DR Congo

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the DRC Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in DRC.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit DRC.

Applying for a visa

Apply for a visa through the DRC Embassy in the UK.

Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for application processing.

Some types of visa applications are referred to Kinshasa for a decision. In these cases, if you submit a letter of invitation from the person or organisation you’re visiting, stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa, you may speed up the process.

Consider getting a long-term visa if you are planning to stay in DRC for a considerable period. When you apply for or renew a long-term visa, DRC authorities need a ‘consular certificate’ as part of the application. The British Embassy in DRC can issue a consular certificate for you.  

Checks at border control

If you have a Rwandan or Ugandan immigration stamp in your passport you may have some difficulties on arrival, but it should not prevent you from entering DRC.

If you’re crossing regularly between Rwanda and DRC you may have immigration difficulties if you have not regularised your residency status.

Ebola

You may encounter health screening measures, such as being required to fill in a passenger locator form on arrival and departure and temperature checks, including at airports.

Some countries have heightened health screening for travellers from DRC. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.  

Rwanda and Uganda have announced restrictions which impact travellers to DRC.

The UK’s Returning Workers Scheme has been activated, due to the outbreak of Ebola disease. Returning health and humanitarian workers should check the latest at UK’s Returning Workers Scheme before returning to the UK.

Departure tax

You need to pay a departure tax of 55 US dollars on international flights and 10 US dollars on domestic flights. You pay these fees when you check in for your departure. Get an official receipt and a copy for each fee. Hand the originals on request to immigration and at boarding and keep the copies.

Vaccine requirements

To enter DRC, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:  

• a yellow fever vaccination
• a polio vaccine, in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s DRC guide.

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in DRC.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of DRC. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You may have difficulties when entering DRC if you are travelling with:

• satellite phones
• GPS receivers
• military clothing

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in DRC  

There is no general emergency medical number in Kinshasa or elsewhere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Some major cities have emergency services, but their level of assistance is limited.

If you have a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, contact a hospital to make this request. If you are in Kinshasa, you can contact the fire service on 118, and the police on 112.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters
• dealing with a death in DRC
• being arrested or imprisoned in DRC
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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