Country guides
Africa
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Various plugs are in use, but two-pin attachment plugs and round pin plugs with grounding are common.
Language
French is the official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo. People also commonly speak Lingala, Swahili (including a local version called Kingwana), Kikongo, and Tshiluba in different parts of the country.
Money
The official currency is the Congolese franc (CDF). ATMs are available in Kinshasa and other major centres, though it may be difficult to withdraw cash from international accounts, even at major hotels. Some major hotels accept credit cards. US dollars are widely accepted; counterfeit currency is common.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is included in restaurant and hotel bills and further tipping is unnecessary. In general, tipping (Mahtabish, meaning 'something extra') is expected.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry for travellers over one year old; vaccinations for cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, polio, rabies, and meningitis are recommended. Malaria is present throughout the country, and there have been occasional outbreaks of mpox (monkeypox), pneumonic plague in Ituri, and Ebola.
Medical facilities in Kinshasa are limited but can handle routine care. The Centre Privé d'Urgence (CPU) can assist with emergencies, though serious cases may require evacuation, often to South Africa. Outside the capital, healthcare services are more basic. Travellers are advised to bring essential medications and ensure their travel insurance includes medical evacuation.
It's best to drink sealed bottled water and avoid unpasteurised dairy products.
Safety
The east and northeast of the DRC, especially near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda, can be unstable, and travel to these areas should be approached with care. In Kinshasa and other cities, petty crime and occasional incidents involving armed individuals, sometimes posing as police, have been reported.
Visitors are advised not to display valuables, walk alone, or carry large amounts of cash, and to keep car doors and windows locked. Demonstrations and political gatherings should be avoided, as they can become unpredictable.
River travel should be undertaken with caution, as boats and ferries may not meet international safety standards. When possible, travellers should choose well-established operators and take basic safety precautions.
Local customs
Photography in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is regulated, and visitors should be cautious when taking photos in public. It isn't permitted to photograph government buildings, military personnel, airports, or official motorcades, even with a permit. Taking pictures of people, especially children, without asking for permission can be seen as disrespectful and may cause offense.
Each day, at around 7.30am and 6pm, the national flag is raised and lowered. During these times, both pedestrians and vehicles are expected to pause briefly as a sign of respect. The same applies when official motorcades are passing.
Travellers are encouraged to be respectful of local customs and to ask before taking photos in public places.
Doing business
The Democratic Republic of Congo is exceptionally well-endowed with natural resources, but political instability and conflict have slowed its economic progress. Rich opportunities exist for foreign investment in sectors such as mining, agriculture, energy, transportation infrastructure, telecommunications, tourism, timber, fisheries, and financial services.
Doing business in the DRC poses challenges. The country ranks among the lowest globally for ease of doing business, so foreign investors are strongly advised to conduct thorough due diligence and work with legal professionals on the ground to navigate regulations and avoid pitfalls.
French is used in business settings across the country. Building trust through personal relationships, patience, and respect for hierarchy is important. Men usually wear business suits and women modest professional attire. Typical business hours are 8am to 4pm on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays.
Duty free
Visitors to the DRC may import 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol; perfume for personal use and a camera to be used for touristic purposes, without paying customs duty.
Communications
The international dialling code for the DRC is +243 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Domestic telephone connections are unreliable. Visitors can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones; major hotels offer WiFi.
Passport & Visa
All foreigners travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo need to get a visa before arrival. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required for everyone over one year old. Visas must usually be obtained from a Congolese embassy or consulate in the traveller's home country. If there's no Congolese embassy in the home country, visas from other countries might be accepted, but this is not guaranteed.
In some cases, travellers with an official letter from the Ministry of Interior and Security can get a visa on arrival for up to seven days and may apply to extend their stay. It's important to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure date. Rules at immigration can sometimes vary from what official sources or travel agents say, so it's best to be prepared for some flexibility.
Entry requirements
US nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
British nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
Australian nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and a visa, to enter the DRC.