Last updated: 22 Nov 2023
Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
About
| Congo (Dem Rep) has many beautiful landscapes, with lakes and forests, waterfalls and wildlife. However, this is a vast country, with an almost non-existent transport infrastructure. It is mired in conflict and a long and intricate history. Kinshasa, the capital, does not have many sights of historic interest, but visitors should not miss the prehistoric and ethnological museums at Kinshasa University. A brightly coloured chapel crowns the top of the hill. Nearby is a corner of the equatorial forest surrounding a beautiful lake called Ma Vallée with a tavern on its banks. Other attractions include the fishing port of Kinkole, the Gardens of the Presidential Farm of Nsele made of pagodas, and the extensive pools where angling and swimming may be enjoyed. In both the markets and the suburbs of Kinshasa, there are craftspeople who produce wood and metal items. The National Museum includes some unique pieces of national art. |
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| Capital: | Kinshasa (FIH) |
| Currency: | Franc Congolais (CDF) |
| Language: | French. Many local languages are also spoken including Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba and Kikongo. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 243 |
| Time Zones: | Kinshasa / West: UCT / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa). Rest of the country: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Public Holidays 2022: |
Jan 1, 4, 15-17; Apr 30; May 1, 17; Jun 30; Aug 1; Dec 25, 31 |
| Side of the Road: | Right (International Driving Permit required) |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. Doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Customs: | Swimwear should be reserved for the beach / poolside. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | A permit is required for photography, but photographs of military installations and government buildings should be avoided. At 6am and 6pm the national flag is raised and lowered, and all traffic and pedestrians are expected to stop for this ceremony, as well as for any official motorcade. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Credit cards have limited use. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Congo (Dem Rep) by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco. • 1 bottle of alcoholic beverage. • A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use. • Cameras if temporarily imported by tourists. Radios, audio equipment and gifts are subject to duty |
| Prohibited Imports: | An import licence is required for arms and ammunition. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo
832 Jan Shoba Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
Tel: 012 344 6475
Email: info@drcembassypta.com
Web: drcembassypta.com
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Completed application form
- Two recent passport photos
- Valid Passport (valid at least 6 months) with 4 blank pages to insert a visa
- Reason for visit
For Business:
- A notarized letter of invitation from the host
- A letter from the applicant's employer with details of your business contact
For Visit:
- A notarized letter of invitation from the host in DRC with full address/or confirmed hotel booking
- A letter from the applicant's employer confirming that they will return to work after their visit
For Tourism
- Details of your intended tour itinerary.
Visa Cost
Multiple Entry:
90 Days: R2625
180 Days: R5250
Transit Visas:
Single Entry: R350
Double Entry: R500
- No cash payments
- Visa Fees are non-refundable
- ALL Payments deposited into:
STANDARD BANK
Branch: Arcadia
Account number: 011276886
Branch Code: 010845
Branch : Arcadia
HOLDER: Embassy of DRC
Cheque payments will wait seven working days for clearance before service is provided by the Embassy.
SA Representative
SA Embassy
77 Avenue Ngongo Lutete, Gombe, Kinshasa
Tel: +24 381 556 6600
Email: rsaembassydrc@gmail.com
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/kinshasa/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
