Democratic Republic of the Congo
People have inhabited the Democratic Republic of Congo’s territory for almost 90,000 years. It is home to fascinating biodiversity and dramatic vistas, as well as a complex history involving Bantu kingdoms, slavery, colonialism, and dictatorial rule.
Kinshasa, the sprawling capital of the DRC, is situated on the banks of the Congo River, opposite Brazzaville, capital of the neighbouring Republic of the Congo. The Congo River, made famous by the explorer Henry Morton Stanley, runs across the north of the country and remains an important transportation artery into the country’s impenetrable interior. The roads and railway built by the Belgium colonial regime have long-since been reclaimed the by the jungle.
Everyday life in the Democratic Republic of Congo can be extremely chaotic. This vast country (the third largest on the continent) currently exists in a state of fragile peace after decades of civil war. In early 2019, Felix Tshisekedi became the new president after the first transfer of power since the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960.
For 59 years, the former president, Joseph Kabila, ruled the country and thwarted attempts for democratic elections, which led to instability. It’s still early days of the DRC and it is difficult to say what the future holds in terms of development of the country. Despite continued tensions however, international investors are being drawn to the country by its enormous mineral wealth.
Tourism in the country is also on the rise. Most are drawn to the Virunga National Park in the far east of the country, one of the few places where visitors can still find mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bordering Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga was established in 1925 as Africa’s first national park.
Most of the DRC is off limits for mainstream tourism; however, businessmen, diplomats, aid workers and others with essential business are well-catered for in some good hotels and restaurants, chiefly in Kinshasa’s affluent Gombe district.
Key Facts
- Language:
- French is the official language, but Lingala, Kingwana, Kikongo, Swahili and Tshiluba are also spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreigners entering the DRC require a visa obtained in advance, as well as a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Visas issued by any country other than the home country of the traveller may be refused, unless there is no embassy of Congo (Dem. Rep.) in the home country. Passengers with a letter issued by the Ministry of Interior and Security can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum of seven days, and can apply to extend their stay. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
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.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Various plugs are in use, but two-pin attachment plugs and round pin plugs with grounding are common.
Overview
The Democratic Republic of Congo is not the most popular holiday destination, but its natural splendour continues to seduce adventurous travellers who seek excitement off the grid.
The destination has the potential to be a top African tourist spot, thanks to its virgin rainforest, active volcanoes, the mighty Congo River, Lake Kivu and wealth of wildlife, which includes the sought after mountain gorillas.
Travellers tend to fly into Kinshasa to enjoy the city’s nightlife and explore the Congo River and surrounds, or to duck across the Rwandan border into Goma, which is the gateway to the wonders of Lake Kivu, Mount Nyiragongo, and Virunga National Park.
Much of the country remains inaccessible to tourists and in such a state of disrepair and turmoil that it is best avoided. The transport networks are notoriously unreliable and dangerous and most visitors arrange their trips through tour operators. However, signs are hopeful that the country will become more stable, accessible, and safer for visitors in the not too distant future.
Climate in Democratic Republic of the Congo
The DRC straddles the equator and experiences a tropical climate. South of the equator there are frequent, heavy rains between October and May, and north of the equator the rain falls between April and November. The eastern highlands have a more temperate climate, while the southern highlands are alpine. Average annual temperatures sit at around 77F (25C) in the low, central basin, and hover around 68F (20C) at the higher altitudes. The average annual rainfall in Kinshasa is 56 inches (1,422mm).
Health Notes when travelling to Democratic Republic of the Congo
Yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry for everyone over one year old, and vaccinations against cholera, meningitis, typhoid, and polio are highly recommended.
There is a significant malaria risk throughout the country, and advice should be sought in advance about preventive measures. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is common to the DRC, and monkeypox occurs, which is a virus usually transmitted to humans from infected ground squirrels and rodents. Regular outbreaks of pneumonic plague also occur, particularly in the district of Ituri, and is fatal if left untreated. The country has also experienced a number of ebola outbreaks over the last decade.
The Centre Prive d’Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after serious accidents. However, medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) would be advised as soon as possible. Outside Kinshasa, western standard medical facilities are practically non-existent. Visitors are advised to take their own basic medical supplies with them, as medicines are in short supply. Medical insurance with provision for emergency air evacuation is essential for visitors.
All water should be regarded as contaminated, and milk is unpasteurised, meaning visitors should consume only imported bottled water and avoid dairy products.
Safety Notes when travelling to Democratic Republic of the Congo
The east and north east of the DRC are not secure and travellers should be cautious if travel to the region is necessary, particularly near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda. There is a high level of street crime and armed robbery, particularly in Kinshasa, where armed gangs or criminals posing as plain-clothes policemen regularly attack foreigners.
Security officials have also been known to arrest foreigners and demand payment for their release. Visitors should not display valuables on their person, walk the streets alone, or carry large amounts of money, and should keep car doors and windows locked. Demonstrations and political gatherings should be avoided. Boats and ferries are poorly maintained and have low safety standards.
Customs in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Photography is technically illegal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo without a permit. Even with a permit, visitors must never take photos of police or military personnel, official buildings, or motorcades. The Congolese may get very upset if visitors take pictures of them, or their children, without permission. At 6am and 6pm the national flag is raised and lowered, and all traffic and pedestrians are expected to stop for this ceremony, as well as for any official motorcade.
Duty Free in Democratic Republic of the Congo
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.
Doing Business in Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s abundance of natural resources should make it one of Africa’s richest countries, but corrupt leadership and extensive civil war have been detrimental to its economic development.
However, biodiversity, minerals, and agricultural potential offer many opportunities for foreign investment and companies are beginning to see this. Areas with potential for investment include mining, oil, energy, fishery, timber, railroads, and telecoms.
The business community in the DRC is still developing, and the country is currently ranked among the most difficult for ease of doing business. Travellers must ensure business is conducted with the correct legal establishments, and it is crucial to work with a local attorney in order to avoid mistakes caused by unfair competition, scams, or simple ignorance. Most foreign investors will find that a good deal of homework combined with respect for the local culture will make them welcome in the DRC.
The principal language used is French, and interpreters are available. It is important to establish a good personal relationship with business connections, as these relationships are often given preferential treatment.
Business tends to be formal: men wear light suits while women should avoid trousers. Formal suits and ties are generally worn only when meeting dignitaries or government officials. Business hours are usually 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, closing at 12pm on Saturdays.
Communication in Democratic Republic of the Congo
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.
Tipping in Democratic Republic of the Congo
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.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreigners entering the DRC require a visa obtained in advance, as well as a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Visas issued by any country other than the home country of the traveller may be refused, unless there is no embassy of Congo (Dem. Rep.) in the home country. Passengers with a letter issued by the Ministry of Interior and Security can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum of seven days, and can apply to extend their stay. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for the duration of intended stay, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 7690.
- In Canada:
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230 6582.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7580 3931.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 344 6475/6.
Foreign Embassies in Democratic Republic of the Congo
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Kinshasa: +243 81 556 0151.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Kinshasa (also responsible for Australia): +243 996 021 500.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Kinshasa: +243 81 346 4291.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for DRC): +27 12 342 5062.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Kinshasa: +243 81 556 6586.
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