Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[243] 081 556-0151; US Embassy in Kinshasa, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa, Gombe, Democratic Republic of the Congo; https://cd.usembassy.gov/; ACSKinshasa@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
243
Local Emergency Phone
Police 112, Fire 118
Vaccinations
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, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Largely equatorial climate. Generally, the country is hot and humid in the north and west, an area located within a significant portion of the Congo River Basin.
Currency (Code)
Congolese francs (CDF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Kimbanguist, other Christian, Muslim
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Kinshasa; Lola Ya Bonobo; Kahuzi Biega National Park; Nyiragongo Volcano; Virunga National Park; Lake Kivu
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, rugby
Cultural Practices
Whenever you enter a room of people, shake hands and offer a greeting, such as, “Bonjour” or “Jambo.” African culture tends to be formal, and it is important to take the time to appreciate and be thankful for one another.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 7% is expected in restaurants frequented by Westerners and at fancier eating establishments. Taxis do not typically expect tips.
Souvenirs
Precious stone and seed jewelry, woven baskets, hand-carved wood furniture, ebony statues, bronze sculptures, native pottery, natural perfumes and cosmetics
Traditional Cuisine
Poulet à la moambe — a savory chicken dish made by combining chicken, spices, and palm butter to create a stew-like consistency
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, March 28, 2024
