Dem. Rep. Congo

Yellow fever vaccination required for entry

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers aged 9 months and older entering the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and is valid for life. Yellow fever is also endemic, so the vaccine is medically recommended regardless of the entry rule.

CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026

Ebola and Mpox outbreaks

The DRC has recurrent outbreaks of Ebola (including Bundibugyo virus disease) and Mpox. Risk to ordinary travelers is generally low, but check current CDC and WHO notices before travel, avoid contact with sick people and with wild or bush-meat animals, and practice strict hand hygiene. Aid and health workers face higher risk and should seek specialist advice.

CDC Travel Health Notices / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026

Cholera widespread

Active cholera transmission is widespread. Adhere strictly to safe food and water practices. Oral cholera vaccine may be recommended for some travelers — discuss with your travel medicine specialist.

CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026

Instability and limited medical care

Security conditions are volatile, particularly in the eastern provinces, and medical infrastructure is severely limited nationwide. Serious cases usually require evacuation. Consult Swiss FDFA travel advice, arrange comprehensive insurance with repatriation cover, and carry a personal medical kit including standby malaria treatment if advised.

EKRM / HealthyTravel; Swiss FDFA ↗ · Updated 2026

Recent alerts

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip — per the Swiss BAG schedule. These include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• COVID-19

Oral cholera vaccine may be considered given widespread transmission, particularly for aid/health workers and those in poor sanitary conditions. Discuss individual risk with your travel medicine specialist.

Recommended for all travelers to Central Africa. Note for Swiss travelers: Hepatitis A is not part of the routine Swiss BAG childhood schedule, so most adult travelers will need vaccination.

Consider per individual risk and stay duration. Routine in Swiss childhood schedule since 1998 — younger travelers usually covered.

Consider for travel during the dry season (December–June) to areas of the African meningitis belt, and for longer or close-contact stays. ACWY conjugate vaccine.

Recommended for longer stays, remote travel, cycling/motorbike trips, work with animals, and for children. Rabid dogs are present and post-exposure care is hard to obtain locally.

Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting rural areas, staying with friends and relatives, or in poor hygienic conditions.

Required for entry (certificate for all travelers ≥9 months) and medically recommended — the DRC is yellow-fever-endemic. Single dose gives lifelong protection. Administered in Switzerland only at approved yellow fever vaccination centres.