country
Democratic Republic of the CongoRépublique démocratique du Congo
First trip: only as a short, organised stay in Kinshasa (3–4 nights, with the bonobo sanctuary as a day-trip); do not plan the east independently, where most governments advise against all travel.
The DRC is vast, road links between regions barely exist, and security advice rules out much of the country, especially the eastern provinces around Goma and Bukavu, where armed conflict has continued. A visit that works is short, based in Kinshasa, arranged through a reputable local contact, and backed by insurance that covers the DRC. Check your government's advice before booking and again before flying.
All regions, cities and parks in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Atlas) →
Regions
Capital on the Congo River; Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary day-trip
3–4 nights
Matadi, the lower Congo River and the Atlantic coast; check current advice
2–3 nights
Arrive
FIH
N'djili International (Kinshasa)
Main international gateway; arrange your pickup in advance
FBM
Lubumbashi International
South-east gateway, regional links to southern Africa
Time math
- 3 days
- Kinshasa 3 (with a bonobo sanctuary day-trip)
- 6 days
- Kinshasa 3 + Kongo Central 2 + Kinshasa 1 (only if current advice allows)
Country rules
- Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the DRC authorities or embassy before booking; a visa is usually needed in advance.
- Check your government's advice province by province: most governments advise against all travel to the eastern provinces and several other areas, and against all but essential travel to much of the rest.
- Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention and check the yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for entry, which is strictly checked.
- Photography in public places can lead to detention; do not photograph government buildings, soldiers, police, airports or bridges.
Etiquette
- French is the language of business; Lingala is widely spoken in Kinshasa.
- Greetings and politeness matter; take time to greet before any request.
- Ask before photographing anyone, and do not take photos in public places without local guidance.
- Rainy season (roughly Oct–May in Kinshasa)
- Heavy storms and flooding in parts of the city.
- Independence Day (Jun 30)
- National holiday; offices close and security is heavier.
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 5/5
- The currency is the Congolese franc (CDF), but US dollars are widely used for larger payments; bring clean, recent dollar notes, as worn or old notes are often refused.
- Foreign cards work at few places; do not rely on ATMs.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Safety
- Most governments advise against all travel to the eastern provinces (including North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri) and several other areas: check your own government's advice before and during your trip.
- Street crime, including armed robbery, and demonstrations occur in Kinshasa; avoid gatherings and move by car after dark.
- Carry your passport or a certified copy at all times; police and military checkpoints are frequent.
- Outbreaks of infectious diseases occur; check health advice for the areas you plan to visit.
Kinshasa faces Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo) across the river; the crossing and the border rules change, so check both countries' requirements before planning it.