Demokratiska Republiken Kongo

Översikt

DR Congo, or Congo-Kinshasa is a fragile state beset by political uncertainty and a host of domestic security threats and rebellions, which have led to the intervention of neighbouring countries and major humanitarian crises. Although security has improved in many parts of the country since the end of the last full civil war in 2003, high levels of violent crime and civil unrest remain pervasive, particularly in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, and to a lesser degree, Orientale. The Congo-Kinshasa’s vast size, poor infrastructure and diverse ethnic communities mean that the central government in Kinshasa has only ever exerted limited control over much of its territory. Visitors to Congo-Kinshasa are also vulnerable to a number of health and environmental concerns. The country has seen a series of outbreaks of severe illnesses, including Ebola haemorrhagic fever in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2022 and a plague endemic, both in the north-eastern Orientale province. Malaria and multiple other contagious and infectious diseases are present, all of which warrant extensive medical insurance that covers repatriation.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Congo-Kinshasa. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Congo-Kinshasa. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

There have recently been confirmed Yellow Fever cases in Bas Uele, Lualaba, and Tshuapa provinces. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival from all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Congo-Kinshasa has risk of ongoing Chikungunya transmission. Insect protection measures are essential.

Cholera occurs in Congo-Kinshasa and recent confirmed cases of cholera have been reported from Kasai province.

Ebola is present in the country, with the latest large outbreak declared in August 2018, affecting North Kivu and Ituri Provinces in the northeast. There have been more than 3,000 cases and 2,200 deaths, which makes it the largest outbreak reported in the country and the world's second largest in history since 2014-2016 West African epidemic. The last outbreak of Ebola epidemic occurred in 2022.

Schistosomiasis is endemic in the provinces of Bas-Congo, Katanga, Kinshasa, Maniema and Orientale. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Long-term visitors (4 weeks or more) should receive a booster dose of Polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to travel.

There are an estimated 390.000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Congo-Kinshasa.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Congo-Kinshasa. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Congo-Kinshasa.

Additionally, due to poor air quality, individuals with respiratory illnesses should carry medications with adapters.

The medical facilities are extremely limited in Congo-Kinshasa and medication is often unavailable. Bring your own medication packed in the original boxes and clearly labelled (in generic names). It is also advisable to bring your own needles. The sanitation is poor and the majority of doctors and hospitals expect payment in advance.

In the situation of serious medical problems it is advisable to leave the country for better medical facilities.

Outside of the capital, medical facilities are very poor and often unavailable. The majority of travellers in Congo-Kinshasa go to the Centre Prive d’Urgences (CPU) which is the best equipped hospital in the country, but they require an annual or quarterly membership fee.

Pass

A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is a requirement. Travellers should hold sufficient funds for the duration of stay and be able to provide evidence of a return or onward journey ticket. Travellers should also note that people have been detained for not having evidence of Yellow Fever vaccination.

It is advisable to check whether the Ndjili airport in Kinshasa is open as it can close on short notice. People travelling to DR Congo have frequently experienced difficulties on arrival such as temporary detention, passport confiscation and vague demands from government personnel.

Visum

Visas should be obtained before entering into DR Congo. An invitation letter notarised in DR Congo is necessary for all travellers visiting DR Congo for business, tourist, journalist or missionary purposes. Business travellers are required to submit a letter from the company assuming all financial responsibilities for the traveller.

There is a range of visa options for DR Congo. Business and tourist visas are available for one month, two months, three months and six months, for either single- or multiple-entry.

Transit visas are required for travellers who are not continuing their journey within 48 hours or on the first connecting aircraft who are not leaving the airport.

For departure, it is necessary to have a valid visa for the country you are travelling to. Otherwise you are not allowed to board the plane.