Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
There is no general emergency medical number in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). If you have a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, contact a hospital to make this request.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for DRC
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in DRC including:
- ebola
- malaria
- cholera
- yellow fever
- mpox
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of DRC. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Ebola
There are frequent outbreaks of serious infectious diseases in DRC. On 17 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease) outbreak in DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak is active, evolving and geographically widespread.
Before you travel to DRC read Ebola Disease in DRC and general information on Ebola and similar diseases.
Some countries have additional health screening requirements or entry restrictions for travellers arriving from, or who have recently visited the DRC. Check entry requirements for any destination or transit country before travelling.
UK Health Security Agency has Ebola information for humanitarian or healthcare workers.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of an infected person, or through contact with contaminated materials. To reduce your risk:
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avoid contact with anyone who is unwell or showing symptoms of Ebola
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avoid contact with blood, body fluids and human remains
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avoid handling bushmeat or contact with bats and other wild animals
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wash your hands regularly and follow local public health advice
If you develop symptoms such as fever, severe headache, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting or unexplained bleeding while in DRC, seek medical advice immediately and avoid contact with others. Symptoms can develop up to 21 days after exposure.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in DRC
FCDO has a list of medical providers in DRC where some staff will speak English.
Medical care is extremely limited. The Centre Prive d’Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after most serious accidents. Outside Kinshasa, Western-standard medical facilities are almost non-existent. Medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) could be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you take medication regularly, make sure you bring enough for your time in the DRC, and that it is in properly marked packaging.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.