Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes
Yes	Yes	Yes

Passport valid for at least six months required by all, plus proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket.

Required by all 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. French nationals are also exempt.

Tourist 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 (seven days).

Three month from date of issue, although multiples are available.

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa information.

(a) Passport valid for at least six months. (b) One application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Yellow fever vaccination certificate. (e) Stamped, self-addressed envelope (or cost of return postage) for postal applications. (f) Fee (payable on submission of documents for application of visa; cash or postal orders only). (g) Return or onward travel documentation or itinerary from travel agent. Tourist: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter from employer/university giving proof of status. (i) Letter from bank/building society giving proof of sufficient funds. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Official letter of invitation endorsed by the Congolese authorities (only if a private company). (i) Letter from company in the UK. Visits to friends and relatives: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter from friends/relatives endorsed by the Congolese authorities.

Two weeks in person or by post.

Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the UK
281 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1 X8QF, UK
Tel: (020) 7278 9825.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1400.

Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the USA
1726 M Street, Suite 601, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 234 7690/1.

2 A/B Avenue des Oranges, BP 9502, Kinshasa-Gombe, Democratic Republic of Congo
Tel: (12) 30070.

281 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1 X8QF, UK
Tel: (020) 7278 9825.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1400.

1726 M Street, Suite 601, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 234 7690/1.

Yes	1
2	No
3	N/A
4	N/A

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age.

Following 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. See the Health appendix.

Immunisation or boosters for typhoid are recommended and vaccination against poliomyelitis is sometimes advised.

Malaria 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.

All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A, B and E are present and meningococcal meningitis may occur. Plague is present in natural foci. Further information should be sought from the Department of Health. There is a very high risk of diarrhoeal diseases, the dysenteries and various parasitic worm infections; observe strict food and drink caution. Leishmaniasis and human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) are present. Ebola outbreaks have occurred. The Government has, as of October 2005, imposed a quarantine zone on the Congo (Dem Rep)-Angola border in response to the outbreak of the Marburg fever in the Uige Province, northern Angola. Avoid tick bites which spread African tick typhus. Wear shoes to avoid soil-borne parasites.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Government 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 centres. 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.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 4 Commemoration of the Martyrs of Independence. Jan 17 National Heroes' Day. May 1 Labour Day. May 17 National Liberation Day. Jun 30 Independence Day. Aug 1 Parents' Day. Oct 14 Youth Day. Nov 17 Army Day. Dec 25 Christmas.
Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day. Jan 4 Commemoration of the Martyrs of Independence. Jan 17 National Heroes' Day. May 1 Labour Day. May 17 National Liberation Day. Jun 30 Independence Day.