Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Status

DISRUPTION

Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently affected by an active Ebola outbreak, armed conflict and severe insecurity in parts of the country, border uncertainty and major aviation disruption in eastern DRC. Commercial flights are not operating from Goma and Bukavu airports, while international travel through Kinshasa continues.

Ebola outbreak

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a major outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease. Transmission has affected multiple provinces and health zones, particularly in eastern and northeastern DRC.

Health screening

Health screening and surveillance are operating at airports, ports and official land border crossings. Travellers may be required to undergo temperature checks, complete health or passenger locator forms or comply with additional health measures.

Restrictions after leaving DRC

Travellers should check the rules of their next destination before leaving DRC. Some countries have introduced restrictions or enhanced screening for people who have recently been in the country.

United States restrictions

People who have been in DRC during the previous 21 days are currently subject to significant U.S. public-health travel restrictions. Travellers planning onward travel to the United States should check the latest rules before making travel arrangements.

Goma and Bukavu airports

Commercial flights are no longer operating from Goma and Bukavu airports following attacks and continuing insecurity in eastern DRC. Travellers should not plan journeys that depend on normal commercial air services from these airports.

Kisangani flight disruption

Drone attacks around Kisangani airport have previously disrupted flights, and the security situation remains unpredictable. Further short-notice disruption is possible.

Eastern DRC

The security situation in eastern DRC remains extremely unstable. Armed conflict, kidnapping, violent crime and attacks affect parts of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and surrounding areas.

Rwanda border

The Goma-Gisenyi and Bukavu-Rusizi border crossings between DRC and Rwanda can close at short notice. Travellers should confirm the status of their intended crossing immediately before attempting an overland journey.

Visa requirements

Travellers generally require a visa to visit DRC. Visa requirements depend on nationality and travellers should obtain the appropriate visa before departure.

Passport requirements

Travellers should generally have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival. Entry can be refused without valid travel documents.

Yellow fever

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. A polio vaccination certificate may also be required in some circumstances.

Departure tax

Passengers leaving DRC by international flight are required to pay a departure tax. Travellers should keep the official receipts issued when paying the required airport charges.

Ebola outbreak continues to expand

The current Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak remains active. Recent World Health Organization reporting shows transmission across multiple health zones in six provinces, with continued cases and deaths.

International Ebola travel restrictions

The outbreak has resulted in additional travel restrictions and health-screening measures in other countries for people who have recently travelled in DRC. Travellers should therefore check not only DRC’s entry requirements but also the requirements of their onward destination.

Goma and Bukavu commercial flights remain suspended

Commercial flights are not operating normally from Goma and Bukavu airports because of the security situation in eastern DRC.

Kisangani aviation risk

Drone attacks around Kisangani airport have caused flight disruption. Further disruption remains possible because of the unpredictable security situation.

Eastern borders remain unpredictable

Border crossings in eastern DRC can be affected by armed conflict, security measures and public-health restrictions. Rwanda-DRC crossings may close at short notice.

Level 4 travel advisory

The current U.S. travel advisory places the entire Democratic Republic of the Congo at Level 4 because of health risks, crime, unrest, terrorism and kidnapping.

Check the latest security situation for your exact destination and route before making travel arrangements. Conditions differ significantly between Kinshasa and conflict-affected parts of eastern DRC.

If travelling through eastern DRC, do not assume that airports, roads or international border crossings will remain open. Conditions can change with little notice.

Check the entry rules of any country you intend to visit after leaving DRC. The Ebola outbreak has resulted in additional screening and travel restrictions for recent travellers from DRC.

Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate and any other required health documentation.

If your journey involves Goma or Bukavu, confirm transport arrangements carefully because normal commercial flights are currently unavailable from those airports.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.