Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, DRC

November 3, 2020

Location:  Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 

Event:  DRC Entry / Exit Requirements – COVID-19 Testing at Kinshasa Airport

DRC updated entry and exit requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19. Incoming international passengers must now arrive with proof of a negative test and receive a COVID-19 test at Kinshasa’s N’djili Airport. COVID-19 tests are still required for departing travelers and domestic travelers.

Entering the DRC: 

  • All incoming travelers age 11 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from the country of origin done within 7 days of arriving in the DRC. Airlines may require proof of the test before boarding the flight to the DRC. Note the test must be a PCR test, not a rapid antigens or antibodies test.
  • Upon arrival, travelers age 11 and older are required to receive a COVID-19 test at Kinshasa’s N’djili airport.
    • You must complete a registration form and pay online at the official DRC INRB site inrbcovid.com before starting your travel.
    • Following the sample collection at the airport, passengers must self-quarantine until they receive a negative test result via the website and/or SMS, generally within 24 hours. 
    • The cost of the required test is US$45.
  • Required safety protocols at all airports include: the use of masks, temperature checks, social distancing, use of disinfectant, and the completion of health information forms.
  • All travelers must present a World Health Organization (WHO) card with proof of yellow fever vaccination.
  • U.S. citizens should travel with proof of health and medical evacuation insurance.  Check with your medical evacuation insurance company on options should you fall ill in the DRC.

Exiting the DRC:

  • All passengers age 11 and older must present a negative COVID-19 test from the INRB, or a laboratory approved by the Ministry of Health, from within 3 days prior to departure. The cost of a test through the INRB is US$30. Visit inrbcovid.com for information on testing in the DRC.
  • Check with your airline about COVID-19 safety measures, testing requirements, and health requirements at your country of transfer and final destination.
  • Visit the Department of Homeland Security website for information on U.S. arrival restrictions.

Domestic Interprovincial Travel:

  • Negative COVID-19 test results are required for domestic interprovincial commercial flights departing from Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, Goma, and Kisangani. Where possible, the test must be taken within 7 days of travel.
  • Check with your airline about COVID-19 safety measures, testing requirements, and health requirements at your final destination.

U.S. Embassy Services

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is open for routine and emergency consular services for U.S. citizens. To make an appointment, visit our website. Contact us at ACSKinshasa@state.gov. Notify the U.S. Embassy if a U.S. citizen is hospitalized with COVID-19 by emailing ACSKinshasa@state.gov.

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