Demokratiska Republiken Kongo

Översikt

Capital: Kinshasa (pop. 16.316 million)
Population: -
Other Urban Areas: Mbuji Mayi (pop. 2.892 million); Lubumbashi (pop. 2.812 million); Kananga (pop. 1.664 million); Kisangani (pop. 1.423 million); Bukavu (pop. 1.249 million)
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Kimbanguist, other Christian, Muslim
Languages: French, Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba
Time Zone: UTC+1
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +243
Electrical plug(s): Type C, Type D and Type E

Pengar

The local currency in Democratic Republic of Congo is Congolese francs (CDF). As of 6 October 2026 100 CDF is equal to 0.04 USD. In addition to the local currency, USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at banks.

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

It is illegal to export CDF and visitors are only allowed to carry not more than 5 million CDF ($5,400) upon entry.

Tipping 7% is expected in restaurants frequented by Westerners and at fancier eating establishments. Taxis do not typically expect tips.

El

The power supply in Democratic Republic of Congo is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C, D and E. During 2019, less than 10% of the population had access to electricity.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to the DRC: Select foreign nationals can enter visa-free to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Information on the validity of the stay period was not immediately available.

e-Visas

E-Visa: Foreign nationals wishing to enter the DRC can apply for an e-visa valid for up to seven days.

Visas

Entry visa: Foreign nationals wishing to enter the DRC can apply for a visa valid for one, two, three or six months.

Lokal resor

Overview

Road conditions are poor in Kinshasa and even worse outside of it. Most roads are unpaved and accidents are highly common. Rail services are unsafe and unreliable, much like maritime travel. There are also safety concerns about air travel. All airlines certified in the DRC are banned from operating within the European Union (EU).

Travel Safety

Air Travel

From late January 2025, Goma International Airport (GOM/FZNA) in North Kivu province remained closed for commercial flights until further notice.

As of 21 May, Ugandan authorities suspended all flights to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) effective within 48 hours, due to an ongoing Ebola virus outbreak.

N'djili International Airport (FIH/FZAA), located 25km (15.5 miles) southeast of Kinshasa, is the country's largest airport from which foreign visitors can connect to most parts of the country. From N'djili International Airport, connections are available daily from Europe and other parts of Africa. Air France, Brussels Airlines, Uganda Airlines, KLM, South African Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and other carriers operate regular flights.

Domestic carriers such as Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (flyCAA), Air Kasaï, Congo Airways and Air Congo fly weekly to large cities such as Goma (GOM/FZNA), Mbuji Mayi (MJM/FZWA), Lubumbashi (FBM/FZQA) and Kananga (KGA/FZUA). There are nearly 400 landing strips in the DRC for cargo, humanitarian and private passenger flights; conditions greatly vary at these strips. As of 27 January, all flights are suspended at Goma International Airport following the city's occupation by Rwandan-backed M23 militants.

Foreign visitors should arrange for a driver to collect them at the airport prior to their departure, or alternatively, make use of their hotel's transportation service where available. Self-driving is discouraged due to the risk of accidents and carjacking.

Airport safety and security are poor. The DRC has experienced more fatal plane crashes than any other African country since 1945. Nevertheless, with a limited network of paved roads, flying remains one of the more dependable ways to cross the vast country.

Note that most aircraft flying in the DRC are very old and poorly maintained, and some airports lack even the most basic emergency equipment.

All air carriers certified by DRC authorities are banned from operating flights to Europe due to a lack of conformity with the necessary technical elements and requirements prescribed by the applicable international safety standards. These airlines include AB Business, Air Fast Congo and Air Kasai.

Borders and Entry

Border closures:

• The Gatumba and border crossing between Burundi's Bujumbura Rural province and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu province has reopened after being closed on 10 December 2025, after M23 rebels seized control of Uvira, South Kivu. It remains unclear whether the Vugizo border is still closed.
• Rwandan authorities closed the Goma-Gisenyi border crossing between the DRC's North Kivu province and Rwanda's Western province and the Rusizi-Bukavu border crossings between the DRC's South Kivu province and Rwanda's Western province to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.
• The border crossing between Ishasha in the DRC's North Kivu province and Kyeshero in Uganda's Kanungu region was closed to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. As of 21 May, Ugandan authorities also suspended all flights to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) effective within 48 hours, and all cross-border public transport. Only essential entries from the DRC will be allowed.

Health-related surveillance measures: Officials imposed mpox screening measures on international and domestic travellers at Kinshasa’s Ndjili International Airport (FIH/FZAA) until further notice.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the right side of the road. The quality of roads varies greatly in the DRC. In major towns, most roads are tarred but are poorly maintained and dotted with large potholes. Outside of the larger towns most roads are dirt tracks which are often washed away during the rainy season. In good weather conditions, it will take around a day to travel between Kinshasa and Matadi, and from Lubumbashi to Kolwesi.

Due to the condition of the roads, 4x4 vehicles are essential. However, visitors should hire a driver and car rather than attempt to drive themselves, especially when travelling outside of Kinshasa. Visitors should not drive at night and should drive in convoy whenever possible. Motorcycle taxis are banned from entering Gombe commune in Kinshasa to prevent protests in the area that targeted embassies and diplomatic representations. Motorcycle taxi drivers remain present in the area despite the ban.

Roadblocks are common and foreign visitors should be prepared to provide identification and vehicle documentation. When travelling to areas not controlled by the government, visitors must take extra care at any informal roadblocks. Remain calm and cooperative.

Rail Travel

Rail services are basic, sporadic, and generally unreliable. Carriages are old, poorly maintained, and often suffer delays on the lines, derailments, and accidents. The main internal railway runs from Lubumbashi to Ilébo, with a line to Kalemie and Kindu, and from Kinshasa to the port town of Matadi twice a week. Connections between Kasai and Katanga are possible, but not guaranteed. Foreign visitors should seek further information prior to visiting these provinces.

Public Transport

Ferries and Boats: Travelling by barge along the Congo River has traditionally been the primary means of long-distance travel for most Congolese. Over 1,600km (992 miles) of the river is navigable by barge. However, the barges are old and poorly maintained, and there is rarely any form of safety equipment onboard. There is no fixed departure timetable, and it is common for them to break down along the way. Currently, travel by barge from Kinshasa to Kisangani is prohibited.

Buses: Buses run between the major towns, but are poorly maintained and overcrowded. Foreign nationals are advised to choose an alternative means of transport.

Minibuses: Minibuses run into the centre of Kinshasa. Minibuses are usually overcrowded and poorly maintained. Foreign nationals are advised to choose an alternative means of transport.

Taxis: There are no official taxis in Kinshasa, but unmarked taxis can be privately arranged. Online ride-hailing app services, namely Yango, are more recommended than traditional taxis when possible, as they have a fixed fare and are safer.

Movement Control Orders

Officials have placed the Bulape health zone in Kasai province as a containment zone and installed checkpoints to prevent residents from moving in and out of the area until further notice, to prevent the spread of Ebola.