Democratic Republic of Congo
The information below is provided by Lonely Planet readers and is not verified by Lonely Planet. For the official lowdown, contact your nearest embassy or check out our Travel Links.
Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
Upon descending the stairs from the aeroplane immigration officers collect the passports of all those who are disembarking. The passengers walk to the arrival hall and wait in the proper line for the passports to be returned. The immigration people call the passengers, reading the name from the passport they hold. You then stay in the line with your passport and wait your turn to pass immigration control. Some of the policemen will approach you and ask if you have anyone waiting for you. When you get through passport control you collect your luggage and leave. You will probably be followed by a policeman who will introduce you to one of the waiting taxi drivers. He will even open the door for you and he will expect a tip. One US dollar is satisfactory.
When catching the ferry to Brazzaville you need to give away all your remaining Congo francs as they are not allowed to be taken out of the country. You will even be advised by customs officials to do so. Walk around the gate and go to customs where your belongings will be inspected. Declare your money and go behind the curtain for a body search. The customs officer will ask to empty your pockets and ask if you have any money other than what you have shown in your declaration. I said no and left without any body search, to proceed to the ferry via the gangway.
Haralampos Bizas, Greece (Oct 02)
Travel Tips
There was no evidence of photography permits anywhere. It is generally known that one does not take pictures in Kinshasa or near the Congo River (although this is negotiable). I know an international team of scientists who were arrested a few years ago for taking a picture of a bridge. Photography is fine in private settings and in rural areas that are not near the border or military camps.
It is best for visitors to be met at the airport by a protocol agent who knows the ropes and the airport staff. This is more important when departing than arriving for both international and domestic flights, as there are no apparent check-in or baggage check lines and the procedure has no apparent logic to it. Airport workers were generally friendly and courteous toward me and I was never asked for money by anyone but the ever-persistent porters and shoe-shine boys.
Walking around downtown Kinshasa during the daytime is fairly safe (certainly not less so than Nairobi or Lilongwe). There are plenty of small cafés and restaurants with decent food. A night out in Kinshasa is a must. The city is always alive and there is a variety of live music and dance clubs. Making friends with the Kinois (locals in Kinshasa) is the best way to see the town and most will be more than willing to show you around their city.
Katherine Wolf, USA (Oct 03)
Everybody deals with US dollars but they want the new type with the big head. The old type have a lower value or are not accepted.
Haralampos Bizas, Greece (Oct 02)
Moving About
Travellers are now permitted to travel throughout Kinshasa, Bas Congo and Bandundu without a permit. The price to apply for a permit to visit areas outside of these three provinces is US$20.
Katherine Wolf, USA (Oct 03)
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