Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Guide
Season • Note
Are December and January good months to visit Democratic Republic of the Congo?
December
Shoulder
season
January
Shoulder
season
Did you know?
The population of Democratic Republic of the Congo is around 89.56 mil., which puts the country in 16. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Kinshasa (CD) and Washington D.C. (US) is 6530 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Kinshasa click here
Country Comparison
Compare Democratic Republic of the Congo to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Democratic Republic of the Congo
| Miles | Kinshasa | Virunga National Park | Bukavu | Kisangani | Goma | Upemba National Park | Matadi | Kananga |
| Kinshasa | - | 1017 | 944 | 760 | 979 | 840 | 164 | 502 |
| Virunga National Park | 1017 | - | 152 | 304 | 91 | 628 | 1168 | 619 |
| Bukavu | 944 | 152 | - | 328 | 62 | 477 | 1085 | 503 |
| Kisangani | 760 | 304 | 328 | - | 318 | 665 | 920 | 483 |
| Goma | 979 | 91 | 62 | 318 | - | 538 | 1124 | 553 |
| Upemba National Park | 840 | 628 | 477 | 665 | 538 | - | 926 | 358 |
| Matadi | 164 | 1168 | 1085 | 920 | 1124 | 926 | - | 615 |
| Kananga | 502 | 619 | 503 | 483 | 553 | 358 | 615 | - |
Best Ways to Experience Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreCongolese Franc (CDF)
- CDF
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- CDF
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Routine vaccines
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Areas with malaria
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Democratic Republic of the Congo for tourism
A visa is required, but can be obtained through the relevant website.
- Allowed stay: 7 days
- International Certificate of Vaccination required.
- Registration required.
- Visas must be issued at the DR Congo embassy in Washington, D.C.
Electricity
220V (50 Hz)
In Democratic Republic of the Congo the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, D, E sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type D
Type EFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 16 / 231 Ranking | 89 561 403 over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu |
Area | 12 / 230 Ranking | 905.4 thous. mi² It is approximately 25% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 185 / 196 Ranking | 61.4 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 59.7women 63.3 |
Median age | 6 / 157 Ranking | 16.7 Average age of population expressed in years.men 16.5women 16.8 |
Population growth | 7 / 172 Ranking | 3.16% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 90 / 131 Ranking | 77% Ability to read, write and count.men 88.5%women 66.5% |
GDP | 192 / 194 Ranking | 1 141 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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