Difference between revisions of "Democratic Republic of Congo"

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(additional info to visa requirements)
 
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=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a massive country - one of the biggest in Africa. The country often struggles for stability, and is not known as the safest of places to visit. Do you research carefully. <br/>
 +
Note: Almost all places in the DRC accept the US Dollar as currency, or the local Congolese Franc (only used in the DRC)
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">May 2017</span>'''
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
{{visa_country}}
+
The travel visa for The DRC is easy to get, with virtually everyone who travels South getting it in Cotonou, [[Benin]]. It's possible to get a one week visa, or a one month visa which costs <price cost="70000" currency="XOF" />. <br/>
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
The visa will be issued by the staff while you wait, or later the same day.
 +
 
 +
Coming from the South, get the visa in Windhoek, [[Namibia]] for <price cost="100" currency="USD" . Note that the embassy staff will likely look for a bribe in order to provide you with a visa in a timely manner. Do not attempt to obtain the visa in Luanda, [[Angola]] as they now only provide visas for Angolan residents or work permit holders/>
 +
 
 +
==Required Paperwork==
 +
* Passport of registered owner.
 +
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
Depending on your route, getting stamped in might actually be many days drive from where you enter. This is considered normal.
 +
* Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
 +
* Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
 +
* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the Passavant.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
Entry with a [[Carnet de Passage]] is free, the passavant costs <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" />
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
With a Passavant it is one month.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Unknown
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
Line 29: Line 43:
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
 +
* Get your [[Carnet de Passage]] stamped out if you have one.
 +
 
 +
All should be free, do not pay for this.
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
Line 39: Line 56:
  
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.
  
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
Unknown.
  
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
Unknown within The DRC
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
''State the side of the road to drive on. i.e. Left or Right.<br />
+
Right. <br/>
(also state if a vehicle with a steering wheel on the opposite side can be legally driven)''
+
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to have them to avoid bribery.
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 +
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
The DRC has possibly the worst roads in all of Africa. Dirt roads are often extremely bad mud, with deep rutted tracks from transport trucks, deep water crossings and bogs which may be impassable. Paved roads are often more pothole than tarmac.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Road signs are virtually non-existent, certainly away from Kinshasa you should expect none.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
None.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is extremely common, you should expect officers at checkpoints to either directly ask for money or a gift. Maybe they will invent a story about why you must pay. "Road tax" is a common bribe, and is extremely expensive for foreign vehicles (often $50 USD). Be polite, and don’t pay bribes, though many people can not find a way around paying Road Tax.
 +
 
 +
See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police, Military and Customs will check all your paperwork. Don't pay. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
Line 77: Line 97:
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">(last updated date)</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">May 2017</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 88: Line 108:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="1.27" currency="USD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="1.26" currency="USD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Stations are very rare, especially North of the Congo River. Gas and diesel can be bought from containers, though the quality will be questionable. You should carry as much gas/diesel as possible, and expect to find few stations.
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Likely not good - both have dirt and/or water, diesel is likely extremely high sulphur content.<br />
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 +
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not highly recommended due to the risk of violence or bandits. There can also be armed robbery on the roads in remote places and some even place bogus road blocks. Also watch out for cars without lights, animals, people and everything else you can imagine on the roads.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
As with all of west africa, expect the unexpected at all times. Literally anything is possible.
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 120: Line 137:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
Camping is not common in The DRC, though it can be done in the right places.<br />
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Wildcamping is certainly possible in remote areas. See places in iOverlander for the few that exist.
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 128: Line 144:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
 
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* There are quite a few great spots listed in iOverlander - check there.
 
+
* The Luozi ferry is the most common place to cross the Congo River. Price is just under $20USD for a regular sized 4x4, and around $30USD for a large truck-camper.
 +
* There is a bridge across the Congo River at Matadi - the price is about $5USD.
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 20:28, 18 May 2019

West Africa > Democratic Republic of Congo Currency to display:

Visiting Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a massive country - one of the biggest in Africa. The country often struggles for stability, and is not known as the safest of places to visit. Do you research carefully.
Note: Almost all places in the DRC accept the US Dollar as currency, or the local Congolese Franc (only used in the DRC)

Entering Democratic Republic of Congo with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: May 2017

Travel Visa for Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

The travel visa for The DRC is easy to get, with virtually everyone who travels South getting it in Cotonou, Benin. It's possible to get a one week visa, or a one month visa which costs CFA70,000.00 XOF.
The visa will be issued by the staff while you wait, or later the same day.

Coming from the South, get the visa in Windhoek, Namibia for $100.00 USD

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

Depending on your route, getting stamped in might actually be many days drive from where you enter. This is considered normal.

  • Get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
  • Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
  • If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the Passavant.

Cost of entry[edit]

Entry with a Carnet de Passage is free, the passavant costs CFA10,000.00 XOF

Permitted length of stay[edit]

With a Passavant it is one month.

Extension of stay[edit]

Unknown

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
  • Get your Carnet de Passage stamped out if you have one.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
by Lonely Planet
From $3.74 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown within The DRC

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to have them to avoid bribery.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

The DRC has possibly the worst roads in all of Africa. Dirt roads are often extremely bad mud, with deep rutted tracks from transport trucks, deep water crossings and bogs which may be impassable. Paved roads are often more pothole than tarmac.

Road signs[edit]

Road signs are virtually non-existent, certainly away from Kinshasa you should expect none.

Toll roads[edit]

None.

Bribery in Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

Bribery is extremely common, you should expect officers at checkpoints to either directly ask for money or a gift. Maybe they will invent a story about why you must pay. "Road tax" is a common bribe, and is extremely expensive for foreign vehicles (often $50 USD). Be polite, and don’t pay bribes, though many people can not find a way around paying Road Tax.

See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police, Military and Customs will check all your paperwork. Don't pay. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Democratic Republic of Congo and Diesel price in Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

Last updated: May 2017

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded $1.27 USD per Liter
Diesel $1.26 USD per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Stations are very rare, especially North of the Congo River. Gas and diesel can be bought from containers, though the quality will be questionable. You should carry as much gas/diesel as possible, and expect to find few stations.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Likely not good - both have dirt and/or water, diesel is likely extremely high sulphur content.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not highly recommended due to the risk of violence or bandits. There can also be armed robbery on the roads in remote places and some even place bogus road blocks. Also watch out for cars without lights, animals, people and everything else you can imagine on the roads.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones

Special driving considerations[edit]

As with all of west africa, expect the unexpected at all times. Literally anything is possible.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

Camping is not common in The DRC, though it can be done in the right places.
Wildcamping is certainly possible in remote areas. See places in iOverlander for the few that exist.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Democratic Republic of Congo

Congo Brazzaville & Democratic Republic Of Congo 1:2,0...
Congo Brazzaville & Democratic Republic Of Congo 1:2,0...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
by National Geographic Learning
From $14.95 on Amazon
Congo : Democratic Republic (country Map)
Congo : Democratic Republic (country Map)
by Cartographia
From $12.95 on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
by Lonely Planet, Michael Janes, Jean-Bernard Carille...
From $3.96 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

  • There are quite a few great spots listed in iOverlander - check there.
  • The Luozi ferry is the most common place to cross the Congo River. Price is just under $20USD for a regular sized 4x4, and around $30USD for a large truck-camper.
  • There is a bridge across the Congo River at Matadi - the price is about $5USD.

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Democratic Republic of Congo[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.