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Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 9, 2024, democratic republic of the congo - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued to reflect changes to the “Do Not Travel” provinces.

Reconsider travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to  crime  and  civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• North Kivu province due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, active volcanoes, armed conflict, and  kidnapping .
• Ituri province due to  crime, civil unrest, terrorism, armed conflict, and  kidnapping .
• The eastern DRC region and the three Kasai provinces (Kasai, Kasai-Oriental, Kasai-Central) due to  crime, civil unrest, armed conflict,  and  kidnapping .

Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault, is common. Local police lack resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Assailants may pose as police or security agents.

Demonstrations are common in many cities, and some have turned violent. Police may respond with heavy-handed tactics that result in civilian casualties and arrests.

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security conditions.

Read the country information page  for additional information on travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

• Avoid demonstrations.
• Use caution when walking or driving.
• Always have a photocopy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and to make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the DRC.
• Prepare a personal contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . Ensure that documents and medications are easy to locate in case you need to leave on short notice.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

North Kivu Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Armed conflict involving armed groups continues in North Kivu, near the major city of Goma. Missiles and armed drones have been used in the conflict. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, crowding internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and contributing to instability in the province.

Violent crime, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging, continue throughout North Kivu province. Road travelers are frequently targeted for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Terrorist and armed groups operate in North Kivu province. They have attacked military and civilian targets, including humanitarian aid workers, businesspeople, and other NGO personnel operating in the area.

Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout the region, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.

Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano. It is located near Goma in the volcano region of Virunga National Park.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in North Kivu province as travel of U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility to North Kivu Province is restricted.

Ituri Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging, continue throughout Ituri province. Road travelers are frequently targeted for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Terrorist and armed groups operate in Ituri province. They have attacked military and civilian targets, including humanitarian aid workers and other NGO personnel operating in the area.

Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province as travel of U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility to Ituri Province is restricted.

Eastern DRC Region and the Three Kasai Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging, continue throughout South Kivu, Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and three Kasai provinces of Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Kasai. Road travelers are frequently targeted for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in eastern DRC and these provinces, as travel of U.S. government employees under the U.S. Embassy (Chief of Mission) security responsibility to these regions is restricted.

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Home » Travel Information » Best time of year to Visit Congo for Tourism (2023/2024 Season)

Best time of year to Visit Congo for Tourism (2023/2024 Season)

Congo is a country located in central Africa and one of the three countries where you can trek the endangered mountain gorillas is the world, the renowned Virunga national park is home to these great apes. Congo is also home to eastern lowland gorillas that can be trekked in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Maiko National Park.

The Democratic republic of Congo is also home to two of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world that is mount Nyamuragira and mount Nyiragongo found in Virunga national park. These mountains are part of the Virunga massif volcanoes straddling across Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo.

Best time to travel to Congo

Congo is one of the countries crossed by the equator, the equator divides the country into two climatic zones and both regions have two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The climate of Congo is tropical with an average temperature of 18° C to 25° C with high humidity levels during the wet months. The annual rainfall ranges from 1100mm to 2000mm per year.

The dry season is the peak season and the best time to visit Congo, during this time the roads to the parks are very accessible, the vegetation is not thick and wildlife is concentrated on water catchment areas. This is also the best time to visit Congo for gorilla trekking experience because the trekking trails are not muddy and steep making it easy to traverse the jungle during gorilla trekking.

The dry season in Congo is also good for volcanic climbing because you will not be disrupted by rain and you will get better clear views at the peak especially at mount Nyiragongo and mount Nyamuragira. The dry seasons in Congo is from January to February and May to September, this is the best season for travelling in the country if you want an authentic experience.

The two wet seasons in Congo are from October to December and March to April. This is not the best time to visit Congo because of heavy rains most roads to national parks become impassable. The animals in the parks can hardly be seen because of thick vegetation and the trekking trails also become very steep and slippery.

The wet season is not the best time for mountain climbing in Congo this is because heavy rains might you experience, the views at the mountain tops are also not fabulous because they are mostly covered with snow throughout the wet season. The advantage of visiting Congo during the rainy season is that you will get a discount on gorilla permits, in the peak season permits cost $400 and are reduced to only $200 per person during the low season. Most hotels in national parks also reduce their rates by giving low season discounts.

In conclusion the best time for visiting Congo is in the dry season but budget travelers can also take advantage of the low season though you might not have a thrilling experience like in the dry season.

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Recommended Safaris & Tours

We present to you our most recommended safaris & tour itineraries below to help you make the best travel plans.

4 Days Lowland Gorilla Trekking & Mountain Hiking Tour in Congo

4 Days Lowland Double Gorilla Trekking Safari in Kahuzi-Biega

4 Days Congo Lowland Gorillas & Lake Kivu Boat Safari

4 Days Congo Lowland Gorillas & Community Tour in Bukavu

4 Days Congo Lowland Gorillas & Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

4 Days Congo Lowland Gorilla Trekking & Lwiro Chimpanzee Visit

3 Days Lowland Gorillas & Snake’s Park Tour Visit in Bukavu

3 Days Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Explore authentic safaris & tours.

Africa is a gem with lots of unique and awesome travel experiences that you will definitely love. Commonly termed as the best primate trekking continent in the world, Africa has so much more to offer in terms of wildlife, adrenaline activities, mountain climbing adventures, and honeymoons among other experiences.

How we work

To offer a more rewarding way to travel, we do stuff the right way; right from the planning process.

We pay attention

We will spend time and pay attention to your expectations, then propose an experience that you might like.

We complement

Next we will discuss our selected options, point out the best safaris for you and make awesome recommendations.

We hold your booking

We will tentatively hold your booking and make reservations while we talk through the safari details or make changes.

Speak to an expert to start planning your African safari holiday...

Give a call to one of our specialists or arrange a video meeting/session for awesome ideas and safari advice.

The Government of the Republic of Congo has placed tourism at the heart of its development endeavors. Congo’s natural and simplistic beauty, rich forests, diverse wildlife and rapidly growing infrastructures have made it a rising destination for tourism. The National Office of Tourism in the Republic of Congo handles tourism related questions and is dedicated to making your trip to the Republic of Congo unforgettable.

NATIONAL PARKS & RESERVES  

•     Ndoki-Nouabalé National Park This Park is the country’s best-staffed park and is home to gorillas, elephants, antelopes, different species of plants and more than 300 birds’ species. Unfortunately, the virgin rain forest is not fully navigable. Tourism authorities require that a guide accompany tourists for walking and boat tours. Most visitors arrive to the park via airplane.  
•     Lesio-Louna Lefini Gorilla Reserve In this beautiful gorilla reserve, the tourist will fall in love with the different wild chimpanzees and gorillas. The Lesio-Louna Gorilla Reserve allows for a closer encounter with primate and is only a short drive from Brazzaville.  
•     Northern Congo Trekking Although driving alone on this route is not recommended, the northern Congo trekking is an exceptional journey that will take you to the roots of Congolese traditional lifestyle in rural areas. Hiring a guide in Owando, Oyo or Ouesso who can lead you through the rain forest hike, fishing trips, and hunting journeys will certainly enrich one’s discovery of Congo’s wildlife habitat. The trip also involves visiting different pygmy villages.  

BRAZZAVILLE  

•     Brazzaville’s Waterfalls  Loufoulakari and Bela Falls are beautiful waterfalls located not far from Brazzaville. They are famous for being the most impressive waterfalls of country and offer a very beautiful view of the Congolese rain forest.  
•     Markets of Poto-Poto, Moungali and Bacongo Perhaps one of the famous markets and administrative divisions, these markets attract many tourists who can bargain with local merchants for handicrafts, sculptures, jewelries, food and clothing. Poto-Poto which is the home of many West-African immigrants is known for its popular bar scene, youth activism and its painting school which was established in 1951.  
•     Saint Ann Basilica in Brazzaville A sophisticated and serene place of worship, the basilica is home to Catholic worship. It was built in 1949 and designed by Roger Erell, a famous French architect. Considered as one of the most respected monuments in the country, the basilica epitomizes the strong presence of spirituality in Congolese culture.  
•     Painting School of Poto Poto Situated in the center of Brazzaville, the Painting School of Poto Poto owns its notoriety for being one of the first African painting schools that aims to represent and express Congolese arts.  
•     Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Mausoleum Since 2006, the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza mausoleum has been one of the most visited touristic attractions for those interested in understanding the history of the Republic of Congo. The mausoleum is home to the remains of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, the Italian-French explorer after whose name the city of Brazzaville was named and who was known for his easy manners, physical charm, cultural sensitivity and pacific approach towards the Congolese population. The memorial embarks its visitor on an adventure to every stage of Savorgnan de Brazza’s exploration of Congo through pictures, artifacts, paintings and sculptures.  
•     National Museum of Congo Founded in 1965, the museum features historical indigenous artifacts such as masks, statues, money and knives from different regions of the country.  
•     Charles de Gaulle House The historic home was home to General Charles de Gaulle ( Leader of the France free forces during World War II) when Brazzaville was the capital of " Free France" in the 1940's.  
•     Marien Ngouabi University Famously known as one of the most prestigious educational centers of the Republic of Congo, the university is home to the knowledge of the Congolese intellect.  
•     Gallery Museum of the Congo Basin Located on the Denis Sassou Nguesso boulevard, the museum serves as a sanctuary for the traditional culture of Congo. The museum features anthropological research, and rare precious objects or artifacts from a variety of indigeneous tribes. Recently, the museum has attracted media attention for the Kiebe-Kiebe dance exhibition which unveils an ancestral and sacred rite practised by the Mbochi, Kouyou and Teke tribe.  
•     Mbudi Park Located along the Congo stream, this park allows for beautiful, romantic, and meditative long walks.  
•     Plateau Ville Located in the heart of downtown Brazzaville, Plateau ville serves as a center of commercial exchange where by tourists can bargain for paintings, African clothing, handicrafts, sculptures and posters.  
•     Brazzaville Golf Club The club offers an adequate and sophisticated golf land for its visitors while offering a splendid view of Congo's beautiful rivers, waterfalls and forests.  
•     World Health Organization Serving as Africa's WHO regional headquarter, the organization offers its visitors a wide array of information on health issues pertaining to Africa.  
•     Temple Mosque As a distinct site of muslim worship, the mosque exudes islamic architecture while establishing itself as key participant in Congo's interfaith society.  
•     Congo Arts Gallery For over three years, the Congo Arts Gallery has hosted exhibitions centered on renowned Congolese painters, sculptors and writers. Each exhibition conveys a specific political, social, economic and cultural theme that will lead the visitor to understand the dynamics of contemporary Congolese society.

For more information on Brazzaville, visit the official website of the city of Brazzaville: www.brazzaville.cg

POINTE-NOIRE

•     Beaches of Pointe Noire Pointe-Noire is the economical capital of the Republic of Congo. The city’s deepwater seaport and offshore oil reserves have turned it into a center of entertainment, business opportunities, fashion and cultural exchange. Oil companies such as Total, Murphy Oil, Chevron and Shell have become embedded in Pointe Noire’s foreign investment portfolio. The beautiful beaches attract many tourists who rent boats, diving equipment and Jet Ski equipment to journey through the unforgettable waters of Pointe Noire. Some of the most beautiful beaches include the beaches of the Malonda Lodge and the Twiga Hotel.

Mailing List

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) travel advice

Latest updates: Health – Travel health notice for mpox updated.

Last updated: August 28, 2024 16:06 ET

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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 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

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.

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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.

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 - 20 August, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Mpox: Advice for travellers - 28 August, 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.

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 vaccination is documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. This is the only document accepted as proof of vaccination. It is provided at designated yellow fever vaccination centres .
• Carry the certificate as proof of vaccination when travelling to this destination.

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

Temporary Recommendations (WHO):

• 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.

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 level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause 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.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention 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.

Health and safety outside Canada

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.

Dual citizens

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 Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

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
• follow the instructions of local authorities

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.

The Democratic Republic of Congo: is it safe to visit?

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written by Harriet Constable

updated 09.07.2019

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been known for too long as the ‘heart of darkness’, but it rewards intrepid travellers with beautiful countryside and some of the continent’s most exciting trekking.

Why should I go?

Isn’t it dangerous, so is it actually safe to visit, where should i go, can i go hiking, how do i get there and around, what about insurance, where can i find out more.

Here, Harriet Constable explores how and why you should visit this central African country.

There is something magical about the DRC. The expansive countryside is alive with colourful flowers, flourishing fruits and luscious green plants. Here, towering mountain peaks are garnished with wisps of mist and giant primates roam the rainforests, munching juicy leaves, swinging from vines and rolling playfully in the dirt.

As a visitor to the DRC, time is spent climbing to great heights for epic views, having close encounters with some of the world’s rarest creatures, and wading through thick, wet rainforests in search of adventure.

This country offers the most extraordinary experiences and, by the very essence of its splendour and variety, deserves to be seen, appreciated and protected.

Kinshasa, Congo © Shutterstock

It’s true that the DRC is a deeply troubled country. Beginning with the arrival of Europeans in the late fifteenth century, and the subsequent colonisation in 1885 by Belgium, extensive pillaging of the country’s rich natural resources, slavery and war mar its history.

Although the DRC enjoyed some prosperous years in the 1950s, the country fell apart again after independence in 1960 and continues to face waves of violence and war, kept at bay only in some regions by the huge UN peacekeeper presence.

It’s because of this that the DRC still struggles to break free from its reputation as a country of ‘darkness’. The reality is that the DRC now, as ever, faces the huge challenges of protecting its rich and varied landscape, saving its precious wildlife and creating a more prosperous future for its people in a complicated political and economic climate.

It’s possible to visit parts of the DRC safely. The safest and most touristed areas of the country are Goma, Virunga National Park and Bukavu in in the east, and the capital Kinshasa in the west.

Given that there are still serious security threats in the DRC for tourists, it’s best to visit with a tour company who will know how best to keep you safe.

The eastern region of the DRC where Virunga is located is still troubled by armed rebel groups, so tour operators will arrange armed escorts to accompany travellers at all times.

© LMspencer/Shutterstock

There are only a couple of regions of the DRC that travellers can visit at present. One of these is the spectacular Virunga National Park, home to about a quarter of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. This is Africa’s oldest national park and is famed for its thick forest, towering mountain peaks and ancient swamps.

On the western side of the DRC is its capital Kinshasa: the world’s second largest French-speaking city. It’s known as the heart of central African music, and the bars in Bandal or Matonge are worth visiting to sample the local nightlife.

After the chaos of Kinshasa, a popular stop off is the crescent shaped Tchegera Island in Lake Kivu – perfect for a couple of days relaxing or kayaking on the lake.

With its expanse of vast mountain ranges and thick rainforest, the DRC offers some top-notch hiking. There are lots of options in Virunga National Park, including various hikes to see the legendary mountain gorillas, but adventurous hikers will also want to tackle Mount Nyiragongo.

This active volcano towers over Goma in eastern DRC, emitting an eerie red glow from its bubbling lava lake as darkness sets each night.

The hike takes around six hours, climbing to 3470m through humid tropical forest, over scraggy lava rocks and past steaming geysers, before being plunged into mist at the top. At the summit, hikers camp in small huts on the crater rim, from where the boiling waves of lava can be heard crashing over each other like water in the ocean.

The evening is spent gaping in awe into the molten, fiery heart of the earth, and watching as the crusted top of the lava lake rhythmically separates, revealing bolts of luminous orange liquid below.

© Dario Verdugo/Shutterstock

It’s difficult to obtain a visa for the DRC without having a tour booked through a reputable company. If you’re travelling independently, it’s best to book your accommodation, transport and activities in advance and use these details for your visa.

To get to Virunga, you can fly into Kigali in Rwanda and then take a three-hour taxi ride to the Goma border in the DRC where your tour company will meet you.

If you’re heading to Kinshasa, you can fly direct with reputable airlines from Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Brussels and Paris.

Internal flights are not recommended; most of the aviation companies have poor safety ratings.

Many insurance companies refuse to provide cover for areas under a travel warning, so if you already have a policy, check it’s valid in the DRC before you go.

There are a number of companies offering insurance for the DRC, including AMREF, who provide air ambulance evacuation services across the African continent, and Battlefield, who provide comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the region.

For more information about visiting Virunga National Park, head to visitvirunga.org, and to understand more about the challenges of protecting the DRC’s wildlife watch Virunga Movie. If you’re visiting Kinshasha, kinshasa-congo.com has some useful information on the city.

Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

Top image © Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock

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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

The World Bank in DRC

The World Bank is helping to fight poverty and improve living standards for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, through education, energy, health and other social services.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), about the size of Western Europe, is the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). DRC is endowed with exceptional natural resources, including minerals such as cobalt and copper, hydropower potential, significant arable land, immense biodiversity, and the world’s second-largest rainforest.

Most people in DRC have not benefited from this wealth. A long history of conflict, political upheaval and instability, and authoritarian rule have led to a grave, ongoing humanitarian crisis. In addition, there has been forced displacement of populations. These features have not changed significantly since the end of the Congo Wars in 2003.

DRC is among the five poorest nations in the world.  An estimated 74.6% of Congolese people lived on less than $2.15 a day in 2023.  About one out of six people living in extreme poverty in SSA lives in DRC.

Political Context

The country concluded general elections in December 2023, leading to a second 5-year term for incumbent President Tshisekedi, but a majority is yet to be negotiated in Parliament to form a government. Reaching political consensus, increasing the presence and credibility of the state, including through improved governance, and advancing structural reforms are key to maintaining stability and peace, attracting investments, and creating jobs.

In recent months, the security situation in North Kivu and Ituri provinces has deteriorated dramatically, with fighting between the army and armed groups forcing thousands to flee. Other pockets of insecurity have emerged in the country, notably as a result of intercommunal conflicts.

Economic Situation

After peaking at 8.9% in 2022, real GDP growth in the DRC remained robust at 7.8% in 2023, supported by a strong mining sector, which grew by 15.4% contributing around 70% to overall growth in 2023.

Agriculture production slowed to 2.2% growth in 2023 (from 2.4 % in 2022). On the demand side, growth was led by private investment and exports, while inflationary pressures caused private consumption to contract, potentially impacting poverty reduction.  The current account deficit deteriorated to 6.3% of GDP in 2023, from 4.9% in 2022, owing to higher import prices.  The exchange rate depreciated by 21.6 % in 2023 and inflation accelerated to 19.9 % on average in 2023 (up from 9.2% in 2022).

GDP growth is expected to moderate to 6% in 2024 and to stabilize around 5.8% over 2025-26, driven by the mining sector. With the agriculture sector employing over 60% of DRC’s work force, the economy’s vulnerability to climate change-related risks (floods, droughts) is substantial. Finally, an escalating war in the East and continued political volatility could undermine the ability to advance with ambitious structural reforms efforts. To mitigate these risks, DRC’s immediate challenge is to strengthen security and maintain political and macroeconomic stability while building strong institutions to ensure sustainable growth.

Social Context

DRC ranks 164 out of 174 countries on the 2020 Human Capital Index , reflecting decades of conflict and fragility, and constraining development. DRC’s  Human Capital Index  is 0.37 which is below the SSA average of 0.4. This means that a Congolese child born today can expect to achieve only 37% of their potential, compared to what would have been possible if they had benefited from a full, quality schooling experience and optimal health conditions. The main contributors to the low score are low child survival rates under age five, high child stunting, and low quality of education.

DRC has one of the highest stunting rates in SSA (42% of children under age five), and malnutrition is the underlying cause of almost half of the deaths of children under the age of five. Unlike other African countries, the prevalence of stunting in the DRC has not decreased over the past 20 years. Due to the very high fertility rate, the number of stunted children has increased by 1.5 million.

The DRC is home to a diverse array of indigenous peoples (IPs) who have faced a range of challenges, including forced displacement from their ancestral lands, discrimination, and lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Despite these challenges, IPs in the DRC continue to play an important role in preserving the country's cultural diversity and promoting sustainable resource management practices. While efforts are being made to recognize and protect the rights of IPs, much more needs to be done to ensure their full participation in society and the protection of their traditional ways of life.

Access to education has improved considerably over the past two decades, especially for girls and at earlier ages. Between 2000 and 2017, primary net enrollment increased by 50%, from 52% to 78%. However, the completion rate at the primary level remains low at 75%. The quality of education is extremely poor with an estimated 97% of 10-year-olds in DRC being in learning poverty , meaning they cannot read and understand simple text.

Congolese women face significant barriers to economic opportunities and empowerment, including high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination. Only 16.8% of women have completed secondary school—about half of the rate of completion for men. Early marriage and high fertility rates represent a challenge, where women and girls without any education have a fertility rate twice that of women who complete secondary school (7.4 children compared to 2.9 [DHS 2014]). Half of women report having experienced physical violence, and almost a third have experienced sexual violence, most commonly at the hands of an intimate partner (DHS 2013).

Women’s labor force participation rate in the DRC is estimated at almost 62%, most of whom work in agriculture. While participation is relatively high, women earn considerably less than men and own fewer assets. A 2021 DRC Gender Diagnostic Report identifies three major factors contributing to persistent and significant gender gaps: control over land, voice and agency, and risk and uncertainty including vulnerability to shocks and GBV. 

DRC’s health care systems have been greatly impacted by its own protracted conflict, as well as by the continued long-standing complex humanitarian crises in the world. This has been greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and by recurrent disease outbreaks such as cholera, measles, and Ebola. There has been significant COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in DRC, with limited demand, and there is evidence that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the utilization of health services since March 2020 with a decrease in hospital visits, a reduction in the number of antenatal care visits, reduced access to family planning and contraception, increased food insecurity, as well as increased incidence of sexual and GBV. Close to 23 million children missed out on routine vaccinations in 2020 due to the pandemic, the highest number in more than a decade, according to recent WHO/UNICEF data. This highlights the disruption COVID-19 has had on health systems and a concern that the temporary interruption of basic healthcare delivery will likely lead to a secondary health crisis, if not addressed.

Last Updated: Apr 08, 2024

In February 2022, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors endorsed a new Democratic Republic of Congo - Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the period of 2022-2026 . The CPF promotes the stabilization and development of DRC, supporting strategic priorities and critical reforms to improve governance and deepen stabilization efforts, in particular in eastern DRC. The new CPF places a strong emphasis on human development, with a commitment to help DRC improve access to and quality of basic services such as education, health, and social protection.

The CPF also has a strong emphasis on addressing drivers of fragility, conflict, and violence, as well as mitigating impacts from COVID-19 and building resilience to shocks and climate change. Investment operations focus on two densely populated corridors that are conflict hotspots where many poor people live. This work includes critical infrastructure (roads, energy, connectivity), which aim to bring in the private sector, along with agriculture, and forestry. To support the implementation of this approach, the World Bank has opened liaison offices in Goma in North Kivu province, and in Kananga in the Kasaï Central province.

Protecting DRC’s rainforest, the second largest in the world, is also at the forefront of the CPF. About 67% of the country is covered by forests, including 145 million hectares of rainforest, storing the equivalent of 85 billion tons of CO2. However, population growth, exploitation of natural resources, infrastructure development, and agriculture puts significant pressure on the forest. This loss has a significant adverse impact on rainfall patterns, water quality, and food security—in DRC and the wider Congo Basin. It is exacerbating climate change and presents a threat to biodiversity. 

As of August 31, 2023, the World Bank portfolio in the DRC totaled $8.6 billion, with 23 national projects ($8.2 billion) and three regional projects ($452 million). Engagements span: economic management, governance, and private sector development; human capital (health, education, social protection); sustainable development (infrastructure and connectivity, agriculture and food security, access to electricity and water, urban development); women’s empowerment, and prevention and response to gender-based violence.

The ongoing Emergency Equity and System Strengthening in Education project supports the Government of DRC’s free primary schooling policy and aims to lower the school fee burden, increase access to primary schooling in the project’s 10 targeted provinces, and strengthen core governance systems in the education sector.

Project results to date include:

• 3 million additional students enrolled in public primary schools in the 10 project provinces (3.7 million nationwide) in school year 2021-2022 compared to school year 2018/2019.
• Nearly 77,000 primary teachers in the project provinces (almost 140,000 nationwide) were added to the payroll between 2021 and 2023 and receive a regular salary.
• The revision and signature of enhanced Codes of Conduct addressing multiple forms of violence, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, by approximately 183,000 teaching personnel and foreseeing sanctions for non-compliance.
• A grievance mechanism known as “Allo Ecole,” anchored in the Ministry of Education systems, helps to resolve conflicts/complaints and foster accountability, including by linking survivors of Gender Based Violence to holistic services and complaint redress channels.
• A program to allocate school grants in an equitable manner, and merit-based recruitment program for teachers and school directors (encouraging also female participation) were developed and approved by the Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (MEPST). These two programs are currently being piloted in three provinces, will be evaluated, and adjusted, if necessary, before being extended to all 10 project provinces.

Social protection

The DRC Eastern Recovery Projec t is scaling-up the coverage of the social safety net programs, including in the North Ubangi province, targeting forcibly displaced populations. To date, more than 218,000 beneficiaries have been involved in productive economic inclusion activities to strengthen their economic autonomy. The conditional cash transfers (cash for work) in urban areas have reached more than 176,000 households and the coverage will be increased to 203,000 beneficiaries during 2024.  Regarding, the unconditional cash transfers in rural areas reached a coverage of more than 440,000.

Health The ongoing Health System Strengthening for Better Maternal and Child Health Results Project (HSSP) covers 3,051 health facilities in 12 out of 26 provinces, providing primary health services to 27% of the DRC population. Since its launch in 2016, the project has had a major impact on maternal and child health, including an 80% increase in the number of women receiving at least four antenatal care visits before. Annually, more than 7.5 million people benefit from essential health, nutrition, and population services. The project has also enabled the government to implement major health system reforms.

Active in 4 provinces (Kasai, Kasai Central, Kwilu and Sud-Kivu), the Multisectoral Nutrition and Health Project (MNHP)   provides high-impact health services to around 20 million people through performance-based financing approaches focused on the quality of health services in 1658 primary health centers, including the rehabilitation of centers and the supply of essential medicines and equipment. The project also provides high-impact nutrition services through community-based approaches that are key to reducing stunting, an essential contribution to strengthening human capital in the country. The MNHP responded to the Government's request to support its Free Maternal and Newborn Health initiative and launched delivery of a package of free health and nutrition services focused on reducing maternal and child mortality in these four provinces in October 2023. The program will expand to cover an additional 7 provinces in April 2024.

Infrastructure

The ongoing Regional Great Lakes Trade Facilitation Project  has improved the border infrastructure and operating environment for small-scale traders at four locations in North and South Kivu, and supported associations for small-scale traders to continue to trade across borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Goma Airport Safety Improvement Project has secured the electricity supply and the enclosure of the airport, modernized air traffic control, improved the runway, and reinforced monitoring of volcano risks. The project also led to an annual increase of at least 10% of the freight and passenger traffic volumes, even during the COVID-19 period.

The Electricity Access and Service Expansion Project has successfully extended new or enhanced electricity services to over 3 million individuals. The project has facilitated the distribution of solar home systems to more than 26,000 households and supported the deployment of solar kits and lanterns by off-grid solar private operators through results-based subsidies. Additionally, the project has produced several planning studies to inform and support the formulation of the Democratic Republic of Congo's National Electrification Plan.

Under the World Bank Urban Drinking Water Supply Project more than 88,000 new private connections and more than 450 community waterpoints were installed, providing drinking water access to over 3 million people. The Kin Elenda Project has financed completion of the first phase of the Ozone Water Treatment Plant, which has boosted water production in Kinshasa by 110,000 cubic meters per day. The project is also financing the construction of third phase of the Ozone Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to further boost production in Kinshasa by an additional 110,000 cubic meters per day by June 2026. Support is also being provided to expand the water storage and distribution network to increase the coverage of water services to selected underserved communes of Kinshasa.

Between 2013 and 2021, the Urban Development Project (UDP) improved connectivity and livability for about 390,000 persons in urban centers through upgrading of 31 kilometers of roads. The project also financed investments to stop the advancement of gully erosion in Kananga. A Kananga Emergency Urban Resilience Project was launched in June 2023 to continue the work of the UDP and lay the foundation to sustainably address the phenomenon of ‘mega gullies’ in several cities of the DRC.

Social Sustainability and Inclusion

The DRC Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response Project has reached more than 8.6 million beneficiaries with a variety of services and interventions ranging from community members accessing livelihoods and literacy training to GBV survivors receiving dignity kits.  Over 78,000 survivors have accessed holistic GBV services (psychosocial, medical, legal, and case management) and over 60,000 beneficiaries have participated in community-level economic support interventions. Over 10,000 GBV survivors have received specialized mental health support utilizing Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET).

Agriculture

The  Regional Great Lakes Integrated Agriculture Development Project  (PICAGL) is working to create inclusive economic opportunities for farming households, and better link inaccessible areas to markets through physical infrastructure (roads, bridges, warehouses) and access to financial support.

In DRC, about 140,000 small farmers, more than half of whom are women, have been supported to improve productivity in cassava, rice, and dairy, and also with bio-fortified crops such as beans and maize, for improved nutrition. 

Forests and Climate Change

The ongoing Improved Forested Landscape Management Project helped establish 25,000 hectares of agroforestry plantations on degraded lands in western DRC to provide the city of Kinshasa with more sustainable charcoal and agricultural commodities. The same project also resulted in:

• 184,000 hectares of four (4) established Local Community Forest Concessions in accordance with laws and regulation on national strategy on community forests.
• 33 000 hectares of enclosures established and maintained to protect land areas from bush fires and facilitate natural regeneration.
• 110,000 people in forest and adjacent communities receiving monetary and non-monetary benefits, 58,400 of which being women, saw their living conditions improved due to project interventions, with over $3 million in Payments for Ecosystem Services distributed to communities and demonstrating the potential of providing incentives for local population to effectively contribute to sustainable natural resources management. The overall household income (monetary and non-monetary) witnessed an increase by 14.7% compared to what it was before the project.
• The distribution of 86,625 efficient cookstoves, contributing to better health, and overall living conditions, as well as climate benefits for communities.
• 4 million tCO2eq emissions were reduced through the above results.
• 775 local land use plans developed at the village level and about 252 kilometers of roads rehabilitated, including 41 bridges and 12 road culverts for enhanced market access.

The World Bank is a member of the Donor Coordination Group that aims to harmonize development partner activities in the field. It is working closely with the United Nations, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Agence française de développement (AFD), the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the German Agency for International Development (GIZ/KFW), and the Belgian Cooperation Agency. In some areas, the World Bank collaborates with the African Development Bank.

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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

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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, it has been in a state of flux since the 1960s and large parts of the country are unsafe for travel.

• -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
• -6.1209 23.5967 10 Mbuji-Mayi

Other destinations

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

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.

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

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 it 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

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

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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

Entry requirements

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

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

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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

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

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.

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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