🇨🇩Democratic Republic of the Congo
Africa· Updated 06/03/2026
Information
Capital
Kinshasa
Population
116,452,162
Currency
Congolese franc (CDF FC)
Languages
français, lingala, swahili, kingwana, tshiluba, Kikongo
Continent
Africa
Calling code
+243
Timezone
Africa/Kinshasa
Area
2,345,409 km²
Government
Semi-presidential republic
National day
June 30 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.cd
About
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa's second-largest country by area at 2,345,409 km². It has a population of about 116 million and faces major security challenges in the East. Capital: Kinshasa.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(High)
- Avoid carrying valuables
- Do not travel alone at night
Terrorism(High)
- High risk of attacks by ADF and other groups, stay vigilant
Transport
- Use secure vehicles, avoid public transport at night
Natural risks(Mining landslides, floods)
- Avoid informal mining areas
Health(Weak healthcare system, epidemics (Ebola, malaria))
- Mandatory vaccines (yellow fever), malaria prophylaxis, bottled water
Practical tips
- Register with the consulate
- Follow the advice of the French MFA
- Have repatriation insurance
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD · as of 11/06/2025
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
unsafe
10-15% in restaurants, not mandatory
Photos
Point de vue panoramique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Point de vue panoramique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Point de vue panoramique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Point de vue panoramique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rak Man
Point de vue panoramique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Monument emblématique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Manass Rex
Monument emblématique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Monument emblématique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Monument emblématique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Khris Kunta kUkU
Monument emblématique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rimiscky Tayuna
Site UNESCO
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Site UNESCO
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Анна Василевска
Site UNESCO
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Jana Vaňková
Site UNESCO
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominika Gregušová
Site UNESCO
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nadia Vasil'eva
Parc national
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Gamroth Joerg
Parc national
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edouard MIHIGO
Parc national
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Alain Nkingi
Skyline de Kinshasa
Kinshasa
Khris Kunta kUkU
Visas
Plan your trip
Tours and activities
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation.
Travel insurance
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges.
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo?▾
It depends on your nationality: some passports enter visa-free, others need an e-visa or a consular visa. Select your nationality in our checker to get the exact rule for your passport, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality→Is it dangerous to travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Very high due to armed conflicts in the East, not recommended unless imperative". See the Safety section on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Democratic Republic of the Congo?▾
The official currency is Congolese franc (CDF FC). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo?▾
The capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo is Kinshasa. The main spoken languages are: français, lingala, swahili, kingwana, tshiluba, Kikongo.