Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Democratic Republic of Congo. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Democratic Republic of Congo: COVID-19, 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.

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.

All Canadian citizens must be in possession of a business or tourist visa to enter the DRC. You must obtain this visa while in Canada – there are no visas available upon arrival. Your passport must also be valid for 6 months beyond your expected date of departure.

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 Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

The DRC has an equatorial and tropical climates making it hot and humid. The average temperature around 26 degrees in the low central basin and 18 degrees at altitudes of 1,500 metres. 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 100 to 170 centimetres 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. Travellers exploring the southern DRC will feel the dry season is more evident.

There are some parts of the DRC travellers 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.

Travellers 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 Canadian Embassy of Kinshasa.

Travellers 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.

Travellers 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 – International currency, especially the dollar and Euro, is widely accepted. 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 travellers 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 Canadian Embassy’s mission is to advance the interests of the United States as well as to serve and protect Canadians in the DRC.

Embassy of Canada to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
17, Pumbu Avenue
Gombe Commune
Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of Congo
Tel: (243) 99 60 21 500

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!