Congo (Democratic Republic)

Latest update: 17 September 2024 - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski

Outbreaks

There is a measles outbreak.

There is an increase of Mpox (monkeypox) mainly in the Province of Équateur, South Kivu, Bukavu and Kinshasa. The risk for travellers is low.

This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.

Check the current security situation on the federal government website.

Important health risks

The malaria risk is high in the entire country. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning, in combination with the use of malaria tablets.

In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.

There is a risk of yellow fever.

Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis and sleeping sickness.

Protect yourself against insects.

Ticks can transmit diseases such as African tick bite fever.

Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.

There is a risk of infection with schistosomiasis when swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers.

You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.

Tuberculosis

Read these tips before you leave.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever

Mandatory

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Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory and must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre.

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.

COVID-19
Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis
Polio
Measles-mumps-rubella:
- Check your vaccination status. Early measles vaccination is recommended for some young children.

A single booster of polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Asia or Africa aged 16 years or older.

Polio vaccination is compulsory for all travellers who will be spending more than four weeks in this country. This vaccination must be administered at least four weeks and no more than twelve months prior to departure from the country and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.