising in Africa (such as neighbouring Angola) the US and other Western Bloc powers continued providing economic aid and political support to the Mobutu regime.

When the Cold War waned, international support for Mobutu gave way to criticism of his rule. Covertly, domestic opposition groups began to grow and the Congolese people began to protest the government and the failing economy. In 1990, the first multi-party elections were held, but did little to effect change. Unpaid soldiers began rioting and looting Kinshasa in 1991 and most foreigners were evacuated. Eventually, a rival government arose from talks with the opposition, leading to a stalemate and dysfunctional government.

First and Second Congo Wars [ edit ]

By the mid-1990s, it was clear Mobutu's rule was nearing an end. No longer influenced by Cold War politics, the international community turned against him. Meanwhile, the economy of Zaire was in shambles (and remains little improved to this day). The central government had a weak control of the country and numerous opposition groups formed and found refuge in Eastern Zaire, far from Kinshasa.

The Kivu region was long home to ethnic strife between the various 'native' tribes and the Tutsis who were brought by the Belgians from Rwanda in the late 19th century. Several small conflicts had occurred since independence, resulting in thousands of deaths. But when the 1994 Rwandan genocide took place in neighbouring Rwanda, over 1.5 million ethnic Tutsi and Hutu refugees flowed into Eastern Zaire. Militant Hutus—the main aggressors in the genocide—began attacking both Tutsi refugees and the Congolese Tutsi population (the Banyamulenge ) and also formed militias to launch attacks into Rwanda in hopes of returning to power there. Not only did Mobutu fail to stop the violence, but supported the Hutus for an invasion of Rwanda. In 1995, the Zairian Parliament ordered the return of all people of Rwandan or Burundian descent to return to be repatriated. The Tutsi-led Rwandan government, meanwhile, began to train and support Tutsi militias in Zaire.

In August 1996, fighting broke out and the Tutsis residing in the Kivu provinces began a rebellion with the goal of gaining control of North & South Kivu and fighting Hutu militias still attacking them. The rebellion soon gained support of the locals and collected many Zairian opposition groups, which eventually united as the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) with the goal of ousting Mobutu. By the end of the year, with help from Rwanda & Uganda, the rebels had managed to control a large section of Eastern Zaire that protected Rwanda & Uganda from Hutu attacks. The Zairian army was weak and when Angola sent troops in early 1997, the rebels gained the confidence to capture the rest of the country and oust Mobutu. By May, the rebels were close to Kinshasa and captured Lubumbashi. When peace talks between sides broke down, Mobutu fled and AFDL leader Laurent-Desire Kabila marched into Kinshasa. Kabila changed the country's name to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, attempted to restore order, and expelled foreign troops in 1998.

A mutiny broke out in Goma in August 1998 among Tutsi soldiers and a new rebel group formed, taking control of much of the Eastern DRC. Kabila turned to Hutu militias to help suppress the new rebels. Rwanda saw this as an attack on the Tutsi population and sent troops across the border for their protection. By the end of the month, the rebels held much of the Eastern DRC along with a small area near the capital, including the Inga Dam which allowed them to shut off electricity to Kinshasa. When it looked certain Kabila's government and the capital Kinshasa would fall to the rebels, Angola, Namibia, & Zimbabwe agreed to defend Kabila and troops from Zimbabwe arrived just in time to protect the capital from a rebel attack; Chad, Libya, & Sudan also sent troops to help Kabila. As a stalemate approached, the foreign governments involved in fighting in the DRC agreed to a ceasefire in January 1999, but since the rebels weren't a signatory, fighting continued.

In 1999, the rebels broke up into numerous factions aligned along ethic or pro-Uganda/pro-Rwanda lines. A peace treaty among the six warring states (DRC, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Uganda) and one rebel group was signed in July and all agreed to end fighting and track down and disarm all rebel groups, especially ones associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Fighting continued as pro-Rwanda & pro-Uganda factions turned on each other and the UN authorized a peacekeeping mission (MONUC) in early 2000.

In January 2001, President Laurent Kabila was shot by a bodyguard and later died. He was replaced by his son Joseph Kabila. The rebels continued to break up into smaller factions and fought each other in addition to the DRC & foreign armies. Many rebels managed to gain funds through the smuggling of diamonds and other "conflict minerals" (like copper, zinc, & coltan) from the regions they occupied, many times through forced and child labor in dangerous conditions. The DRC signed peace treaties with Rwanda & Uganda in 2002. In December 2002, the main factions signed the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement to end the fighting. The agreement established a Transitional DRC government that would reunify the country, integrate & disarm rebel factions, and hold elections in 2005 for a new constitution & politicians with Joseph Kabila remaining president. The UN peacekeeping force grew much larger and was tasked with disarming rebels, many of which retained their own militias long after 2003. Conflict remains in North & South Kivu, Ituri, & northern Katanga provinces.

During the course of fighting, the First Congo War resulted in 250,000-800,000 dead. The Second Congo War resulted in over 350,000 violent deaths (1998-2001) and 2.7-5.4 million "excess deaths" as a result of starvation and disease among refugees due to the war (1998-2008), making it the deadliest conflict in the world since the end of World War Two.

Modern DRC [ edit ]

Joseph Kabila remained president of a transitional government until nationwide elections were held in 2006 for a new Constitution, Parliament, & President with major financial and technical support from the international community. Kabila won (and was re-elected in 2011). While corruption has been greatly reduced and politics have become more inclusive of minority political views, the country remains little improved from its condition at the end of Mobutu's rule. The DRC has the dubious distinction of having the lowest or second-lowest GDP per capita in the world (only Somalia ranks lower) and the economy remains poor. China has sought a number of mining claims, many of which are paid for by building infrastructure (railroads, roads) and facilities like schools & hospitals. The UN and many NGOs have a very large presence in the Kivu provinces, but despite a large amount of aid money, many still live in refugee camps and survive on foreign/UN aid. Fighting in Kivu & Ituri waned by the end of the decade, although many former militia members remain militant. Few have been tried and convicted for war crimes, although many former rebel leaders are accused of crimes against humanity & the use of child soldiers.

Soldiers formerly members of a militia that fought in Kivu from 2006 until a peace agreement in 2009 mutinied in April 2012 and a new wave of violence followed as they took control of a large area along the Uganda/Rwanda borders. Rwanda has been accused of backing this M23 movement and the UN is investigating their possible involvement.

Climate [ edit ]

The country straddles the Equator, with one-third to the north and two-thirds to the south. As a result of this equatorial location, the Congo experiences large amounts of precipitation and has the highest frequency of thunderstorms in the world. The annual rainfall can total upwards of 80 inches (2,032 mm) in some places, and the area sustains the second largest rain forest in the world (after that of the Amazon). This massive expanse of lush jungle covers most of the vast, low-lying central basin of the river, which slopes toward the Atlantic Ocean in the west. This area is surrounded by plateaus merging into savannahs in the south and southwest, by mountainous terraces in the west, and dense grasslands extending beyond the Congo River in the north. High, glaciated mountains are found in the extreme eastern region.

Read [ edit ]

• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. A short novel published in 1903 based on the experiences of Conrad while working in the Congo Free State.
• Through the Dark Continent by Henry Morton Stanley. An 1878 book documenting his trip down the Congo River.
• King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild. A non-fiction popular history book which examines the activities of Leopold and the men who ran the Congo Free State. A best-seller with 400,000 copies printed since publication in 1998. It is the basis of a 2006 documentary of the same name.
• Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart by Tim Butcher. The author carefully retraces the route of Stanley's expedition in Through the Dark Continent and describes the challenges he faces.
• Dancing in the Glory of Monsters by Jason Stearns. Written by a member of the UN panel investigating Congolese rebels, this is a meticulously researched yet accessible account of the Congo wars.

People [ edit ]

More than 200 ethnic groups live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Kongo, Mongo, Mangbetu, Azande, and Luba, who constitute 45% of the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Holidays [ edit ]

• January 1 - New Year's Day
• January 4 - Martyrs Day
• Easter - moveable
• May 17 - Liberation Day
• June 30 - Independence Day
• August 1 - Parents Day
• November 17 - Army Day
• December 25 - Christmas
• December 30 - St. Paul's Day

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ]

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is not one of the easiest countries to enter, even for citizens of various African countries. The DRC has very few visa-free arrangements in place, and thus visas are required for almost everyone.

Citizens of Burundi , Rwanda , Republic of the Congo , and Zimbabwe can enter the DRC visa free for up to 90 days. Citizens of Kenya , Mauritius and Tanzania can obtain a visa on arrival, valid for only 7 days.

Visa application requirements [ edit ]

DRC visas are expensive (The DRC embassy in the United States charges $100 for a single entry visa), so plan and prepare accordingly. Although requirements vary from country to country, you must submit the following to obtain a DRC visa:

• A completed visa application form
• A passport-sized photograph
• An invitation letter from your host or tour guide (hotel reservations will suffice)
• A copy of your flight itinerary
• A copy of your passport.

Additional requirements [ edit ]

• If you have visited the DRC in the past, you are required to submit copies of DRC visas you've obtained in the past.
• If you are of Congolese origin, you are not required to get an invitation letter.
• A yellow fever vaccination card is mandatory .

Information [ edit ]

You can find the visa requirements on the Interior Ministry website (in French) . However, getting a visa—like most government services—isn't straightforward and can be a messy process, with different officials telling you different stories in different places around the country and at different embassies/consulates worldwide. And then there are immigration officials trying to get more money out of you for their own gain. What follows are the requirements that seem to be in place as of June 2012, although you may hear stories telling you otherwise.

If arriving by air (Kinshasa or Lubumbashi), you will need to have a visa before arrival and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Visas on arrival are not issued, or at least not commonly enough that you risk being placed on the next plane back. You should also have one passport-sized photograph, and evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay, which includes evidence of a hotel reservation. The requirements and costs for visas vary from embassy to embassy, with some requiring a letter of invitation, others an onward air ticket, proof of funds for travel, and others nothing beyond an application. If planning to get a visa in a third country (e.g.: an American arriving by air from Ethiopia), wait for a visa before booking the airfare, since DRC embassies in some African countries only issue visas to citizens or residents of that country.

As for arriving overland, you're best off if your home country doesn't have a DRC embassy (such as Australia & New Zealand) in which case you can apply for a visa in neighbouring countries without too much trouble. If your passport is from a country with a DRC embassy then embassies in neighbouring countries (Uganda, Rwanda, etc.) may tell you that you can only apply for a visa in your country of citizenship or residence.

If you're entering the DRC from Uganda or Rwanda (especially at Goma), the visa process seems different for everyone. You can apply for a visa at the embassies in Kigali, Kampala, or Nairobi with a 1-7 day turnaround for US$50–80. Applying for a transit visa at the border no longer appears to be practical. Travellers trying to get a visa at the border have been asked for as much as US$500! (2012). The actual cost depends on who's working at the post that day, your nationality, and how persistent you are, with US$100 seeming to be the real price, but many being told US$200–300 either as just the "fee" or a fee plus "tip" for the officials. These visas are either "transit" visas valid for 7 days or visas only valid to visit the Goma and border areas. Given the bad security situation in North/South Kivu, you probably shouldn't venture outside Goma or the national parks anyways. If you visit Virunga National Park ( official site ), you can get a visa for USD50 and apply on-line or through your tour operator. If you can't get a visa at Goma for a reasonable price, you can travel south and try to cross at Bukavu and take a boat across the lake to Goma (do not go by road: too dangerous). Also, be sure if you cross the border to the DRC immigration post, you have officially left Uganda or Rwanda, so ensure you have a multiple-entry visa before leaving.

When exiting the country by air, there is a US$50 departure tax that you'll need to pay in cash at the airport. If you travel by boat from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, you must have a special exit permit and a visa for Congo-Brazzaville. To save time, money and stress, you should probably contact your embassy in Kinshasa before taking the ferry.

By plane [ edit ]

The main gateway to the DRC is Kinshasa-N'djili airport ( FIH  IATA ). Built in 1953, it hasn't had much in the way of upgrades and certainly doesn't rank among the continent's better airports.

From Africa : South African Airways, Kenyan Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, & Royal Air Maroc serve Kinshasa-N'djili multiple times a week from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, & Casablanca (via Douala), respectively.

Other African airlines serving Kinshasa-N'Djili are: Afriqiyah Airways (Tripoli); Air Mali (Douala, Bamako); Benin Gulf Air (Cotonou, Pointe-Noire); Camair-co (Douala); CAA (Entebe); Ethiopian/ASKY (Brazzaville, Cotonou, Douala, Lagos, Lome); RwandAir (Kigali); TAAG Angola Airways (Luanda).

From Europe : Air France & Brussels Airlines have regular direct flights. Turkish Airlines will begin service from Istanbul in August 2012. You can also try booking travel through one of the major African airlines like Eithiopian, South African, Kenyan, or Royal Air Maroc.

The DRC's second city Lubumbashi ( FBM  IATA ) has an international airport served by Ethiopian Airlines (Lilongwe, Addis Ababa), Kenya Airways (Harare, Nairobi), Korongo (Johannesburg), Precision Air (Dar es Salaam, Lusaka), & South African Express (Johannesburg).

Other airports with international service are Goma ( GOM  IATA ) with service by CAA to Entebbe (Kampala) & Kisangani ( FKI  IATA ) which is served by Kenya Airways from Nairobi.

By train [ edit ]

There are no international passenger trains from neighboring countries, and limited freight traffic, despite two international railway lines, one from Angola and one from Zambia into the Katanga region. Lines are in various state of disrepair and others are simple abandoned. While some repairs, mainly with Chinese help, have taken place it's unlikely that new cross-border services will materialize in the next few years. However, for the intrepid traveler it's possible to catch a train to the border town of Luao , in Eastern Angola , and cross the border by other means. There are also trains to Kitwe and Ndola in the Copperbelt of northern Zambia, from where it's possible to cross the border.

By car [ edit ]

The roads as a whole are too rocky or muddy for cars without 4 wheel drive. Decent paved roads connect the Katanga region with Zambia and Kinshasa down to Matadi and Angola. Roads enter the DRC from Uganda, Rwanda, & Burundi, although travelling far past the border is very difficult and parts of the Eastern DRC remain unsafe. There are ferries to take vehicles across the Congo River from Congo-Brazzaville and it may be possible to find a ferry from the CAR to the remote, unpaved roads of the northern DRC. Do not entirely trust your map. Many display an unfortunate wishful thinking. Roads are frequently washed out by rains, or were simply never built in the first place. Ask a local or a guide whether or not a route is passable.

By bus [ edit ]

From Uganda to Congo via Bunagana Kisoro Border. There are many buses which operate daily between Bunagana /Uganda and Goma every day 07:00-13:00. Prices for the bus is USD5. A valid visa for both countries is required in either direction. Entry and exit procedures at Bunagana border are "easy" and straight forward, and people are very helpful in assisting visitors to get through without troubles.

By boat [ edit ]

Passenger and VIP ferries also locally known as 'Carnot Rapide' operate daily between Brazzaville and Kinshasa roughly every two hours 08:00-15:00. Prices for the ferries are: USD15 for the passenger and USD25 for the VIP ferry (Carnot Rapide). The latter is recommended as these are brand new boats and not cramped. A valid visa for both countries is required in either direction as well as (at least "officially") a special permit. The bureaucracy at either end require some time. Entry and exit procedures in Brazzaville are "easy" and straight forward and people are very helpful in assisting to get through without troubles. In contrast, these procedures are a bit difficult in Kinshasa and depend much on whether you are an individual traveller or assisted by an organisation or an official government representative.

There are also speed boats to hire, either in a group or alone (price!), however, it is not advisable to book them as they really speed across the river along the rapids.

Get around [ edit ]

With an area covering 2,345,409 square kilometres (905,567 sq mi) and inadequately developed infrastructure, the DR Congo can be a very tough country to get around in.

DRC's roads are best described as tremendously underdeveloped . The country's entire road network is notorious for being difficult to drive on and poorly maintained, primarily due to the Congolese government's negligence. The DRC has few paved roads for its population and geography — neighbouring Zambia and Botswana have much more.

During the rainy season, the roads become muddy, making most long-distance road journeys virtually impossible. Going from one city to another can take several weeks .

Driving around in major cities like Kinshasa is fine.

Due to the immense size of the country, the terrible state of the roads and the poor security situation, the only way to get around the country quickly is by plane. This is not to say that it's safe. DR Congo's share of world air traffic is less than 0.1%, but it has accounted for nearly 4% of total air accidents from 2010-2019. But flying is still a better alternative to travelling overland or by boat.

The largest and longest-operating carrier is Compagnie Africain d'Aviation , with service to Goma, Kananga, Kindu, Kinshasa-N'djili, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Mbandaka, Mbuji-Maya, & Entebbe(Kampala), Uganda.

Air Kasaï operates from Kinshasa-N'Dolo to Beni, Bunia, Goma, & Lubumbashi.

By truck [ edit ]

As smaller vehicles are unable to negotiate what remains of the roads, a lot of travel in the Congo is done by truck. If you go to a truck park, normally near the market, you should be able to find a truck driver to take you where ever you want, conflict zones aside. You travel on top of the load with a large number of others. If you pick a truck carrying bags of something soft like peanuts it can be quite comfortable. Beer trucks are not. If the trip takes days then comfort can be vital, especially if the truck goes all night. It helps to sit along the back, as the driver will not stop just because you want the toilet. The cost has to be negotiated so ask hotel staff first and try not to pay more than twice the local rate. Sometimes the inside seat is available. Food can be bought from the driver, though they normally stop at roadside stalls every 5/6 hours. Departure time are normally at the start or end of the day, though time is very flexible. It helps to make arrangements the day before. It is best to travel with a few others. Women should never ever travel alone. Some roads have major bandit problems so check carefully before going.

At army checkpoints locals are often hassled for bribes. Foreigners are normally left alone, but prepare some kind of bribe just in case. By the middle of the afternoon the soldiers can be drunk so be very careful and very polite. Never lose your temper.

By ferry [ edit ]

A ferry on the Congo River operates, if security permits, from Kinshasa to Kisangani, every week or two. You can pick it up at a few stops en route, though you have to rush as it doesn't wait. A suitable bribe to the ferry boss secures a four bunk cabin and cafeteria food. The ferry consists of 4 or so barges are tied around a central ferry, with the barges used as a floating market. As the ferry proceeds wood canoes paddled by locals appear from the surrounding jungle with local produce - vegetables, pigs, monkeys, etc. - which are traded for industrial goods like medicine or clothes. You sit on the roof watching as wonderful African music booms out. Of course it is not clean, comfortable or safe. It is however one of the world's great adventures.

The few trains which still operate in the DRC are in very poor condition and run on tracks laid by the Belgian colonial government over a half century ago. The rolling stock is very old and dilapidated. You are lucky to get a hard seat and even luckier if your train has a dining car (which will probably have limited options that run out halfway through the trip). Expect the car to be overcrowded with many sitting on the roof. Trains in the DRC operate on an erratic schedule due to lack of funds or fuel and repairs/breakdowns that are frequent. On many lines, there can be 2–3 weeks between trains. If there's any upside, there haven't been too many deaths due to derailments (probably less than have died in airplane crashes in the DRC). There's really no way to book a train ride in advance; simply show up at the station and ask the stationmaster when the next train will run and buy a ticket on the day it leaves. The Chinese government in return for mining rights has agreed to construct US$9 billion in railroads and highways. As a result of this, the Kinshasa-Matadi railway has been renovated.

As of 2023, the following lines may be in operation, but you should double-check this once you arrive as information is very hard to find outside the country.

• Kinshasa - Matadi — The busiest and best equipped route in the whole country. As of 2019 there is one "express" service per week in each direction. Trains are semi-modern and has both a first-class carriages and a dining car. The railway line was first built in the 1890s and is infamous for the enormous human cost, where thousands of the forced laborers perished.
• Lubumbashi - Ilebo — This route has been somewhat upgraded and new trains with couchettes and a restaurant run several times per week. Journey time for the full length is about two days. Ilebo lies at the end of the navigable portion of the Kasai River, allowing travellers to transfer to ferry to reach Western DRC.
• Kamina-Kindu — Unusable after the war, this line has been rehabilitated. The line connects with the Lubumbashi-Ilebo line, so there may be trains running from Lubumbashi-Kindu.
• Kisangani-Ubundu — A portage line to bypass the Stanley Falls on the Congo, service only runs when there is freight to carry when a boat arrives at either end which may be once every 1–2 months. There are no passenger ferries from Ubundu to Kindu, but you may be able to catch a ride on a cargo boat.

Lines that are most likely inoperable or very degraded/abandoned are:

• A branch of the Lubumbashi-Ilebo line that runs to the Angolan border. It once connected with Angola's Benguela railway and ran to the Atlantic until the 1970s when the Angolan side was destroyed by a civil war. The western half of the Benguela railway, in Angola has been rehabilitated and trains run up to the border with DRC.
• The Kabalo-Kalemie line runs from the Kamina-Kindu line at Kabalo to Kalemie on Lake Tanganyika. The easternmost section has been abandoned. Although unlikely, there may be service on the western half of the line.
• Bumba-Isiro — Also known as the Vicicongo Line, this is an isolated, narrow-gauge line in the northern jungles. There were reports trains ran on a small western section from Bumba-Aketi (and possibly Buta) around 2008, but as of 2023 this line is believed to be completely abandoned.

Bus Express Kinshasa, Transco Express, RVA and VIP Congo offer long distance bus transport in DRC.

Talk [ edit ]

French is the lingua franca of the country and nearly everyone has a basic to moderate understanding of French. In Kinshasa and much of the Western DRC, nearly everyone is fluent in French with Kinshasa being the largest French-speaking city in the world, although locals may be heard speaking Lingala amongst themselves. Much of the eastern half speaks Swahili as a regional language. The other major regional languages in the country are Kikongo and Tshiluba , and the Congo also has a wide range of smaller local languages. Like the regional languages, the local languages are mostly in the Bantu family. If you are travelling to the southwestern border near Angola you can find some Portuguese speakers.

See [ edit ]

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called the "Heart of Africa" in terms of vastness, is the largest nation in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the most enigmatic countries on the continent. Much of the DRC is wild, but its attractions include a multitude of varied cultures and a beauty of tropical landscapes, which include rainforests scattered with waterways and captivating wildlife.

The "Academie des Beaux-Arts" is often considered a touristic site and is in itself and with its gallery a good place to meet the famous artists of this country. Big names like Alfred Liyolo, Lema Kusa oder Roger Botembe are teaching here as well as the only purely abstract working artist Henri Kalama Akulez, whose private studio is worth a visit.

Do [ edit ]

Congo is the centre of popular African music. Try visiting a local bar or disco, in Bandal or Matonge (both in Kinshasa), if possible with live soukouss music, and just hit the dance floor!

Buy [ edit ]

There are some supermarkets in Gombe commune of Kinshasa that sell food and drinks, soap, kitchen devices and bazar: City Market, Peloustore, Kin Mart, Hasson's.

SIM cards and prepaid recharge for mobile phones are available in the street and at Ndjili airport, at a reasonable price.

Money [ edit ]

The local currency is the Congolese franc , sometimes abbreviated FC and sometimes just with a capital F placed after the amount (ISO international currency code: CDF ). The currency is freely convertible (but impossible to get rid of outside the country).

Banknotes are issued in denominations of FC50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000. The only Congolese bank notes in circulation in most places are the 50, 100, 200 and 500 franc notes. They are almost worthless, as the highest valued banknote (the 500 franc note) is worth less than US$0.20.

US dollars in denominations above US$2 are much preferred to francs. In contrast, US coins and one and two US dollar bills are considered worthless. If you pay in dollars, you will get change in francs. Though francs may sometimes come as notes so old they feel like fabric, US dollar bills must be crisp (less than 3 folds) and be printed in or after 2003, or they will not be accepted.

In some shops, the symbol FF is used to mean 1,000 francs.

MasterCard/Maestro ATMs are available now in Kinshasa at the "Rawbank" on boulevard du 30 Juin (Gombe District), and in Grand Hotel. It dispenses US dollars. Visa card is also usable with "Procredit" bank ATMs in Kinshasa, avenue des Aviateurs, or outside in front of Grand Hotel (only US$20 and US$100 bills).

You can withdraw money with a Mastercard or Visa card at all Ecobank or Equity banks ATMs in DRC.

Eat [ edit ]

Congo has one national dish: moambe . It's made of eight ingredients ( moambe is the Lingala word for eight ): palm nuts, chicken, fish, peanuts, rice, cassave leaves, bananas and hot pepper sauce.

Drink [ edit ]

The usual soft drinks (called sucré in Congo) such as Coke, Pepsi and Mirinda are available in most places and are safe to drink. Local drinks like Vitalo are amazing. Traditional drinks like ginger beer are also common.

The local beer is based on rice, and tastes quite good. It comes in 75 cl bottles. Primus, Skol, Castel are the most common brands. Tembo and Doppel are the local dark beers.

In rural areas, you may try the local palm wine, an alcoholic beverage from the sap of the palm tree. It is tapped from the tree, and begins fermenting immediately after collection. After two hours, fermentation yields an aromatic wine of up to 4% alcohol content, mildly intoxicating and sweet. The wine may be allowed to ferment longer, up to a day, to yield a stronger, more sour and acidic taste, which some people prefer.

Beware of the local gin. Sometimes unscrupulous vendors mix in methanol which is toxic and can cause blindness. Some people believe that the methanol is a by product of regular fermentation. This is not the case as regular fermentation can not yield methanol in toxic amounts.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are more and more hotels in Kinshasa, with smaller hotels available in Gombe and Ngaliema area. In many small towns the local church or monastery may have beds available. You may also encounter the occasional decaying colonial hotel. Not all are safe.

Stay safe [ edit ]

DR Congo remains one of the most underdeveloped countries in Africa and a significant portion of the DRC is not safe for any travel or sightseeing. In addition to active conflicts, the country has very limited health care and tourism facilities, even by African standards.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen more than its fair share of violence. A number of ongoing wars, conflicts, and episodes of fighting have occurred since independence, with sporadic, regional violence continuing today. As a result, significant sections of the country should be considered off-limits to travellers.

In the northeastern part of the country, the LRA (of child-soldier & 'Kony' fame) continues to roam the jungles near the border with the CAR/South Sudan/Uganda. Although a few areas very close to the Ugandan border are relatively safe to visit, travel anywhere north and east of Kisangani & Bumba is dangerous.

The regions of North & South Kivu have been in a state of continuous conflict since the early 1990s. The days of the notoriously bloody violence that occurred during the First and Second Congo Wars (during which 5 million died in fighting or through resulting disease/famine) officially ended with a peace treaty in 2003. However, low-level violence spurred by several warlords/factions has occurred ever since and this region is home to the largest UN peacekeeping mission in the world (as of 2012). Hundreds of thousands live in refugee camps near Goma. In April 2012, a new faction—"M23"—arose, led by Gen.Ntaganda (wanted by the ICC for war crimes) and has captured/attacked many towns in the region, where they are accused of killing civilians and raping women. This has been the most serious crisis since the end of war in 2003. In mid-July, they threatened to invade Goma to protect the Tutsi population there from "harassment"; the UN peacekeeping mission quickly responded that they would reposition 19,000 peacekeepers to protect Goma & nearby refugee camps. How serious the threat of fighting in Goma remains to be seen BBC report ) The only safe areas in North/South Kivu are the cities of Goma & Bukavu and Virunga National Park, all on the Rwandan border.

Public transportation is almost non-existent and the primary means of travel is catching a ride on an old, overloaded truck where several paying passengers are allowed to sit atop the cargo. This is very dangerous.

Congolese planes crash with depressing regularity, with eight recorded crashes in 2007 alone. Despite this, the risks of air travel remain on par with travel by road, barge, or rail. The notorious Hewa Bora airlines has gone out of business and the creation of a handful of new airlines between 2010 and 2012 should lead to improvement in the safety of air travel in the DRC. Avoid at all costs, old Soviet aircraft that are often chartered to carry cargo and perhaps a passenger or two and stick with the commercial airlines operating newer aircraft (listed above under "Get around/By plane"). If you are still fearful of getting on a Congolese plane and aren't as concerned about cost, you can try flying with a foreign carrier such as Kenyan Airways (which flies to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, & Kisangani) or Ethiopian (Kinshasha, Lubumbashi). Just be sure to check the visa requirements to transit.

Travel by river boat or barge remains somewhat risky, although safer than by road. Overcrowded barges have sunk and aging boats have capsized travelling along the Congo River, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Before catching a ride, take a look at the vessel you will be boarding and if you don't feel safe, it is better to wait for the next boat, even if you must wait several days. Most of the country's rail network is in disrepair, with little maintenance carried out since the Belgians left. A few derailings have occurred, resulting in large numbers of casualties. Trains in the DRC are also overloaded, don't even think about joining the locals riding on the roof!

Crime is a serious problem across much of the country. During the waning years of Mobutu's rule, Kinshasa had one of the highest murder rates in the world and travel to Kinshasa was comparable to Baghdad during the Iraq War! While violence has subsided considerably, Kinshasa remains a high crime city (comparable to Lagos or Abidjan). Keep anything that can be perceived as valuable by a Congolese out of sight when in vehicles, as smash-and-grab crime at intersections occurs. Markets in larger cities are rife with pickpockets. Keep in mind that the DRC remains among the 3-4 poorest countries in Africa and compared to the locals, every white person is perceived as rich. Be vigilant of thieves in public places. If travelling in remote areas, smaller villages are usually safer than larger ones. Hotel rooms outside the biggest cities often don't have adequate safety (like flimsy locks on doors or ground-level windows that don't lock or have curtains).

Taking photos in public can be cause for suspicion. By some accounts, an official permit is needed to take photos in the DRC. In reality they will likely be difficult or impossible to find or obtain. Do not photograph anything that can be perceived as a national security threat, such as bridges, roadblocks, border crossings, and government buildings.

Additionally, the DRC has very poor health care infrastructure/facilities. Outside the capital Kinshasa, there are very few hospitals or clinics for sick or injured travellers to visit. If you are travelling on one of the country's isolated, muddy roads or along the Congo River, you could be over a week away from the nearest clinic or hospital! A number of tropical diseases are present—see "Stay healthy" below.

Those visiting for business, research, or international aid purposes should consult with their organization and seek expert guidance before planning a trip. Travellers visiting on their own should consult the advice of your embassy for any travel to the DRC.

Political unrest [ edit ]

While the country has made some advances in terms of democratic institutions, civil society participation, regional cooperation, and peacekeeping efforts, the DRC's political situation, as a whole, is fragile, fluid, and uncertain.

Protests and rallies can start anytime and get violent. They have caused clashes between protesters, police, and others. More protests may happen across the country. They can be dangerous and disruptive. Stay away from these places, follow the local authorities, and check the local news often. The airport in Kinshasa may close in a crisis. It is near the parliament, where protests happen. Avoid this road if there are protests.

Driving conditions [ edit ]

DRC's roads are best described as tremendously underdeveloped . The country's entire road network is notorious for being difficult to drive on and poorly maintained, primarily due to the Congolese government's negligence. During the rainy season, the roads become muddy, making most long-distance road journeys virtually impossible. The DRC has few paved roads for its population and geography — Zambia and Botswana have much more.

Data from the World Health Organisation shows that the DRC has a high road traffic death rate.

You are strongly recommended not to drive from one city to another in DRC unless you know the country well and are experienced in driving in difficult conditions.

Corruption [ edit ]

Corruption in the DRC is systemic and endemic, affecting everything it touches in the country, from the government to the business world. It has sadly become an accepted and tolerated practice.

The police force is routinely regarded as one of the most corrupt institutions in the DRC. Due to their low salaries − the typical police officer earns $50-100 a month, which is not enough to afford a decent standard of living in many parts of the world − they often target and extort people for bribes. According to one source, each police station (allegedly and reportedly) in Kinshasa collected an average of $12,100 in bribes per month in 2015, a staggering amount in a country where most people live in poverty.

You are advised not to trust the police at all.

Photography [ edit ]

Taking photographs of strategically important structures − government buildings or structures, police stations, border crossings, military installations, power plants, and airports − is illegal. Engaging in this may cause the authorities to (incorrectly) assume you're a spy, a member of an armed group at odds with the Congolese government, or a terrorist.

Given DR Congo's history of enduring years of conflict, anything perceived to threaten the country's national security is taken very seriously.

You will be detained by police if caught and unable to bribe them for your transgression.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Excellent medical care is almost entirely non-existent in DRC, especially for non-citizens.

Ebola Virus – a virus which killed 49 people in DRC during a three-month outbreak in 2014 – remains present in the equatorial forest region of Bas-Uele province (bordering Central African Republic/CAR). On 1 August 2018, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces. Travellers should avoid eating bushmeat, avoid contact with persons that appear ill, practice good personal hygiene and seek medical advice before travel. As of September 2019, this outbreak is still ongoing with more than 3,000 cases and 2,000 deaths.

You will need a yellow fever vaccination in order to enter the country by air (this requirement is often ignored at land entry points, particularly the smaller ones). There are health officials at some major entry points, such as the airport in Kinshasa, who check this before you are allowed to enter.

Congo is malarial, although slightly less in the Kivu region due to the altitude, so use insect repellent and take the necessary precautions such as sleeping under mosquito nets. The riverside areas (such as Kinshasa) are quite prone to malaria.

If you need emergency medical assistance, it is advised that you go to your nation's embassy. The embassy doctors are normally willing and skilled enough to help. There are safe hospitals in Kinshasa, like "CMK" (Centre Medical de Kinshasa), which is private and was established by European doctors (a visit costs around US$20). Another private and non-profit hospital is Centre Hospitalier MONKOLE, in Mont-Ngafula district, with European and Congolese doctors. Dr Léon Tshilolo, a paediatrician trained in Europe and one of the African experts in sickle-cell anaemia, is the Monkole Medical Director.

Drink lots of water when outside. The heat and close proximity to the equator can easily give those not acclimated heatstroke after just a few hours outside without water. There are many pharmacies that are very well supplied but prices are a few times higher than in Europe.

Do not drink tap water . Bottled water seems to be cheap enough, but sometimes hard to find for a good price.

Respect [ edit ]

As is the case in most African nations, it is customary to show respect to elders and authority figures. If a figure of authority asks you to do something, it is advisable to comply or at least show deference. Try not to do anything that would make an older person feel challenged. Don't use first names unless you've been told to do so. Use the terms Monsieur (for men) and Madame or Mademoiselle (for women) for people you don't know.

Witchcraft is a highly controversial topic in the DR Congo. Witchcraft accusations are often used to scapegoate, marginalise, or exploit vulnerable groups, such as women, children, older people, and people with disabilities.

Do not photograph people without their explicit permission; most certainly, do not take pictures of women or children without their consent. Taking photographs of women or children may cause people to (incorrectly) assume you are a rapist, a kidnapper, or someone with malicious intentions. Keep in mind that sexual crimes against women and children are depressingly common in DR Congo, and some Congolese people believe in a highly disturbing superstition that having sex with a virgin woman will cure HIV/AIDS. To prevent misunderstandings and heated arguments, always ask. Better yet, don't photograph anyone at all.

When motorcades pass, all vehicular traffic is expected to provide a clear path. Do not photograph these processions.

The national flag is raised and lowered at dawn and dusk (c. 06:00 and 18:00 daily). All traffic and pedestrians must stop for this ceremony.

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Home » Travel Guides » Congo » 15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo

15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC and formerly Zaire) has a history that’s difficult to take in.

From the mismanagement of Belgium’s King Leopold, to the corrupt leader Mobutu Sese Seko, to the battlegrounds of Africa’s horrific “world war,” the country has experienced long periods of instability. But the second largest African nation is staging a comeback and by most accounts, is headed in the right direction.

There are regularly travel advisories for DRC, but during times of stability, there is a magic wilderness to explore here.  The country is covered in UNESCO designated national parks.  They’ve got active volcanoes, raging rivers, and all the wildlife you expect of Africa. Caution is needed but the DRC is the literal and figurative heart of Africa.

Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Congo !

1. Kinshasa

The capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as one of the 11 provinces, is Kinshasa. It’s chaotic and buzzing with energy and really huge – with over ten million residents.

Established by Henry Stanley in the late 19th century as a trading post it’s now likened to an African New York City.  Enjoy a boat ride on the Congo or a BBQ picnic on its shores.

The Marche des voleurs, or the city market, is colourful and intense and loads of fun. There is a great street art culture here and if you sit in one of the small cafes off the 30 Juin Boulevard, the artists will come up and show you their pieces for sale.  It’s a great way to talk to locals and relax.

2. Lola Ya Bonobo

Lola Ya Bonobo is a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Kinshasa area.

The bonobos are hunted for bush meat, and when a mother is killed, the babies are often taken and sold on the black market as pets.  The sanctuary tries to recover as many as possible so that they can live out their lives in safety.  One of the four great apes, bonobos have been relatively isolated until the 20th century.

The sanctuary covers 30 hectares of forest and you can visit the several feeding stations that the staff use to help track the apes.  The sanctuary also accepts volunteers.

3. Kahuzi Biega National Park

Named after the 3,000+ metre Mt. Kahuzi and the 2,700+ metre Mt. Biega this spectacular national park is located in the South Kivu Province and stretches from the Congo River basin to Bukavu.

Kahuzi and Biega are extinct volcanoes that now afford some incredible hiking. It was created in 1970 in order to protect the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and just ten years later was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorilla poaching has been a problem for decades but thanks to the park authority, a dedicated education effort is ongoing. Today, the gorillas are still endangered, but their quality of life has improved and conditions are improving year each year.

You’ll find incredible biological diversity in the park like endemic plants, elephants, chimps, genet, antelope, and serval.

4. Nyiragongo Volcano

The skyline of Goma in the DRC is dominated by Nyiragongo. This unbelievable, 3,000+ metre volcano last erupted in 2011, destroying up to 15% of the surrounding land and leaving over 120,000 homeless.

Erupting 34 times in the last 130 years, Nyiragongo is located at the junction where the African tectonic plate is breaking.

The landscape around Goma is striking, with black solidified lava so wide that the place looks like an above ground coal mine. There is an active lava lake inside the crater which can sometimes be visited.

The area has recovered nicely from the last blast and you’ll find plenty of new shops and markets to discover.

5. Virunga National Park

Located along the borders of Rwanda and Uganda, Virunga National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the country’s oldest national park, it’s also the most biologically diverse.  You’ll find lava plains, savannas, forests, valleys, active volcanoes, swamps, and even glacier peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains.

Roughly 25% of endangered mountain gorillas call the park home, and Virunga is the only park to have three of the four great apes in one place.

The Okapi, an endangered species that looks like a cross between a giraffe and a zebra, also make the park their home.  You can spot hippos, lions, elephants, and a number of rare and exotic birds.

The park has three distinct areas, all worth a visit:  The Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward area, and the Mikeno volcano area.

6. Lake Kivu

Straddling the border between the DRC and Rwanda, Lake Kivu is the sixth largest lake in Africa.

One of a series of freshwater lakes in the region, Lake Kivu offers lovely scenic drives between the towns that dot her shores. From Cyangugu to Gisenyi, the gently winding road affords breathtaking vistas as you leisurely make your way.

Tons of banana and eucalyptus trees line the road and the locals will pause and wave as you pass by. Gisenyi is the largish town that was once a colonial beach resort and so has some nice old mansions and great places to stop for a sundowner’s cocktail.

7. Garamba National Park

This national park is filled with unending grasslands and savannahs.  And these are filled with elephants, giraffes, hippos, black rhinos, and white rhinos.

Garamba National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and an amazing sanctuary for several endangered species.

It’s rare to see so many different classifications of large mammals sharing the same space and that makes a visit to the park an absolute must.

8. Salonga National Park

Salonga is both the DRC and Africa’s largest tropical rainforest.  In this UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll find several endangered species including the Congo peacock, dwarf chimpanzees, forest elephants, and the slender-snouted crocodile.

The park is quiet isolated and you must take a boat to reach it.

This vital ecosystem is so large that it plays an important role in climate regulation for the entire country.

9. Okapi Wildlife Reserve

This UNESCO World Heritage Reserve is unique for the large variety of primates and exotic birds that call it home.

There are incredibly opportunities for trekking to some even more incredible waterfalls within the reserve.  The landscape along the Epulu and the Ituri rivers is simply stunning.

Also calling the reserve home are the pygmy nomad tribes of the Efe and Mbuti hunters.  It’s a great place to see the endangered Okapi (about one-sixth of the entire population are found here).

In a country of remote locations and national parks, Maiko is the DRC’s most inaccessible national park.

It is also the only park where you’ll find all three of the country’s endemic species: the Okapi, the Congo peafowl, and the Grauer gorilla.  And don’t forget chimpanzees, elephants, leopards, and bongos.

Though it’s not well known or well visited, the forest represents an enormous carbon sink and its future protection is globally important to addressing climate change.  Within Maiko’s borders are the Simba Mai Mai people, who fled here in the 1960’s seeking a kind of political asylum.

Today, the government is working to resettle the roughly 700 inhabitants in order to protect the forest.

11. Falls of Zongo

Located in Bas-Congo (about 130 km from the city of Kinshasa), the Falls of Zongo represent Mother Earth at her best.

If you’re looking for a few days outside of the city, the Falls are a great option.  You can tent camp or rent a bungalow and explore the area for a couple of nights.

Enjoy hiking and taking a cool dip below the falls.

12. Boyoma Falls

Once called Stanley Falls, Boyoma Falls is a long series of cataracts located along the Lualaba River.

After an overall drop of 61 metres and at the end of the seventh cataract, the river merges with the Congo River. The Wagenya fishing tribe live in the region and after generations of living along this unique river, they’ve developed special methods to catch fish.

You’ll see their wooden tripods in the rapids, resting in the natural holes formed in the rocks by the running water. The tripods hold baskets that serve as nets for the fishermen.

A two hour boat ride from the city of Bukavu will take you to Idjwi, a lush island of green mountains and incredible biodiversity.

Idjwi feels like an entirely different world within the DRC – newcomers are often greeted with fresh fruit, and motorcycle or walking are the two primary modes of transportation. Hiking around the island is idyllic and peaceful.

The inhabitants are proud that they have never seen war on their land and you’ll quickly feel the difference this makes.

Accommodation is sparse, but for those adventurers who arrive on this beautiful island, Mother Nature will more than make up for it.

14. Kisangani

Kisangani, formerly Stanleyville, is the third largest city in the DRC and lies completely within the tropical forest.

The city’s new name originates from the nearby Boyoma Waterfalls and means “the city on the island.” Kisangani has great shopping (check out the avenue de l’Eglise) and fantastic local restaurants.

It’s also known for its striking architecture and surprisingly makes a popular convention destination.

Be sure to check out the many museums, botanical gardens, and zoo.  The Rasaire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in the Central market is particularly appealing to visitors. At the University of Kisangani you can view an impressive collection of East African and Congolese archaeological artefacts.

15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo:

• Lola Ya Bonobo
• Kahuzi Biega National Park
• Nyiragongo Volcano
• Virunga National Park
• Garamba National Park
• Salonga National Park
• Okapi Wildlife Reserve
• Falls of Zongo
• Boyoma Falls

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Democratic Republic of the Congo

Latest update.

Reconsider your need to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo overall due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

DRC map December 2023 (PDF 1023.33 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

There's no national emergency number in the DRC.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel  to the Democratic Republic of the Congo overall due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.

Do not travel to Kasai, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, Mai Ndombe, South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces.

Do not travel to:

• Kasai Central,
• Kasai Oriental,
• Mai Ndombe,
• South Kivu,
• North Kivu,
• Tanganyika,
• Bas-Uélé, and
• Haut-Uélé provinces

due to the significant threat of armed conflict and violence.

• Since 5 February, protests have been occurring outside some foreign embassies and UN offices in Kinshasa. Avoid areas where protests are occurring. Monitor the media for potential demonstrations or protests and follow the advice of local authorities. The US Embassy in Kinshasa issued a security alert on 11 February advising that protests throughout Kinshasa are likely to continue.
• Kidnappers often target foreigners. The risk is highest in the eastern and northeast regions. Express kidnappings in parts of Kinshasa have increased. If you're travelling to these areas, seek professional security advice. Be alert to possible threats.
• The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is volatile. Conflict between government forces and armed groups in the east is ongoing. If it's safe to do so, leave affected areas.

There's an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks in the DRC, particularly in eastern DRC. An attack is possible at any time. Always be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.

Intercommunal violence in Mai Ndombe province, particularly in the territory of Kwamouth, has escalated. Intercommunal violence may continue to increase and lead to further deaths and displacement.  

• On 6 May 2021, the DRC Government declared a 'State of Siege' in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Military administrations have replaced civilian administrations in these provinces until further notice. The new military administrations have been granted extended security powers, and there is potential for increased armed conflict in the region during this time.
• Crime rates are very high, especially in Kinshasa and the country's east. Risks increase after dark. Ensure your accommodation is secure. Don't walk alone in Kinshasa, even during the day.
• The DRC has active volcanoes. If there's an eruption, avoid contact with ash. Seek medical help if you have breathing problems. In the rainy season, landslides and flooding can disrupt transport networks. Be prepared to change your travel plans.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Several outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have occurred in DRC. There is an ongoing risk of EVD transmission in the DRC. EVD is often fatal. Avoid contact with EVD patients as the disease is spread through bodily fluids.
• Ensure you've been vaccinated against yellow fever and polio before you travel. Carry proof of vaccination with you.
• HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
• Some insect-borne disease such as yellow fever and malaria are widespread. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof and use insect repellent.
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and monkeypox. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Don't swim in fresh water.

Full travel advice: Health

• The death penalty applies to a number of offences.
• Always carry your passport and visa or immigration permit. It's illegal not to show them if officials ask.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph presidential or official motorcades. It's also illegal to take photos near government buildings or other infrastructure, including airports.
• If you're walking or driving, stop for motorcades and flag ceremonies. Failing to stop is illegal.
• The DRC doesn't recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual national, make sure you enter and exit the country on the same passport.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You need to obtain a visa before you enter the DRC. You can't get one on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate of the DRC for the latest details.
• Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. You'll need it to enter the country.
• Military and police roadblocks are common. If you have them, always carry your government-issued identification, insurance card (carte rose), registration (carte grise) and driver's licence.

Don't use public transport. Bus and rail services are unsafe due to poor safety standards and crime.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in the DRC. Our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited. 

The Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa provides consular assistance to Australians in the DRC. It can issue Australian provisional travel documents . Its services are limited outside Kinshasa.

• For full consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Zimbabwe .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

The security situation in DRC is volatile. 

There are over 130 active armed groups in eastern DRC. Armed conflict has caused widespread civilian displacement and deaths. Conflict between local armed groups and government forces is ongoing. It's a more serious threat in eastern and northern provinces. This includes:

• Kasai, Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces.
• South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces where fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
• Mai Ndombe province

On 6 May 2021, the DRC Government declared a 'State of Siege' in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Military administrations have replaced civilian administrations in these provinces until further notice. The military administrations have been granted extended security powers, and there is potential for increased armed conflict in the region during this time.

A large UN military presence and several aid organisations operate in the DRC. This includes the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).  On 25 July 2022, large protests began in the cities of Beni, Betembo, Goma and Rutshuru targeting MONUSCO. MONUSCO sites have been looted and the demonstrations have resulted in deaths. Avoid crowds, demonstrations and sites associated with MONUSCO in eastern DRC.

Some local non-government organisations have suspended operations in North and South Kivu due to the security situation.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media for updates
• take into account the information provided by Congolese authorities and MONUSCO
• follow advice from local authorities
• avoid affected areas
• arrange effective personal safety measures
• keep adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medications

Keep your passport and other travel documents (e.g. visas, flights) up to date.

Regularly review your contingency plans in light of local developments. Be ready to leave the DRC at short notice if the situation worsens.

If, despite our advice, you decide to go to 'do not travel' areas, get professional security advice.

Demonstrations and protests

Since 5 February, civil unrest and political violence have been occurring outside some foreign embassies and UN offices in Kinshasa. Protesters have started fires and thrown rocks at foreign vehicles. Further protests are expected and may also spread to other parts of DRC. Foreigners may be randomly targeted. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups can quickly turn violent.

To protect yourself from violence:

• avoid demonstrations and protests
• limit your movements
• monitor local media and other information sources for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

Security incidents can occur in Kinshasa, including:

• demonstrations
• attacks on vehicles

Roads may be closed with little or no notice.

The only road to the N'Djili Airport in Kinshasa may be blocked. Flight schedules may be disrupted. Confirm flight schedules with your airline or travel provider.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Kidnappers often target foreigners.

Kidnapping is most common in the eastern and north-eastern regions.

Areas with a high risk of kidnapping include:

• Virunga National Park in North Kivu
• Kasai, Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces
• South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings targeting foreigners have increased. The threat is particularly high in the Limete area of Kinshasa.

These attacks usually occur in broad daylight and victims can be abducted for a few hours and stripped of their possessions or taken to an ATM to withdraw money.

These attacks are often perpetrated by small groups of individuals dressed in police uniforms.

To protect yourself from kidnapping:

• seek professional security advice
• be alert to possible threats
• change your routes and patterns of travel

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

There's a very high level of crime. Risks increase after dark.

Criminals may use roadblocks and pose as police or military personnel to rob travellers at night.

Security authorities may target travellers to ask for bribes or make random arrests, such as at roadblocks.

Violent crime has increased in the east because of the unstable security situation. 

Crimes that commonly affect travellers, especially in Kinshasa, include:

• violent robbery
• vehicle thefts

To protect yourself from crime and express kidnappings :

• keep vehicle doors locked and windows up
• secure your accommodation against intruders
• avoid travelling after dark
• don't walk alone in Kinshasa
• avoid sensitive areas, such as military facilities
• don't permit soldiers or police officers to enter your vehicle,  and avoid getting into vehicles with strangers, even if they identify themselves as police officers
• avoid using taxis. If you must take one, do not hail off the street, use a privately booked taxi
• be extra vigilant when withdrawing cash from ATMs, even in hotels.

Carry colour photocopies of your passport and identity documents. Hand these to officials, not the originals.

Cyber Security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Areas prone to terrorist attacks include:  

• in the region of Beni-Butembo and Goma in North Kivu
• in the vicinity of Boga in Ituri
• the border with Uganda

Possible targets for terror attacks include:

• government buildings and sites associated with the DRC armed forces (FARDC)
• areas frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars and markets
• airports, other transportation hubs and vehicle convoys
• schools and places of worship

To reduce your risks:

• take official warnings seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities
• consider the level of security at venues you are visiting
• be alert in crowded places and monitor the media
• pay close attention to your personal security

If there's a terrorist attack:

• leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to do so
• avoid the area afterwards in case of more attacks

Don't gather in groups after an attack. This also applies if you're evacuated from a building for security reasons, such as a bomb threat.

Natural disasters

The DRC experiences  natural disasters and severe weather , including:

• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions

To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• keep in touch with family and friends
• contact your tour operator or airline to confirm bookings

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

The DRC experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Mount Nyiragongo, near Goma, is one of the world's most active volcanoes and last erupted in May 2021. 

Exposure to volcanic ash, dust and toxic fumes is a major health risk.

Seek medical help if you have existing respiratory problems.

To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:

• stay inside with the windows and doors shut
• place damp towels at doors and other draft sources
• protect your skin with long-sleeved clothing and long pants
• wear a disposable face mask outside and change it frequently
• protect your eyes with goggles
• avoid contact with ash

Floods and landslides

Landslides and flooding may occur in the rainy season. This can affect transport infrastructure.

The rainy season is April to October in the north and November to March in the south.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a special insurance policy for any 'do not travel' destinations. Some Australian policies may not cover you for these areas.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the DRC. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Ebola virus disease (evd).

Several outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have occurred in DRC. There is an ongoing risk of EVD transmission in the DRC.

EVD is often fatal with a mortality rate of around 50 per cent.

Symptoms of EVD can include:

• muscle pain and weakness
• sore throat
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• internal and external bleeding

Approved vaccines are currently only administered during a confirmed outbreak to those considered at highest risk of contracting the virus. They are not available to the general public as a preventative measure at this point in time. T here's no proven safe and effective treatment but prompt and high-quality care can be life-saving.

EVD spreads through direct contact with body fluids, even after an infected person has died.  EVD can also be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of those who have survived and recovered from infection.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid direct contact with EVD patients.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and separate yourself from others if you develop any EVD symptoms.

Call ahead and tell the doctor about your recent travel and symptoms. Advance notice will help the doctor treat you and protect others.

See the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care  for more information on how to protect yourself against catching EVD, and what to do if you’re in an area where EVD is known to happen.

• Ebola virus disease, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Infectious diseases

Outbreaks of polio have occurred.

Stay up-to-date with polio vaccinations and booster doses. Speak to your doctor if you're unsure if you're vaccinated for polio.

If you're staying longer than 4 weeks, you'll need to show proof on exit that you've had the polio vaccine or a booster within the past 12 months. If you don't, you may need to be vaccinated before leaving the DRC.

Australian Immunisation Handbook

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in the DRC.

Malaria occurs widely throughout the year.

Other insect-borne diseases can also occur, including:

• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• check your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel.

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Other health risks

Monkeypox  is transmitted to humans from animals, usually monkeys, rodents, and squirrels.

In areas where monkeypox occurs, avoid:

• contact with rodents and primates
• contact with people infected with monkeypox
• items that may have come in contact with an infected person.

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:

• Tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid swimming in fresh water
• avoid contact with dogs, monkeys, rodents and other animals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

Public medical facilities are basic in Kinshasa and inadequate outside the capital. Private medical facilities are of higher quality but may not meet Australian standards.

Doctors and hospitals will generally ask for payment before treatment. Evidence of travel insurance may not be accepted as a guarantee of payment at some hospitals.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll likely need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for possessing illegal drugs include harsh prison sentences and fines.

Carrying or using drugs

A number of offences carry the death penalty.

Always carry a copy of your passport and visa or immigration permit. Police and immigration officials can ask to see your travel documents at any time.

Same-sex relationships are not illegal in the DRC. Homosexuality remains a cultural taboo and same-sex couples who engage in public displays of affection may be subject to harassment. Same-sex relationships are not recognised in the DRC.

Curfews can be imposed with little or no warning.

Pedestrians and motorists must stop for motorcades. Warnings include security personnel and sirens.

You must also stop when passing a government installation during the raising and lowering of the national flag. This happens at about 7:30am and 6pm every day.

In the DRC it's illegal to:

• take photos of or near government buildings or other infrastructure, including airports
• take photos of a presidential or other official motorcade
• fail to produce your passport and visa or immigration permit on request

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

The DRC doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

You need to enter and exit the DRC using the same passport or you may be stopped from departing.

Always travel on your  Australian passport .

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visa conditions

You'll need a visa before you enter the DRC. You can't get one on arrival.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

The closest embassy of the DRC  is in Tokyo.

Border measures

Border openings and other restrictions may change at short notice. Due to the ongoing insecurity in these areas, you should avoid the border entry points from Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Contact your airline directly for the latest update and register with the  Canadian Embassy  in Kinshasa for advice on departure options.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter DRC. You may be asked to show your vaccination certificate before boarding, on arrival and at departure.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever .

Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Other entry requirements

Declare satellite phones and GPS equipment on arrival.

A departure tax applies if you leave the DRC by air. The tax includes a $50 airport exit fee and a $5 boarding fee, which is subject to change with no notice. Get an official receipt and copies for each fee. You should hand the originals on request to immigration officials and at boarding and keep the copies.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

The Canadian Embassy  in Kinshasa can issue Australian provisional travel documents  (PTDs). You can't travel to or through South Africa on a PTD.

Passport with 'X' gender identifer

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF).

Declare local and foreign currency in excess of USD10,000 on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are widely accepted. Counterfeit currency is common. Check USD banknotes before accepting them.

Change currency at licensed commercial banks and exchange bureaus. Money transfer agencies operate in major towns.

Traveller's cheques aren't accepted. Some major hotels accept credit cards.

ATMs are available in Kinshasa and major centres. It may be difficult to withdraw cash from international accounts, even at major hotels.

Check that your cards will work in the DRC before you travel.

Local travel

Mining districts.

You'll need official clearance from the relevant DRC ministry or government department before visiting a mining district.

Ministry of Mining (French)

Driving permit

To drive in the DRC, you'll need both:

• a valid international driving permit (IDP)
• your current Australian driver's licence

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in the DRC than in Australia. Dangers include:

• aggressive driving
• low driving standards
• a lack of street signage and lighting

Military and police roadblocks are common.

Following large-scale prison breaks in Kinshasa, Béni and Kasangu, local authorities increased the number of checkpoints at night. Checkpoints include Gombe, Limete, Ngaba, Kintambo, Ngaliema, Ndjili, Mont Ngafula and around Camp Kokolo.

Criminals may use roadblocks to pose as police or military personnel and rob you. See Safety

To protect yourself while travelling on DRC roads:

• familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night
• check road conditions and risks before travel outside Kinshasa

Carry government-issued identification, carte rose, carte grise and driver's licence at all times.

Ask for credentials if approached by an officer.

If you travel outside Kinshasa, have contingency plans and take emergency equipment such as a satellite phone.

Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel.

Avoid unofficial taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Robberies  can occur.

Public transport

Boat travel.

Many boats and ferries are overloaded, lack lifesaving equipment and aren't seaworthy.

Kinshasa's main ferry terminal is congested and can close at short notice. Pay attention to your personal security in and around the terminal.

Civil unrest may cause flight cancellations to and from Kinshasa at short notice.

Local immigration and customs procedures at Kinshasa Airport are difficult. You may need help from people familiar with the process. If travelling by air, arrange for them to meet you when you arrive.

Pay attention to your personal security in and around the airport.

Avoid local airlines with poor maintenance and safety standards.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the  DRC's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Remember to get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in the DRC. Our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.

Embassy of Canada, Kinshasa

17 Avenue Pumbu Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa

Phone: (+243) 996 021 500 Fax: (+243) 996 021 510 or (+243) 996 021 511 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/democratic_republic_congo-republique_democratique_congo/kinshasa.aspx?lang=eng

You can also get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Australian Embassy, Harare

1 Green Close Borrowdale Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone: +263 24 2853 235 55, +263 24 2852 471-6 Fax: +263 24 2870 566 Email: [email protected] Website: zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Australian Embassy, Zimbabwe X (Twitter): @AusEmbZim

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Congo Kinshasa (DRC) Travel Guide

Travel & tourism.

Like Congo-Brazzaville, its neighbor across the river, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (colloquially known as Congo-Kinshasa or the DRC) is home to a sprawling, diamond-shaped swath of rain forest, where pristine lakes, waterfalls, and rivers, active volcanoes, and hundreds of different ethnic groups are all to be found. However, it outdoes the more benign Congo-Brazzaville in almost every respect: Congo-Kinshasa is larger, more dangerous, more undeveloped, and possibly more beautiful. Natural beauty notwithstanding, it is not a suitable destination for tourism at this time, especially in the northern region, where the extremely violent Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) controls many villages and rural areas, and in Kinshasa, where violent crime is commonplace.

What to Do in the DRC

1. Académie des Beaux Arts:  Despite its troubled recent history, many of Africa’s better painters are based in Kinshasa, either studying or teaching at the Académie des Beaux Arts. The school is home to a gallery full of local art, and it is usually possible to meet the artist and learn about his or her work firsthand before you buy.

2. Kinshasa Nightlife:  Local bars and restaurants stock a pretty good local beer, Tembo, as well as imported brews. Congolese jazz is quite popular here; the best places to hear it are the Western-style clubs on the main boulevard in Gombe and in the bars of international hotels.

3. Le Marché des Valeurs:  A cheaper option than the Académie if you’re in the market for handicrafts, Kinshasa’s vast open air-market offers a variety of textiles, food, and daily necessities. Negotiation is a must here.

4. National Parks and Okapi Wildlife Reserve:  It is not safe to travel to Congo-Kinshasa’s national parks right now. That is a shame because they can yield finer experiences in untouched rain forest than any other place in the world. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve will be a highlight if you are able to organize and conduct your trip safely. At Okapi, it is possible to visit traditional pygmy villages; the reserve also has some rudimentary camping facilities.

5. Chutes de Lukia:  Touted by local sources as a must-see, this chain of lakes outside of Kinshasa has swimming, some equipment rentals, a restaurant, and a bonobo orphanage that allows visitors to play with the small chimps.

6. Lac de Ma Vallé:  This gorgeous lake outside Kinshasa is surrounded by rain forest and, in better days, was one of the region’s top tourist attractions. Water sports rentals are available, and there is a restaurant.

The rainy season, which lasts from April to November, makes the roads outside of Kinshasa impossible to travel on, although we don’t recommend travel in this part of the country in any case. The majority of Congolese are Catholic, and their festivals reflect that situation.

Getting In and Around

Visas:  The Democratic Republic of the Congo requires a passport, a visa, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Exit visas are also required for certain border countries. Make arrangements for all these documents before you arrive. Travelers who fly directly into Congo-Kinshasa are commonly hassled at the airport by officials, who may demand bribes or detain them without a clear reason. You are also required to register with the Direction General of Migration upon your arrival. Planes leaving Congo-Kinshasa require a visa for the destination country before you are allowed to board. Visas can be procured in at the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s embassy.

Transportation:  Transportation within Congo-Kinshasa involves a choice between several evils. Even during the dry season, the roads are impassable without four-wheel drive; don’t even think about driving them in the wet season. Expensive, unsafe domestic flights can be booked on the domestic carriers Hewa Bora and Wimbi Dira. Your only other options for travel in the interior are driving or paying to ride in the bed of a commercial truck, which is unsafe and uncomfortable.

Safety and Security

Concerned about your safety as you plan travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)? We at Africa.com, together with our friends, family and colleagues, travel extensively throughout the continent. Here are the resources we consult when thinking of our safety in DRC:

•  UK Government DRC Travel Advice Guidance

Africa.com comment: Very timely and frequently updated. Perspective assumes that you ARE going to travel to DRC, and seeks to give you good guidance so that you understand the risks and are well informed.

•  U.S. State Department Travel Advisory on DRC

Africa.com comment: Can sometimes be considered as overly conservative and discourage travel altogether to destinations that many reasonable people find acceptably secure. On the other hand, they have the resources of the CIA to inform them, so they know things that the rest of us don’t know. See what they have to say about DRC.

Local Advice

1. Photography is illegal without a permit in Congo-Kinshasa. If law enforcement (or scammers pretending to be “undercover police”) catch you taking pictures of anything, especially monuments or government buildings, you will likely be harassed and probably fined. Taking pictures of locals is socially taboo, and people may react aggressively if you try to do so anyway. If you must photograph, ask permission first.

2. French is the official language, and almost all locals have at least some grasp of it. They will often speak Lingala, the tribal lingua franca, to one another, and the knowledge of a few phrases will gain you the respect and courtesy of those to whom you speak.

3. Congo-Kinshasa uses the Congolese franc (franc congolais). Some hotels and businesses will accept and give you change in American dollars. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are not accepted outside the nicest hotels in Kinshasa; use cash.

4. Internet access here is quite good for Central Africa. Although only the most upscale hotels and restaurants use wireless access, Internet cafés are common in Kinshasa and the larger towns.

5. At six in the morning and six at night, flag-raising and -lowering ceremonies occur wherever there are flags in public places. The Congolese take this ritual very seriously, and cars and individuals are expected to stop and watch respectfully or risk being harassed by the police or locals.

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Introducing Democratic Republic of Congo

About democratic republic of congo.

• Images of Democratic Republic of Congo
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Democratic Republic of Congo
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
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Book your flights

Democratic Republic of Congo travel guide

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the largest and most enigmatic countries in Africa. It has many beautiful landscapes, mainly comprising dense and undulating rainforest interspersed with waterfalls and teeming with fascinating wildlife.

The great body of the Congo River runs across the northern reaches of the country and has long been a site of considerable historic importance, made famous by the explorer Henry Morton Stanley and later used as the backdrop for Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

In many ways, much of the DRC remains as wild and impenetrable today as it would have been in Conrad’s time. The transport infrastructure built by the brutal Belgian colonial regime has largely been reclaimed by the jungle and there are few links between the country’s vast interior and the urban areas dotted around its fringes.

Kinshasa, the capital, is situated in the far west of the country and, though largely impoverished and crumbling, it is a veritable hub for colourful African music and culture.

DRC’s tourist capital, if such a thing exists, is Goma, which sits on the banks of Lake Kivu in the far east of the country. It is presided over by the imposing Nyiragongo volcano, which sits at the heart of Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa and one of just a handful of places where you can still see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Goma and the mineral-rich Kivu region were hit particularly hard by a civil war from 1998 to 2003 that resulted in the deaths of at least three million people; sporadic bouts of violence since the war officially ended have continued to burden the region’s considerable tourist potential.

However, peace and a semblance of stability have returned to Goma for the time being and small handfuls of adventurous tourists are beginning to trickle across the border once again. Visitors are advised to check the latest travel advice before visiting.

2,345,410 sq km (905,563 sq miles).

79,722,624 (UN estimate 2016).

33.8 per sq km.

President Félix Tshisekedi since 2019.

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka since 2024.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border area in Likouala Region

FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border in Likouala Region.

Some districts in Pool Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Pool Region districts of:

Mouyondzi District in Bouenza Region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Mouyondzi District in Bouenza Region.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• disabled people
• LGBT+ people

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Republic of Congo set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Republic of Congo Embassy in the UK.

Telephone: 0203 691 5979

Email: [email protected]

Address: 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OHW

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the Republic of Congo.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter the Republic of Congo.

Applying for a visa

Apply for a visa before you travel. Contact the Republic of Congo Embassy in the UK for more information.

Vaccine requirements

To pass border control in the Republic of Congo, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:

• a yellow fever vaccination, due to a risk of yellow fever transmission
• a polio vaccine, due to the risk of polio transmission

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Republic of Congo guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Republic of Congo. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of the Republic of Congo . 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in the Republic of Congo

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Republic of Congo, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Demonstrations happen occasionally. In the past, demonstrations have become violent. Even when they are peaceful there is a risk of violence. Avoid any areas with demonstrations.

Reports of crime, particularly opportunistic crime such as pickpocketing, have increased in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, and criminals target foreigners. You’re at greater risk of crime at night, and also in rural areas.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Take care of your belongings, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid walking in the streets after dark
• do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables
• avoid isolated areas, including beaches

Vehicle crime

Armed gangs may target your car. Take security advice if you intend to travel any distance. Reduce the risk of carjacking and break-ins by:

• locking doors and keeping windows closed
• not driving away from main routes
• always parking in a secure location

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

Police may ask you for ID. Always carry a colour copy of your passport, including your visa entry stamp. If you live in Congo, also always carry a colour copy of your residency card.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in the Republic of Congo, see information on driving abroad .

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Republic of Congo. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP .

Road conditions are generally poor and deteriorate during the wet season from November to May. If you travel overland off the main roads, you’ll need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

Checkpoints

There are frequent vehicle checkpoints in the Republic of Congo, which can be poorly marked. If you’re asked for documents at a checkpoint, stay in your vehicle and show them through a closed window.

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in the Republic of Congo that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority .

Rail travel

There are currently no rail services between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. When rail services were running, there were several instances of criminal gangs targeting trains on this route.

Boat travel

The river border crossing between Brazzaville and Kinshasa can close without warning. The ferry stops running in late afternoon, and there is no service on Sundays. Check before travelling.

This section has safety advice for regions of the Republic of Congo. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

FCDO advises against all travel within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic ( CAR ) border in Likouala Region. 

There is a risk of violence, crime and insecurity in this area due to instability in CAR .

In the Pool Region there continue to be reports of:

• sporadic fighting between rebel groups and the military
• large numbers of displaced people
• crime and armed banditry

The authorities may stop you travelling at night. To travel by day, you may need a permit from the Congolese army and a military escort.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Mouyondzi District in Bouenza Region. There is a risk of violent crime including carjackings and targeted attacks.  

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

There’s no central number for emergency services. Check for local medical facilities and carry contact details with you.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Health risks and recommended vaccines

Check TravelHealthPro’s current advice on the Republic of Congo to find out how to reduce the health risks you’ll face there.

TravelHealthPro also lists the recommended vaccines that could apply to you. At least 8 weeks before you travel, check how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

If you take medication, bring enough for your time in the Republic of Congo and make sure it is clearly labelled. Bring a copy of any prescription.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in the Republic of Congo  

Medical facilities in the country are limited, particularly in rural areas. Medical evacuation is likely to be necessary for all but the most basic treatments. If you become ill while in the Republic of Congo or straight after leaving the country, get immediate medical advice.

Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation; this should specifically include the very high costs of evacuation by air ambulance.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in the Republic of Congo where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in the Republic of Congo

There’s no central number for emergency services in the Republic of Congo. You can report crimes to local police on 06 665 4804. Few police will speak English.

Check for local medical facilities and carry contact details with you.

Telephone numbers can be unreliable.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers ,  funeral directors   and  translators and interpreters in the Republic of Congo
• dealing with a death in the Republic of Congo
• being arrested or imprisoned in the Republic of Congo
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in the Republic of Congo and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo , who provide consular assistance for the Republic of Congo.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Business Customs

French is the official and business language in the DRC; almost all meetings will be conducted in French, but it is acceptable to bring an interpreter.  Business correspondence, catalogs, and advertising materials written in French are essential to be well understood by potential partners and buyers.  Business cards are widely used.  American business representatives usually have their title and company name translated into French.  Congolese are generally open and accommodating in their personal and professional relationships.  However, protocol remains important in meetings and business transactions, especially with government officials.  Common sense, courtesy, and European traditions of social etiquette apply.  Do not use first names until invited to do so.  The usual forms of address are “Monsieur,” “Madame,” and “Mademoiselle.”  Senior government officials should be addressed by the appropriate official title (e.g., Excellence or Monsieur le Ministre).  Requests for meetings, especially with government officials, should be sent in a formal written request.

Business trips to the DRC are rarely on schedule.  Most require more time and patience than in the United States.  When making appointments, allow extra time and resources to set a date and time.  Be prepared for delays or cancellations on short notice, especially for meetings with government officials, as the length of the delay increases in proportion to the position of the official.  The private sector tends to be slightly more punctual.  Lunches usually last two hours, dinners start at eight or nine, and nightclubs run from midnight to dawn.  Reconfirm appointments a day in advance.

Business or formal attire is appropriate for business meetings with private or government officials, and is also recommended for most dinner engagements, unless more casual attire is explicitly stated.  Bring casual clothing for outdoor clubs or functions and an umbrella during the rainy season, which generally runs from October to April.  Given the heat and humidity, natural fibers are the most comfortable.  Laundry and dry-cleaning services are available at major hotels and several small stores.

Travel Advisory

For the latest DRC travel alerts and warnings, see Democratic Republic of Congo Travel Advisory .

Visa requirements: Entry into the DRC for any foreigner is conditioned by the possession of a national or international passport, or another valid travel document, a valid travel visa, an international vaccination booklet prescribed by the health police regulations, and a round-trip ticket (valid).  The Migration Control Authority “Direction Générale de Migration (DGM)” is authorized to issue visas to foreigners wishing to visit or settle in the DRC.  The visa can only be granted to applicants who meet the conditions determined by the legal and regulatory texts.

e-visa RDC is the official platform set up by the DGM, in order to facilitate applications, payments and the granting of flying visas.  Through this platform, all applications are processed within a period not exceeding 72 hours.

U.S. citizens should not travel to the DRC without a valid visa and should apply for one well in advance of their trip to account for unforeseen delays.  DRC Visas are available at the airport for a period of seven days.  Travelers should not rely on Congolese visas being available in neighboring countries.  Visitors planning extended stays should apply for an “Establishment Visa” after arrival in the DRC.  It is difficult to obtain this type of visa for business reasons if the initial entry was made on a tourist visa, but many Congolese embassies do not issue business entry visas.  Up-to-date information on Congolese visa requirements is available from the DRC missions in Washington, D.C., and New York.  See below for contact information for the Washington mission.

Congolese authorities closely scrutinize travel documents at border crossings and when traveling within the country.  All airline passengers have their passports and travel documents examined and stamped, even for domestic flights.  Do not try to intimidate or bully officials.  Make photocopies of all your travel documents; after you arrive, go on mission -with the copies and leave the originals in a safe place.  Many areas in the interior of the DRC (notably Orientale, Kasaï, Katanga, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces) are officially demarcated as mining zones, where travel is subject to government authorization, regardless of the purpose of the visitor.  The Ministry of the Interior issues the permit, also known as a “safe-conduct,” and obtaining it can be a lengthy process.

Photography of public buildings, airports, ports, military installations, hospitals, and border areas is prohibited in some areas, and photographs are often frowned upon in other places, including Kinshasa.  Violators face confiscation of their equipment, arrest, and fines.  Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs are strictly enforced.

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa applicants should go to the following link(s):  State Department Visa Website

Embassy of the DRC in Washington, DC

Address1100 Connecticut Avenue NW #725

Washington, D.C. 20036, United States

Phone: (+1) 202 234 7690

Fax: (+1) 202 234 2609

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ambardcusa.org/

Permanent Mission of the DRC in New York

866 United Nation Plaza- Suite 511- New York, NY 10017

Phone: (212)319-8061; Fax: (212)319-8232

State Department Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

The Congolese franc (symbol: FC; ISO code 4217: CDF) has been the official currency of the DRC since June 30, 1998. The free circulation of all foreign currencies in connection with the Congolese franc is ensured according to the exchange regulations in force.  The most common conversions of the Congolese franc are the U.S. dollar, the euro, the CFA franc (BEAC) and the Chinese yuan renminbi.

ATMs in the DRC typically issue U.S. dollars and are generally safe to use.  However, most ATMs in the DRC charge withdrawal fees.  Your own bank will probably also charge you a fee.  Withdrawal limits depend on the bank, and there is usually a maximum per transaction and a daily limit.  This means that you can make several withdrawals in one day, but also that the fees can add up.

Large hotels accept debit and credit cards, but less expensive accommodations, tourist sites, and small restaurants tend to accept cash only.  Visa is the most common card accepted at ATMs, but a growing number also accept Cirrus/MasterCard.

The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) is responsible for regulating foreign exchange and trade.  The informal foreign exchange market in the DRC is large and unregulated and offers exchange rates that do not differ greatly from the official rate.

The DRC economy is highly dollarized and U.S. dollars are accepted along with the CDF for foreign exchange transactions.  The U.S. dollar is used in parallel in the major cities of the DRC to pay for certain commodities worth five dollars or more.  Outside the major cities, it is much rarer.  Not all bills are accepted.  Only $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations are accepted, and bills must be in crisp condition with no tears, and printed no earlier than 2017.

In September 2013, the GDRC embarked on a process of “de-dollarizing” the economy by requiring that tax records be kept in CDF and that tax payments by mining companies be made in local currency. 

In 2014, the BCC implemented new foreign exchange regulations, which, among other things, declared the Congolese franc as the primary currency in all foreign exchange transactions within the DRC.

Payments for education, medical care, water and electricity consumption, residential rents, and federal taxes were required to be made in CDF.  This requirement has been relaxed and, with the agreement of the parties involved and the appropriate monetary officials, exceptions may be made.  Payments of more than $10,000 must be executed within the banking system unless no banking entity is present.  The GDRC in March 2016 required mining and oil companies to pay their duties and taxes in U.S. dollars.

The largest denomination banknote in circulation is the 20,000 CDF (about $10).  Much more common are the 500 CDF and 1,000 CDF bills, worth about $0.25 and $0.50, respectively.  U.S. banknotes printed after 2016 with a face value of $5 or more are accepted in virtually all transactions.  Bills of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 francs are in circulation. There is interoperability and interconnection between the banking sector and telecom operators in the DRC.  This has allowed telecom operators to offer mobile money services in partnership with commercial banks and microfinance institutions.

Telecommunications/Electronics

The DRC has four main cellular telephone providers (Africell, Airtel, Orange, and Vodacom) and numerous private radio networks.  Many people subscribe to at least two or more different service providers; satellite phones are popular in remote interior of the country.  International connections are easier and more efficient than national networks.  Many large companies have their own radio telephone systems, including satellite uplinks.  3G coverage is available in most of the country; 4G/LTE service is widely available in Kinshasa.  The DRC also has a growing number of private Internet service providers (ISPs).

Travelers are advised to check with their cell phone service provider for international roaming options, fees, and the ability to use another operator’s network.  Travelers can easily purchase SIM cards and data units at kiosks in Kinshasa and most major cities.  Wi-Fi is available in most hotels.  U.S. travelers to the DRC should bring adapters because electrical outlets are European E/F and operate at 220 volts.

To dial from outside the DRC: (+ or 00) + 243 (country code) + the ten-digit number provided (drop the first zero if included).  To dial from within the DRC, use only the ten-digit number, always starting with a zero.

Transportation

The DRC’s road, rail, maritime, and airport infrastructure system is in disrepair and requires significant public and private investment for rehabilitation.

Travelers from the United States generally enter the DRC on flights from Paris or Brussels.  Flights are also available from Nairobi, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, and Johannesburg.

Once in the country, most travelers prefer to rent a vehicle and driver for intra-city ground transportation.  Road conditions generally do not permit travel between major cities, but several airlines offer domestic air service.  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that the DRC government’s Civil Aviation Authority does not meet the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) aviation safety standards for oversight of DRC air carrier operations.  As of September 2023, the GDRC announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo was making progress, achieving a score of 64.07 percent in the ICAO audit of safety standards, compared to 50 percent in 2018.

Public ground transportation is generally crowded, unreliable, unsafe, and in many cases non-existent.  Many cabs are unlicensed and therefore not easily identifiable.  Fares vary and the price should be determined before boarding the vehicle.  Since cabs carry several passengers, travelers who wish to be the sole occupant of the vehicle should make sure at the outset.  The DRC’s rail network consists of several non-contiguous and outdated elements.  The DRC has three old rail portage lines linking port cities between the non-navigable sections of the Congo and Ubangi Rivers.  The south and east of the country have three narrow-gauge rail lines connecting major cities, including Ilebo, Kindu, Likasi and Kolwezi, to Lubumbashi.  National Railway Company of Congo’s eastern operations include an operational link to the Zambian rail network and a dormant link to the Angolan rail network.  Passenger rail service is sporadic, and schedules are unpredictable.  The DRC Transport and Ports Trading Company recently completed the rehabilitation of the Kinshasa-Matadi portage rail line; a weekly train now runs between the two cities.

French is the language of business.  Four regional languages have official status: Kikongo (Kongo Central and Bandundu), Swahili (Katanga, Kivu, and Orientale), Lingala (Kinshasa, Equateur, and the Congo River Valley), and Tshiluba (Kasai).  Knowledge of English is limited, although some Congolese business representatives speak English well.  Congolese who are fluent in English have a significant advantage in employment and business opportunities.

Potential health hazards are widespread in tropical Africa and greatly impact the local population.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers need to check the latest entry requirements on the DRC Embassy’s website as well as the U.S. Embassy Kinshasa’s Covid information page.  Most business travelers will have few difficulties if they secure proper immunizations, take an anti-malarial medication, and stick to some basic rules, including drinking only bottled water and seeing a doctor at the first sign of malaria.  Traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of death or serious injury, given poor road conditions, bad driving habits, and the lack of emergency services.  Specific information is available from the international traveler’s hotline, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Tel: +1-404-332-4559).  Medical facilities are limited, and medicine is not always available.  Travelers should bring a sufficient supply of prescription medications with them, as many U.S. pharmaceuticals are not available or may be counterfeit.  Full and immediate cash payment is expected for health services often beforehand.  Not all American medical insurance is valid outside the United States; supplemental insurance with overseas coverage may be necessary.

Local time, business hours, and holidays

The DRC spans two time zones, which are GMT+1 in the western part of the country, including Kinshasa, and GMT+2 in the eastern part, including Lubumbashi.  Business hours for most businesses and government offices are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a two-hour break for lunch.  Many private sector offices are open on Saturday mornings, and government employees are often at work but do not usually receive visitors.  Banks are closed for business on Saturdays.

DRC public holidays are January 1(New Year’s Day), January 4 (Martyrs’ Day), January 16 and 17 (National Heroes’ Day), April 6 (Day of struggle of Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness), May 1(Labor Day), May 17 (Liberation Day), June 30 (Independence Day), August 1 (Parents’ Day), and December 25 (Christmas Day).  Note that DRC holidays are often subject to confirmation by the government one day in advance, and that international organizations and diplomatic missions have varying vacation schedules.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

The entry of materials and personal effects is primarily at the discretion of the DGDA, although the OCC and DGM are sometimes involved.

• DRCONGO arrow_drop_down
• DESTINATIONS

Association des Tours Operateurs et Agences de Voyage en RDC (ATOAV-RDC) is a Congolese tourism association, aiming to promoting professionalism and responsible tourism with the intent of making the DRC the best tourist destination in the world.

TRUSTED OPERATORS IN DRCONGO

Uphold the good reputation of D.R.Congo as a tourist destination by ensuring that the Congolese Tour Operators and Travel Agencies provide quality services at international standards;

Defend the interests of our members

Our members

Our members offer a wide range of tours and travel services, which can be broadly divided into the following categories

Tour package & Excursions

• Nature walk and hiking,
• Gorilla Trekking,
• Community base tours,
• Cultural tours,
• Safaris and expeditions,
• Kayaking and canoeing,
• hotels bookings,
• Airport transport
• Visa processing,
• Travel insurance,

Adversertissing place

Goma:les agences de voyages et tours opérateurs réunis en atelier de reflexion pour célébrer la journée mondiale du tourisme

La grande salle de l'hotel bravour(située en plein centre ville de Goma) a servi de cadre pour abriter un atelier de reflexion tenu ce vendredi 27septembre2019 en marge de la journée mondiale du tourisme,célébrée le 27 septembre de chaque année.

Destinations

Congo national Parks are Africa's most exciting destinations to be visited. While on Congo Safari tour booked with Trusted Tour Operator and/or Travel Agencies members of ATOAV-RDC you will experience the iconic national parks of Congo including Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, to cite but a few. Congo is mostly known for gorilla trekking in Africa with different species of gorillas ( Eastern lowland, the one and only home of this species and Mountain gorillas).

Congo national parks are waiting for you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular African wildlife & primates.

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• Le Monde Afrique

RDC : voyage sur le fleuve Congo, un long calvaire

En bois ou en métal, les baleinières qui remontent le fleuve sont généralement surchargées et déglinguées. Leur naufrage font un nombre indéterminé de morts.

Le Monde avec AFP

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Le bateau Miracle-de-Dieu a quitté Kinshasa et remonte lentement le fleuve Congo. A bord, des passagers disputent l’espace aux marchandises et jouent aux dames pour tuer le temps, en espérant éviter les trop fréquentes avaries et collisions.

L’embarcation est une « baleinière métallique » , moins rapide mais réputée plus sûre que son équivalent en bois. Les baleinières sont des longues barges généralement surchargées et déglinguées dont les naufrages font un nombre indéterminé de morts, parce qu’on ne sait jamais combien de personnes elles transportent.

Pour parcourir les 520 kilomètres séparant Kinshasa, la capitale de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) , de Lukolela, localité de pêcheurs de la province de l’Equateur, le Miracle-de-Dieu , à bord duquel a voyagé entre la fin de mars et le début d’avril un photographe de l’Agence France-Presse (AFP), a mis une semaine.

C’est le temps plus ou moins habituel si on compte une panne de moteur en route et quelques épisodes de pluie tropicale. Selon l’équipage, lors du précédent voyage, un accident avait fait deux morts, lorsqu’une amarre avait lâché et fauché violemment des passagers.

En RDC, grand pays d’Afrique centrale de 2,3 millions de kilomètres carrés, les routes correctes sont rares et les liaisons aériennes ne desservent qu’un nombre limité de villes. Beaucoup de commerçants n’ont pas d’autre choix que la voie fluviale pour acheminer leurs denrées.

Eric Ndungu, un commerçant de 41 ans, marié et père de cinq enfants, a failli perdre la vie en novembre 2023, quand la baleinière en bois dans laquelle il voyageait est entrée en collision avec une autre, venue du Congo-Brazzaville. L’accident a fait au moins 48 morts, précise-t-il.

Chaque année, Eric effectue pour son commerce trois voyages aller-retour entre Kinshasa et la province de la Mongala, en amont de l’Equateur. Pour sa sécurité, il a opté cette fois pour un bateau métallique, même s’il est un peu plus cher. Ce genre de bateau est considéré comme « de luxe » , mais au confort très relatif.

Le luxe, c’est d’avoir une place chez le capitaine, le gérant ou les matelots. Et ceux qui ont loué un espace d’une quelconque manière font des tours pour dormir, en espérant constater en se réveillant que la baleinière a fait du chemin. Les « chambres » sont en grande partie occupées par des marchandises, dont le transport rapporte plus que celui de passagers.

Dieudonné Mokake, 43 ans, commerçant lui aussi, estime que ce type d’embarcation offre « 80 % d’assurance sur la sécurité humaine » , mais « avec un confort de 10 % » . Il ajoute aussitôt : « Pour être honnête, je dirais même 0 %. »

Tout un chacun peut devenir armateur

« Je m’assois à même le sol et je dors dans les mêmes conditions, à la belle étoile, exposé aux intempéries. Parfois, je trouve refuge dans une pirogue accrochée à la baleinière » , explique-t-il. « Les marchandises rapportent beaucoup d’argent, mais nos vies valent quand même quelque chose ! » , s’emporte Dieudonné.

Comme nombre d’autres passagers, il regrette la grande époque de l’Onatra (Office national des transports), créé au début des années 1970 et victime quelques années plus tard de la libéralisation du transport fluvial, qui a permis à tout un chacun de devenir armateur. Là, affirment les voyageurs, le confort était assuré, il y avait des chambres pour deux personnes, chaque barge avait un restaurant…

Sur le Miracle-de-Dieu , comme sur les autres bateaux, chacun se débrouille avec ses provisions. Au début du voyage, c’est boîte de sardines et pain. Ensuite, les « mamans » cuisinent à bord. Bouillie au petit déjeuner et, au dîner, poisson du fleuve accompagné de foufou ou chikwangue , mets traditionnels du bassin du Congo faits de farine de manioc ou de maïs.

En octobre 2023, selon un compte rendu du conseil des ministres, le président, Félix Tshisekedi, a demandé au gouvernement d’élaborer « un plan d’action » afin que le fleuve Congo joue un « rôle de moteur du développement économique » du pays.

Encore une fois, il était question de tout faire pour éviter les naufrages aux « lourds bilans humains » , d’exiger des transporteurs des contrats d’assurance, de « lutter contre les embarcations de fortune » et de renforcer la surveillance du trafic fluvial.

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How Overseas Companies Wound Up With Surprising Tax Bills in Congo

(Bloomberg) -- One afternoon in December 2021, the regional heads of four of the biggest telecom operators in Africa were summoned to the Palais de la Nation, a presidential mansion overlooking the river in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital of Kinshasa. 

When the meeting began, officials from President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration started grilling the executives, mostly foreign nationals who represented Vodafone, Orange, Airtel and Africell, according to people in attendance. The bureaucrats informed them that the government was preparing strict new rules that would raise their companies’ tax bills significantly. 

As the CEOs began to protest, a White man with dark hair who had been silently sitting in the back of the room broke in to tell them that they’d better comply, the people said. This was Philippe Heilmann, a Belgian national and the head of the Congolese offshoot of a Swiss consulting firm that describes itself as a “technology-driven company that provides digital-enabled solutions to public and private organizations.” 

The firm, 5C Energy RDC, had previously partnered with the Tshisekedi administration on tax matters. More than a year before, it had worked with the government on a strategy to raise taxes on those very same telecom operators. Under that plan, which went into effect in September 2020, companies were presented with additional mobile service costs — which they then passed on to consumers. 5C Energy RDC, in turn, invoiced the state telecommunications regulator for part of the proceeds collected from the telecoms, according to documents seen by Bloomberg. 

Now, the prospect of another tax increase seemed to be looming, and this time, tensions would escalate quickly. Within months of the meeting at the presidential mansion, all four of the telecom CEOs would find themselves in a high-stakes standoff with the government; their passports confiscated and operating licenses imperiled. While the tax raise hinted at that day in December 2021 never came to pass, the companies and government did ultimately strike a different deal. Under it, the telecoms agreed to collectively pay an additional $5.8 million a month to the telecoms regulator through 2030, according to documents seen by Bloomberg. This arrangement, which is still in place, has not been previously reported on.

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For this story, Bloomberg interviewed six individuals with direct knowledge of the interactions and sector-specific taxes in question, the internal workings of Congo’s government and its dealings with the phone companies and 5C Energy RDC. The people asked not to be identified out of concern for their livelihoods and safety. Congo’s telecommunications regulator, telecommunications minister, and government officials did not respond to multiple attempts to contact them. 5C Energy — which later changed its name to Veltio Consulting SA — Heilmann and the president’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Representatives for Orange, Vodacom, Airtel and Africell also declined to comment on the tax dispute, 5C Energy RDC, or the business climate in Congo.  

Bloomberg reached out to Veltio and to two of its Switzerland-based directors with a list of detailed questions but did not receive a response. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for 5C Energy RDC said the firm in Congo had been shut down, but did not provide further details.  

The matter of telecommunications taxes might seem niche, but in the case of Congo, the stakes are enormous. With a population of around 100 million, the country is among the world’s least connected in terms of broadband internet access, and millions are locked out of the formal economy. Closing this gap could unlock billions — both for Congo’s economy as well as for its telecommunications providers. 

According to a report by the lobbying group GSMA, mobile technologies and services generated 8.1% of GDP across sub-Saharan Africa in 2022, creating roughly $170 billion in value. For wireless companies such as Africell, Vodacom, Airtel and Orange, Congo is the next big market. Kenya and South Africa, for instance, have populations about half the size of Congo, and their annual smartphone market revenues were $2.2 billion and $9 billion in 2022. Congo’s, by comparison, was only $1.4 billion. 

Telecom Taxes 

Congo’s government has for years accused telecommunication companies, which are among the largest multinationals in Africa, of hiding earnings and dodging taxes — allegations the companies strongly deny. Vodacom, officials like to point out, has never declared a profit after nearly two decades operating in the country, seemingly implying that the company is avoiding the additional taxes it would pay on profits. “I ask the question, is it normal that for more than 15 years a telecoms company can make losses?” Anthony Nkinzo Kamole, the Managing Director of Congo’s National Investment Promotion Agency, said to Bloomberg. 

Russel Eastaugh, an expert on African tax laws at the Regan van Rooy firm, observed that it’s common for African governments to target foreign-owned phone companies with additional tax bills. Because the sector’s steady cash flow makes operators relatively easy to tax, the International Monetary Fund noted in a recent working paper, governments in developing countries often rely on them to supplement their budgets. But in Congo, where the average tax rate for the telecommunications sector is 34% — eight percent higher than the norm in sub-Saharan Africa, according to GSMA’s latest mobile taxation report — this practice has been taken to new extremes. 

Eastaugh said that although the predicament that the operators in Congo found themselves in isn’t rare, the way it unfolded was. “Usually with these types of situations in Africa, everyone heads off to court or into negotiations of some sort and a more reasonable settlement is reached,” he said. Congo’s telecoms sector, however, has little precedent for this kind of process.

According to corporate filings, 5C Energy was founded in Switzerland in early 2016, and 5C Energy RDC was set up in Kinshasa 18 months later. Heilmann joined the latter firm in November 2019, several weeks after its founding. On archived versions of its website, 5C Energy, which changed its name to Veltio Consulting SA after it stopped working in Congo, listed TotalEnergies, Shell and Perenco as among its early clients. Two of the companies contacted said they did not have any record of having worked with 5C Energy, and the third did not respond to a request for comment.

With the exception of brief mentions in Congolese media, Heilmann, who represented 5C Energy RDC that day in the palace, has almost no online presence. His name is not registered on any major social media platforms, and he hasn’t been written about in the international press. Multiple voice, text and WhatsApp messages sent over several months to a Congolese number provided for Heilmann by somebody close to the Tshisekedi administration were never answered, nor were multiple messages left with numbers connected to another businesses registered under his name, Dreams of Africa. Filings for that company and for 5C Energy, however, do show that Heilmann established an import-export business for diamonds in 2008, which fits with one of the few biographical details about him available online: that his family co-founded the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, the world’s first exchange dedicated to uncut diamonds, many of which were sourced from Congo.

Frozen Accounts 

The incident at the Palais de la Nation was not 5C Energy’s first foray into helping African governments reshape their tax regimes. According to several local newspaper reports, 5C Energy struck deals with a number of local governing bodies in Gambia several years earlier to implement and collect taxes in exchange for a large cut of the revenue. It’s unclear how much money 5C Energy collected in Gambia, but the scope of their work and the way these contracts were awarded is currently the subject of a local government inquiry . 

In Congo, 5C Energy RDC’s first collaboration with the government resulted in a tax plan that passed an additional $1.17 per month for smart mobile phone services along to consumers — a significant amount in a country where average income is $1.90 a day. The hike was implemented in September 2020 and retracted in March 2022 after protests against it broke out on the streets of Kinshasa. While it was in place, however, the consultant billed Congo’s telecommunications regulator for a chunk of the profits. In November 2020, according to a leaked invoice to the regulator seen by Bloomberg, the firm claimed 30% of that month’s tax revenue, about $80,000. Bloomberg has not been able to confirm whether the government paid the invoice.  

After the palace meeting in December 2021, the company heads were presented with a new tax framework, which they rejected out of hand, according to sources. Under the proposal, “discounted bundles” of data and minutes would in many cases incur taxes higher than the sticker prices of the bundles themselves, according to sources who have seen the documents. One calculation showed that a $5 bundle of minutes, SMS and data would have incurred as much as $12 in operator taxes. The proposal also prohibited operators from raising consumer prices, a move telecoms legal expert Michel Takombe believes was likely intended to prevent another public backlash. 

When they refused to agree to the proposal, executives were met with intimidation and coercion, said people familiar. The companies were threatened with penalties and the prospect of having their licenses revoked. Then, in August 2022, the four CEOs had their travel documents confiscated by government officials, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Unable to leave the country, one missed a child’s graduation, and another with a serious illness was prevented from travelling overseas for specialist care.

The wireless companies did not speak out publicly, and pressure on them continued to mount. In December, Vodacom’s offices in Kinshasa were sealed by agents of Congo’s General Directorate of Taxes, according to sources with firsthand knowledge. Government officials also froze the company’s local bank accounts, citing a separate $243 million tax dispute. These incidents were reported to US, UK and South African government officials, according to people who filed the complaints, but the Tshisekedi administration never changed course. The embassies of these countries did not respond to requests for comment.

Eventually, the CEOs sat down to negotiate. In lieu of the tax hike, they officially agreed to pay the government an additional $585 million in fees through 2030, with monthly payments of about $5.8 million split among the four companies on the basis of market-share, according to documents seen by Bloomberg. There is no evidence to suggest that 5C Energy RDC was involved in this aspect of the negotiations. Payments began towards the end of 2022, according to sources and documentation. Between existing taxes and these extra fees, foreign wireless operators in Congo now give about 50% of their local revenue to the government, according to sources familiar with company dealings. 

International Help

It has been a little over a year since the companies and the Tshisekedi administration reached their formal agreement. Operators are now directly paying the telecoms regulator over $70 million a year — money that would have gone towards building up the country’s much-needed telecommunications infrastructure, said the people familiar. One of the operators also delayed rolling out its services into a new Congolese province as a result of the fees, they said. While the fees aren’t being passed on to consumers, they are eating into revenues and reducing companies’ ability to grow and invest, the people said.

The companies have since turned to international bodies for help. They are all in discussions with diplomats on the matter, and ministers from several foreign governments have raised the issue with their Congolese counterparts, said the people. South Africa’s government, speaking in defense of Vodacom, recently condemned the situation. 

Takombe, the telecoms legal expert, believes that Tshisekedi’s reelection in December might change the government’s relationship to foreign wireless companies. Takombe described how in an interview with Top Congo, a local radio station, the president said he had not been aware of the tax standoff with wireless companies during his campaign, and that he put a stop to it once he learned what was going on. “That is an indicator that there might be a change, or more support, from the presidency for the telecoms sector and also to remove obstacles to deploy more infrastructure,” Takombe said. 

It’s not clear if Tshisekedi plans to go any further. He has not introduced any additional telecommunications legislation. Tax rates for wireless operators remain the same. And as of early March, the website for Congo’s telecommunications ministry was offline. 

--With assistance from Michael J Kavanagh, William Clowes, Lyubov Pronina and Hugo Miller.

(Changed headlines)

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Republic of the Congo Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in the Congo. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  localized  to Niari (last case reported 6–9 months ago) and Pool (last case reported 6–9 months ago) in the Republic of the Congo. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the Congo.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the Congo. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the Congo.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to the Congo take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for the Congo.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in the Congo. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in the Congo, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to the Congo. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old.

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African sleeping sickness (african trypanosomiasis).

• Tsetse fly bite 
• Avoid Bug Bites

African Trypanosomiasis

African Tick-Bite Fever

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Mosquito bite

Avoid animals

• Touching infected animals (including bats and primates) or their body fluids
• Touching body fluids (blood or sweat) from an infected person
• Touching objects contaminated with the body fluids of a person infected with Ebola or Marburg virus
• Avoid sick people
• Avoid animals and areas where they live

Ebola virus

• Scratched or bitten by an infected animal such as a rodent or primate
• Touching an infected animal or touching animal products, including skins and meat
• Being near an infected person who is coughing or sneezing
• Touching the body fluids or rash of a person with monkeypox
• Avoid animals and animal products
• Avoid people who are sick

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the Congo, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the Congo. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the Congo include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in the Congo. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the Congo’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in the Congo. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of the Congo may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in the Congo, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Congo, Republic of the for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Station Kotecha -en face, place de la paix Bukavu, D.R.Congo.

Phone Number

For any assistance call us on +243 998 439 505

For any type of enquiries, please write to [email protected]

Satguru International SPRL Round Point Bralima, or Round Point Chukudu, Kamanzi building, Goma, DR Congo.

For any assistance call us on +243 992 904 913 +243 978 886 006 +243 993 448 137 +243 970 971 034

For any type of enquiries, please write to [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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