Before you go to Congo - Kinshasa: what to know
Must know
- Arrange a visa through the DRC embassy before travel; allow at least 2–3 weeks for processing.
- Cash-based economy; US dollars are widely used. Cards are accepted only at selected businesses and hotel ATMs may not work.
Entry and visas
British citizen passport: Arrange a visa through the DRC embassy before travel; allow at least 2–3 weeks for processing. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.
Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Cash-based economy; US dollars are widely used. Cards are accepted only at selected businesses and hotel ATMs may not work.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.
Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Climate
Rainy seasons differ across the equator: April–October in the north and November–March in the south.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- February: Feb: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- March: Mar: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- April: Apr: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- May: May: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- June: Jun: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- July: Jul: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- August: Aug: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- September: Sep: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- October: Oct: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- November: Nov: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
- December: Dec: Northern and southern rain seasons differ; check the destination forecast.
Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
What to pack
- Copies of travel documents
- An adapter compatible with your accommodation
- Medicines with their prescription documents
Practical
Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.
Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.