Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PassportsPassport valid for
at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, plus proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above except transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 48 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Types of Visa and CostTourist and
Business.
Single-entry: £40 (one month); £73 (two months); £105 (three months); £145 (six months).
Multiple-entry: £65 (one month); £97 (two months); £121 (three months); £194 (six months).
Transit: £24 (one-way); £48 (return).
ValidityThree months from date of issue, although multiples are available.
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see
General Info.Working Days RequiredTwo weeks in person or by post.
WarningVisitors are advised against all travel to eastern and northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This includes entering DRC from Uganda and Rwanda. This is due to continued insecurity and lawlessness in these areas. There is sporadic fighting between the Congolese army and insurgents in North Kivu.
Travelers are advised against all but essential travel to the rest of DRC at present, as there is a risk of tension and insecurity following the elections in July and October 2006 and during the formation of the new government. There remains a risk of instability and the situation could deteriorate at short notice.
Since the beginning of March there has been a build up of military forces in the center of Kinshasa (Gombe district). The situation is now tense and clashes are taking place. Travelers are advised against all travel to Kinshasa. Those already there are advised not to move around town and to keep in touch with the British Embassy on the ground for latest developments.
There were clashes between political grouping (BDK) and government troops in Bas Congo at the end of January and early February 2007. Over 100 people are reported to have been killed. The situation in Bas Congo remains tense and could deteriorate again at short notice.
Travelers should also continue to remain vigilant at all times if traveling elsewhere in DRC.
Ndjili International Airport in Kinshasa is likely to close at short notice if the security situation in town deteriorates. Visitors should check with their airline before traveling.
The threat from terrorism is low.
Travelers should be aware of the risk of street robbery of foreigners in Kinshasa by individuals posing as plain-clothes police, and gangs promising cut price gold and diamonds to lure the unwary.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travelHealth | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Yellow Fever | Yes | 1 |
| Cholera | 2 | No |
| Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A |
| Malaria | 4 | N/A |
Health CareGovernment expenditure on health is low and the quality of hospitals is poor. It is advisable to take specific personal medicines as well as supplies such as syringes and drip needles, as medical facilities are available only in larger centers. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment in full for health services. Health insurance is
essential and it is advisable to include cover for emergency air evacuation.
Note1A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travelers over one year of age.
2Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not an official condition of entry to Congo (Dem Rep). However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3Immunization or boosters for typhoid are recommended and vaccination against poliomyelitis is sometimes advised.
4Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant
falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the whole country. The malignant form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Mefloquine is the recommended prophylaxis.
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