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Travel Guide
Visiting Congo (Democratic Republic)
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Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: Security situation in DRC North and South Kivu If you are in North or South Kivu and judge it safe to do so, and if routes are available, you should leave. M23 rebels and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu and the surrounding areas in North and South Kivu. M23 rebels and RDF captured the city of Uvira in December 2025, and then withdrew from the city in January 2026, though clashes continue in the surrounding areas. The situation remains highly unstable and u
Updated 2026-03-19
Discover
Top Attractions in Congo (Democratic Republic)
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Virunga National Park
Established in 1925, Virunga is Africa's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning forests, savannah, and glaciated peaks in the country's east. It shelters one of the last populations of endangered mountain gorillas, and guided treks bring small groups close to these great apes in their forest home.
Mount Nyiragongo
Rising to 3,470 metres inside Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo holds one of the world's largest and most active lava lakes. Trekkers climb for several hours to reach the crater rim, where they can look down on the glowing molten lake and overnight in simple shelters at the summit.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Congo (Democratic Republic). Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Congo (Democratic Republic).
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Congo (Democratic Republic)
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number There is no general emergency medical number in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). If you have a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, contact a hospital to make this request. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and h
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police112
Ambulance118
Fire118
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Congo (Democratic Republic)
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Democratic Republic of Congo page at Yoogo.
The DRC uses the Congolese franc (CDF). US dollars are widely used and often preferred for larger transactions in Kinshasa and tourist areas. Card infrastructure is very limited. ATMs are available in Kinshasa but unreliable. Carry sufficient cash, including US dollars, for your entire trip.
The eastern DRC, including North and South Kivu, Ituri, and areas near Virunga National Park, is subject to ongoing armed conflict involving multiple armed groups and the national army. Most governments advise against all travel to large parts of the east. Kinshasa is more stable but petty crime is common. Check your government's travel advisory carefully and engage specialist security advice before any visit to the east.
The DRC has minimal paved road infrastructure outside Kinshasa. Domestic flights are the safest way to travel between regions. Congo River boat journeys are an option for some routes but are slow and facilities are basic. In Kinshasa, taxis and moto-taxis are the main transport. Travel to the east, including Virunga, requires coordination with park authorities and security advisors.
The DRC straddles the equator and has complex rainfall patterns. Kinshasa's dry season runs from June to September. In the east, conditions vary by altitude and location. For gorilla trekking and wildlife in Virunga, the drier months from June to September and December to February are generally most suitable.
French is the official language. Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba are national languages, each dominant in different regions. Lingala is widely used in Kinshasa and the west; Swahili dominates in the east.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Malaria prophylaxis is essential throughout the country. Hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, meningitis, and rabies vaccinations are strongly recommended. The DRC has experienced Ebola outbreaks; check current health alerts before travel. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.
Tipping is appreciated but not formally expected. In restaurants and for guides and drivers, leaving a modest tip for good service is a kind gesture in a country where wages are very low.
Vodacom, Airtel, and Orange provide mobile coverage in Kinshasa and major cities. Coverage in the east and rural areas is limited. Internet speeds are slow. Prepaid SIM cards are available in the capital. Satellite communication devices are advisable for remote travel.