Bukavu

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.