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The Democratic Republic of the Congo requires all travelers to present a valid passport for entry. Entry with just an ID card is not permitted, except for citizens of some neighboring countries under special regional agreements.
All travelers must present a valid passport to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Entry requirements vary based on nationality:
Citizens of certain African countries, including members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), may enter the DRC without a visa for short stays.
Most other nationalities require a visa to enter the DRC. Visas must be obtained in advance from a Congolese embassy or consulate. A valid passport with at least six months of validity is required, along with proof of onward travel.
Always check with the nearest embassy or consulate before traveling, as entry requirements may change.
The DRC does not have an extensive system of toll roads. However, some major roads, particularly those around cities such as Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, may have toll fees. Toll payment is typically done in cash.
The DRC has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures year-round. The climate varies slightly by region, with equatorial rainforests in the central and northern areas and savannas in the southern regions.
The dry season brings less rain and cooler temperatures, particularly in the southern regions. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
The wet season brings heavy rains, especially in the northern and central regions. Rainfall is frequent, and temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F).
The official currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the Congolese Franc (CDF).
Congolese franc banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 CDF. Coins are not commonly used for everyday transactions.
Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and major hotels. However, US dollars are also widely accepted in urban areas, especially for larger transactions.
Credit and debit card acceptance is limited in the DRC. Most transactions are conducted in cash. ATMs are available in major cities but may not be reliable, so it is advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas.
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