Central Africa
🇨🇩 Vaccines for DR Congo
Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to DR Congo
DR Congo requires Yellow Fever vaccination for entry — a firm requirement. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country, making antimalarial medication essential. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Meningococcal vaccines are also recommended, with an active meningococcal outbreak reported in Kongo Central Province as of 2026. Ebola has occurred in periodic outbreaks in various provinces over recent years, and Mpox is endemic — checking current outbreak status before travel is genuinely important, not just a formality. Most governments advise caution for much of the country given ongoing conflict, particularly in the eastern provinces. Healthcare infrastructure is extremely limited outside Kinshasa, and even there falls well short of what would be needed for serious issues.
Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
⚠️ Active outbreak — May 2026: A Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is ongoing in Ituri Province, DRC. WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 18 May 2026. CDC has issued a Level 2 travel notice. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain. Avoid non-essential travel and check CDC and WHO for the latest guidance before travel.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required for entry.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available — ask your clinic.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Meningococcal
Active outbreak in Kongo Central Province as of 2026.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 5 years. Booster if ongoing risk.
Recommended
Disease risks
- ⚠Malaria (high risk throughout)
- ⚠Ebola (periodic outbreaks — check current status)
- ⚠Mpox (endemic)
- ⚠Meningococcal disease (active outbreak 2026)
- ⚠Plague (northeastern areas)
- ⚠Sleeping sickness
Notes: Yellow Fever required. Malaria prophylaxis essential. Check current Ebola outbreak status. Mpox endemic. Active meningococcal outbreak in Kongo Central Province as of 2026. Most governments advise caution.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€771
(~$840)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Meningococcal ACWY (1 dose)€60 ($65)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)
💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.