What currency should I bring to the DRC?

US Dollars (USD) are the most practical currency to bring. Clean, undamaged USD bills (preferably USD 50 and USD 100 notes from 2013 series or later) are accepted widely in Kinshasa and major cities. Bring all the cash you expect to need — ATMs are unreliable and card payments are barely functional. CDF is needed for small purchases and local transport.

Do Apple Pay or Google Pay work in the DRC?

No. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not supported in the DRC. Mobile money services (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Orange Money) exist but require a registered local SIM and national ID — unavailable to tourists. All payments are cash-based for international visitors.

Are ATMs reliable in Kinshasa?

No — ATMs in Kinshasa (Rawbank, Equity BCDC, TMB) exist but are frequently out of service, out of cash, or unable to process foreign cards. Never rely on ATMs as your primary cash source in the DRC. Bring sufficient USD from home.

Can I use euros or British pounds in the DRC?

EUR and GBP are very difficult to exchange outside Kinshasa, and even in Kinshasa the market is limited. USD is strongly preferred. Convert to USD before travel if possible.

How do I exchange money safely in Kinshasa?

Use licensed bureaux de change or bank branches (Rawbank, Equity BCDC, TMB). Avoid street changers — they are illegal and tourist scams are common. Hotel front desks may offer exchange at less favorable rates. Always count money carefully before leaving the counter.

Is the DRC expensive for travelers?

Yes — Kinshasa is one of Africa's most expensive cities for international visitors due to its import-dependent economy, security costs, and limited infrastructure. Gorilla trekking permits in Virunga (USD 400–600) and accommodation in Kinshasa (USD 100–250/night for mid-range) are major expenses. Budget very generously.

What is the cost of a Virunga gorilla trekking permit?

Virunga National Park gorilla trekking permits cost USD 400–600 per person and must be booked in advance through the official Virunga park booking system or authorized tour operators. Check current prices at gorillatrekking.org or virunga.org. The park is in eastern DRC — travel advisories for the region must be checked carefully before planning.

Are there currency export restrictions?

Yes — Congolese Francs (CDF) cannot be exported from the DRC. USD may be exported up to limits set by customs regulations. Declare amounts over USD 10,000 on arrival and departure as required. Do not attempt to carry undeclared large sums across borders.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

🇨🇩

Phone Code

+243

Capital

Kinshasa

Population

102 Million

Native Name

République démocratique du Congo

Region

Africa

Middle Africa

Timezones

West Africa Time

UTC+01:00

+1 more

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa's second-largest country, anchoring the continent's heart with the Congo Basin rainforest (the second-largest tropical forest on earth after the Amazon), the Congo River (the deepest river in the world at 220 metres and the second-largest by discharge) and a wildlife heritage that includes mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, bonobos endemic to the country, okapis, forest elephants and Congo peacocks. Kinshasa, the capital and Africa's third-largest city, is the worldwide cradle of Congolese rumba (inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021). French is the official language alongside Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili and Tshiluba. The country is distinct from its smaller neighbour, the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). Modernised entry processes — including the official e-visa system at evisa.gouv.cd — have made independent travel more practical for the wildlife, conservation, journalism, NGO and adventure-tourism communities that visit each year. Travellers should consult their government's current advisories before booking; recommendations vary by region.

Visa Requirements for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The DRC requires advance authorisation for almost all foreign visitors — there is no visa-on-arrival service. Two routes are available. The official e-visa platform at evisa.gouv.cd (administered by the Direction Générale de Migration, DGM) allows online application for short stays up to 7 days through the VAP (Visa AéroPortuaire / Airport Visa) scheme, accepted at major international airports including Kinshasa N'djili and Goma. For longer stays, business, work, residence or student purposes, traditional embassy applications remain the route. Embassy applications require a passport valid at least six months beyond entry, completed forms, photos, a mandatory yellow fever vaccination certificate (vaccination at least 10 days before arrival), an officially certified invitation letter (stamped by host or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa, which can speed up applications routed there for decision), confirmed accommodation, return ticket and proof of funds. Embassy processing typically takes two to three weeks. International airport departures carry an exit fee of approximately USD 55 (USD 50 airport tax plus USD 5 boarding); domestic flights ~USD 10. Yellow fever vaccination, registration with the local DGM office for residents, and currency-export restrictions (Congolese francs cannot leave the country) are strictly enforced.

Common Visa Types

E-Visa / Airport Visa (VAP)

7 days initial stay; extendable through DGM offices once in country; must be used within 3 months of issue.

For short tourism, business or family visits via the DGM e-visa platform at evisa.gouv.cd, valid for arrivals at Kinshasa N'djili and other designated airports. Online application with passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate, itinerary, accommodation proof and credit-card payment.

Tourist Visa (Embassy)

Typically 30–90 days; extendable through DGM in Kinshasa.

For longer leisure travel, national-park visits and family stays. Application through a DRC embassy with form, passport (6 months validity, blank pages), photos, yellow fever certificate, certified invitation or hotel booking, proof of funds and return ticket.

Business Visa

Typically 30–90 days; single or multiple entry.

For meetings, conferences, mining-sector site visits, NGO programmes and other commercial activity that does not constitute local employment. Requires invitation letter from a registered DRC company, business documentation and the standard supporting paperwork.

Work Visa and Permit

Typically 1 year; renewable annually.

Two-step process for employment in the DRC: business visa for entry, then a work permit through the Ministry of Labour with employer sponsorship. Permits are tied to a specific employer; changing job requires a new application.

Residence Permit

Typically 1 year; renewable annually.

Mandatory for any foreigner staying beyond 90 days. Issued by DRC immigration authorities after arrival on the basis of employment, family reunification, retirement or business.

Student Visa

Aligned with the academic programme; renewable.

For studies at accredited DRC universities or research programmes. Acceptance letter, proof of tuition or scholarship, financial means and accommodation arrangements required.

Important Travel Information

Apply for the e-visa at evisa.gouv.cd (DGM-administered) for short stays up to 7 days, or apply at a DRC embassy for tourist, business, work, residence or student visas. There is no visa-on-arrival at any entry point.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers — bring the WHO International Certificate of Vaccination, with vaccination administered at least 10 days before arrival.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure with blank pages for stamps. Always carry passport and visa (with copies kept separately) — checkpoints throughout the country require document presentation.

Travel Guide

The Democratic Republic of the Congo offers some of the most distinctive travel experiences on the African continent — for a small but committed cohort of wildlife travellers, conservationists, photographers, journalists and NGO professionals who reach the country each year. Virunga National Park, on the Rwandan border in the east, is Africa's oldest protected area (UNESCO World Heritage) and shelters roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas; trekking permits run USD 400–600 per person and are booked through the official park operation that funds ranger salaries and conservation. The same Virunga complex contains Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano whose summit overlooks one of the world's largest permanent lava lakes — overnight ascents that include a night at the crater rim are among the most arresting volcanic experiences on earth. Salonga National Park (UNESCO), at the country's heart, is the largest tropical-rainforest national park on the continent and home to the bonobo, the great-ape species endemic to the DRC. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (UNESCO) protects the only viable wild population of the okapi, a forest giraffe known to science only since 1901. The Congo River — the deepest river in the world — supports a riverboat culture that has run for over a century: the multi-day journey upriver from Kinshasa toward Mbandaka and Kisangani is one of the world's great river trips. Kinshasa itself, Africa's third-largest city, is the global cradle of Congolese rumba (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 2021), with live-music bars in the Cité, the Académie des Beaux-Arts and a frenetic urban culture that sets the rhythm for much of francophone Africa. Travellers should consult current government advisories before booking — guidance varies by region.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Mountain gorillas in Virunga

Virunga National Park (UNESCO, Africa's oldest protected area) shelters roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking permits at USD 400–600 per person are booked through the official park operation that funds ranger and conservation work. Habituated family groups in volcanic forest above Goma.

Mount Nyiragongo lava lake

An active volcano above Goma whose 3,470 m summit overlooks one of the world's largest permanent lava lakes. The classic ascent is a one-day climb followed by an overnight at the crater rim, with the lake glowing red through the night — among the most arresting volcanic experiences on earth.

Bonobos in Salonga National Park

Salonga National Park (UNESCO) is the largest tropical-rainforest national park on the African continent and the only home of the bonobo — the great-ape species endemic to the DRC and, alongside the chimpanzee, our closest living relative. Reached only by air or river, with primatologist-led visits.

Congo River riverboat journey

The Congo River — the deepest river in the world (220 m) — sustains a riverboat culture that has run for over a century. The multi-day journey upriver from Kinshasa toward Mbandaka and Kisangani, with floating markets, pirogues approaching the boat to trade and dense rainforest on both banks, is among the world's great river trips.

Kinshasa rumba and urban culture

Africa's third-largest city is the global cradle of Congolese rumba (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 2021). Live-music bars in the Cité, the Académie des Beaux-Arts, the bustling Grand Marché and a frenetic urban culture that sets the rhythm for much of francophone Africa.

Okapi Wildlife Reserve and Ituri rainforest

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (UNESCO) protects the only viable wild population of the okapi — a forest giraffe known to science only since 1901 — alongside Congo peacocks, forest elephants and dense Ituri rainforest. The reserve adjoins traditional Mbuti communities and is reached via Beni or Bunia.

Money & Currency

Congolese Franc (CDF)

Currency code: CDF

Practical Money Tips

Congolese Franc (CDF) and US Dollar — A Dual Cash Economy

The DRC officially uses the Congolese Franc (CDF), but the US Dollar (USD) functions as a parallel currency accepted almost universally in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and other cities for hotels, restaurants, flights, and larger purchases. Most international travelers operate primarily in USD. EUR and GBP are difficult to exchange outside Kinshasa. Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills (especially USD 100 notes post-2013 series) — worn or older bills are often refused. Currency exchange is available at licensed bureaux de change and some banks in Kinshasa; street changers are illegal and risky. CDF is essential for small purchases, transport, and local markets.

Very Limited ATM Network — Bring Sufficient Cash

ATM infrastructure is extremely limited in the DRC. Rawbank, Equity BCDC, and TMB (Trust Merchant Bank) operate ATMs in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, but machines are frequently out of service, out of cash, or unavailable for foreign cards. Do not rely on ATMs as a primary cash source. Bring all the USD cash you need for your trip from your home country. Outside Kinshasa and a handful of major cities, ATMs essentially do not exist. Even within Kinshasa, ATM availability is unpredictable.

Card and Mobile Payments Very Limited — Cash Dominant

Credit and debit card acceptance is extremely limited and largely restricted to high-end hotels and airlines in Kinshasa. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not supported. Local mobile money services — M-Pesa (Vodacom DRC), Airtel Money, and Orange Money — are widely used among Congolese residents but require a local SIM with national identity registration, making them inaccessible to most visitors. Plan for a predominantly cash trip. Carry USD for major expenses and CDF for day-to-day purchases.

Budget Carefully — Kinshasa is Expensive for Africa

Contrary to expectations, Kinshasa is one of the most expensive capitals in sub-Saharan Africa for expatriates and international visitors. Mid-range hotel: USD 100–250/night. International restaurant meal: USD 20–60. Virunga National Park gorilla trekking permit: USD 400–600 per person (booked in advance). Local moto-taxi (boda-boda): CDF 500–2,000 for short trips. Street food: CDF 1,000–3,000 a meal. Security costs (required guide in many areas, vehicle hire): budget generously. Eastern DRC travel requires specialist operator; check travel advisories before planning.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Kinshasa

States & Regions in Democratic Republic of the Congo

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