Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Democratic Republic of Congo. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Democratic Republic of Congo: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Yellow fever is still a problem in the DRC. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country.

Zika is present in the DRC. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region. Steps should be taken to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to the virus.

Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease which is present in the DRC. Antimalarials are the best form of prevention alongside repellents and mosquito netting.

Dengue and chikungunya are also present. Both are only preventable through repellents, netting and other anti-mosquito measures.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

There is a risk of contracting cholera in the DRC. The CDC recommends travelers get the vaccine when traveling to a place with active cholera transmission. Avoiding contaminated food and drink can also help prevent cholera.

Cholera cases have been reported in the DRC. Over 20,000 cases were reported from Jan to October 2016. Nearly seven hundred people died in the outbreak.

The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!

A passport, visa, and World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination are required to enter the DRC. It’s important to have your visa before traveling to the DRC. Contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa Specialist today to start the process.

Democratic Republic of Congo Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Democratic Republic of Congo?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Democratic Republic of Congo and U.S. State Department

The U.S. Department of the State doesn’t know of any HIV/AID restrictions for people visiting the DRC or foreign residents in the DRC.

The DRC has an equatorial and tropical climates making it hot and humid. The average temperature in the high 70’s in the low central basin and mid-60’s at altitudes of 5,000 feet. The best time to travel to the DRC is during dry season.

Here is what to expect from the climate in DRC:

• Equatorial Climate – The temperature is stable throughout the year. There is a lot of rain during the months of April-May, and October-November. The least months with rainfall are January-February and June-July.
• Tropical Climate – This occurs to the north and south of the equatorial zone. The climate becomes tropical and the rainfall averages between 40 to 67 inches per year. The temperature is lower in the winter dry season but higher during the summer rainy season. The spring is the end of the dry season.
• The Mountains – In the east the DRC experiences the East African Rift that has created many lakes. The mountains affect precipitation, causing the west to have more rain while the east remains dry.

The coast experiences fog and low clouds because of the cool sea current. Travelers exploring the southern DRC will feel the dry season is more evident.

There are some parts of the DRC travelers should not visit. The eastern part of the DRC is not stable because of rebel and military groups. Violence has occurred including hurting civilians, killing, rape, and kidnapping. Pillaging is still happening in places like North Kivu, South Kivu, Tanganyika, Haut, Lomami, Ituri, Bas-Uele and Haut-Uele. Civil unrest is ongoing.

Travelers should stay away from demonstrations and large crowds. Protests can turn from peaceful to violent at any moment. People also need to be cautious of roadblocks and security forces. When you’re driving, you should keep doors and windows locked. Don’t let soldiers get into the car with you. It’s important not to get into a vehicle with anyone.

If you need to communicate with a legitimate officer, you should make sure your doors are locked. Only leave your window open a little bit to communicate with the officer.

You need to have your identity papers with you to show the police if the situation calls for them. It will make things easier if you follow the officer’s commands and if threatened, don’t resist.

If a crime occurs or you’re a victim of a crime, you should report it to the U.S. Embassy of Kinshasa.

Travelers who want to connect with the wildlife of the DRC should visit the gorilla orphanage. This orphanage can be found on the grounds of Mikeno Lodge. The Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage was named after a silver back killed defending the Rugendo group against poachers in 2007. Four gorillas now live in the orphanage and two of them, Ndakasi and Ndeze, survived the massacre.

Travelers who stay at the hotel have access to the gorilla orphanage for free. It is open from 8 am – 4 pm, and it’s an experience tourists should not miss out on when they travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

When you’re planning your trip to the DRC, there are some things you should consider taking with you.

• Packing – Sunscreen, insect repellent, cotton clothing that is comfortable, good walking shoes, sunglasses, and a camera with plenty of film are some of the essentials you’ll need for your trip.
• Currency/Money – U.S. money is accepted everywhere. There are also money changers available in many cities in the DRC. ATMS, that are internationally linked, are available in the larger cities, but they are not that reliable. When travelers tip, a 5% to 7% tip is expected. Most taxi drivers don’t expect tips but some ask for them. A good tip to have on you is CDF500, and it’s good to carry cash just in case of emergencies.
• Medicines and Supplies – Prescription medicines, medical supplies, over the counter medicines, a first aid kit, and supplies to prevent injury and illness are important things to consider on your trip to the DRC.

It doesn’t hurt to be prepared on your trip so make sure you take everything you need to travel and stay healthy.

The U.S. Embassy’s mission is to advance the interests of the United States as well as to serve and protect U.S. citizens in the DRC.

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa
310 Avenue des Aviateurs
Kinshasa, Gombe
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Telephone: +(243) 081-556-0151 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(243) 081-556-0151
Email: USEmbassyKinshasa@state.gov

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