Democratic Republic of the Congo

Decades of civil war and corruption after the end of colonialism brought the central African Democratic Republic of Congo to its knees, economically, politically and socially, although the country has the potential of being the richest in Africa. This vast country (third largest on the continent) currently exists in a state of fragile peace after decades of civil war, still beset by outbreaks of violence. Despite the tensions, investors are keeping tabs on this battle-worn equatorial enclave, which has enormous mineral wealth, including copper and cobalt.

The capital, Kinshasa, is a transportation hub on the Congo River, one of Africa's main arteries, sited opposite Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo. The city is no backwater, despite the collapse of its economy due to political turmoil; it sports a university and several other important academic institutions, including a research centre for tropical medicine, some worthy historic buildings, monuments and museums.

To the north east, bordering Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, lies the Virunga National Park that was established in 1925 as Africa's first national park. It became well known for its mountain gorillas, although these are now extremely rare due to poaching and the ongoing civil war.

Visiting the DRC is, however, risky and recreational tourism is not advised. Businessmen, diplomats, aid workers and others with essential business are well catered for in some good hotels and restaurants, chiefly in Kinshasa's affluent Gombe district.

Climate

The DRC straddles the equator and therefore experiences a tropically hot and humid climate. South of the equator there are frequent heavy rains between October and May, and north of the equator the rain falls between April and November. The eastern highlands has a more temperate weather. In the low central basin average annual temperatures are around 77°F (25°C), while at the higher altitudes the temperatures hover around 68°F (20°C). The average annual rainfall in Kinshasa is 56 inches (1,422mm).

Money

The official currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF). Credit cards have a very limited use, as do traveller cheques, usually only in Kinshasa. It is best to take US dollars in hard currency. Banks are closed on weekends and credit cards cannot be used to obtain cash advances. The economy is highly unstable in the Congo, and therefore denominations of currency and exchange rates are subject to change at short notice.

Passport Visa

All foreigners entering the DRC require a visa obtained in advance, as well as a yellow fever vaccination certificate. If no diplomatic representation in country of origin, visas will only be granted on-arrival to passengers holding a pre-notification letter issued by the Direction Generale de Migration (DGM) officials. Documents and tickets for return or onward travel are required. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
• British nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
• Canadian nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
• Australian nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
• South African nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
• Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa, to enter the DRC.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa, to enter the DRC.

Health

Yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry for everyone over one year, and vaccinations against cholera, meningitis, typhoid and polio are highly recommended. Large numbers of cases of acute watery diarrhoeal syndrome have been reported in North Kivu province (easter DRC) since September 2008. In many instances these have been fatal. In areas of poor sanitation it is not advisable to drink water unless it has been treated by boiling and filtration or with a chemcial purifier. There is a significant malaria risk throughout the country, and advice should be sought in advance about preventive measures. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is endemic to the DRC, and monkeypox occurs, which is a virus usually transmitted to humans from infected ground squirrels and rodents. Regular outbreaks of pneumonic plague also occur, particularly in the district of Ituri, and is fatal if left untreated. An outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus occurred in September 2007. The Centre Prive d'Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after most serious accidents. However, medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) would be advised as soon as possible. Outside Kinshasa, western standard medical facilities are practically non-existent. Visitors are advised to take their own basic medical supplies with them, as medicines are in short supply. Medical insurance with provision for emergency air evacuation is essential for visitors. All water should be regarded as contaminated, and milk is unpasteurised, therefore consume only imported bottled water and avoid dairy products.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 7690.
• Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7278 9825.
• Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230 6391.
• Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 344 6475/6.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Kinshasa: +243 (0)81 556 0151.
• British Embassy, Kinshasa: +243 81 715 0761.
• Canadian Embassy, Kinshasa (also responsible for Australia): +243 (0)89 895 0310.
• South African Embassy, Kinshasa: +243 81 700 5414.
• Irish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for DRC): +27 (0)12 342 5062.