Congo (Democratic Republic)
Outbreaks
- There is a measles outbreak.
- There is a major increase in the number of cases of Mpox mainly in remote areas in and around the rainforest in Equateur province. There is a large outbreak of Mpox with transmission through sexual transmission in South Kivu and the region around Bukavu. Some cases are also reported in Kinshasa. The risk for travellers is in general low, but can be higher for travellers who have sexual contacts among MSM networks or with sex workers in South Kivu.
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
Malaria
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.
Yellow fever
There is a risk of yellow fever.
Other insect-borne diseases
Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis and sleeping sickness.
Protect yourself against insects.
Tick-borne diseases
Ticks can transmit diseases such as African tick bite fever.
Rabies
Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.
Schistosomiasis
There is a risk of infection with schistosomiasis when swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers.
Altitude sickness
You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.
COVID-19
Take a look at the general preventive measures related to COVID-19.
- Carefully read the entry conditions and local measures of this country.
Other possible infections
Other frequent health risks while travelling
Read these tips before you leave.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory from the age of nine months.
This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
Update of basic vaccinations
- COVID-19
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis
- Polio
- Measles-mumps-rubella:
- Check your vaccination status. Early measles vaccination is recommended for some young children.
Polio
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.
Other vaccinations
Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you: