WHEN TO TRAVEL to the Democratic Republic of Congo

Location

Climate

Low and high season in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC's climate is equatorial, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. However, there are two main rainy seasons and two dry seasons, which may influence your choice of travel period.

Rainy seasons

• The first rainy season generally takes place between October and December. Rainfall is heavy, particularly in the north of the country, making some roads impassable and limiting access to tourist sites.
• The second rainy season runs from January to May, with less intense rainfall than in the first season. Nevertheless, this can still present a challenge for travel and access to tourist attractions.

Dry seasons

• The first dry season takes place from June to September. Temperatures are more pleasant and rainfall lower, making it an ideal time to visit the DRC.
• The second dry season is between December and February. Although weather conditions are generally favorable, this period coincides with school vacations and end-of-year festivities, which can lead to higher prices and greater crowds at tourist sites.

To sum up, the best time to travel in the Democratic Republic of Congo is undoubtedly the first dry season (June-September). However, if you wish to avoid the influx of tourists or take advantage of more advantageous rates, the second dry season (December-February) may also be an interesting option.

Major cultural events in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC is the scene of numerous cultural events throughout the year. Here are some of the not-to-be-missed events you won't want to miss during your stay:

Amani Festival

This music and dance festival takes place every February in Goma, in the east of the country. It aims to promote peace and reconciliation in the conflict-ridden Great Lakes region. Local and international artists perform at this major cultural gathering.

Kinshasa Film Festival

Held every year in October, the Festival du Cinéma de Kinshasa (FICKIN) is a must-see event for cinephiles. It showcases the talent of Congolese and African filmmakers, while offering a varied program including international films.

JazzKif

This international jazz festival takes place every June in Kinshasa. It brings together local and international musicians for concerts, workshops and conferences on jazz and world music.

Public holidays and closures in the Democratic Republic of Congo

It's also important to know the public holidays in the DRC, as some institutions, such as banks and stock exchanges, may be closed on these dates. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main public holidays:

• January 1st - New Year's Day
• January 16 - Laurent-Désiré Kabila Memorial Day
• January 17 - Patrice Lumumba Memorial Day
• March/April - Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
• May 1st - Labour Day
• May 17 - Liberation Day
• June - Pentecost (date varies)
• June 30 - Independence Day
• August 1st - Parents' Day
• August 15 - Assumption
• December 25 - Christmas

Statistics on immigration to the Democratic Republic of Congo

According to data published by the relevant authorities, the number of immigrants to the DRC has increased in recent years. Among the main reasons for this immigration are :

• Job hunting in the mining and oil sectors
• Humanitarian and development missions
• Family reunification with members of the Congolese diaspora abroad

It is also interesting to note that the DRC hosts a large number of refugees from neighboring countries such as the Central African Republic, Burundi and the People's Democratic Republic of Congo.

Most popular visas in Democratic Republic of Congo

To enter and stay in the Congo, foreign nationals must obtain a visa. Among the various types of visa available, the most popular are :

• Business visa for people wishing to carry out commercial or professional activities in the DRC
• Work visa granted to foreign workers employed by Congolese or international companies operating in the country
• Study visa for foreign students wishing to pursue higher education in the DRC
• Family reunification visa The DRC: enabling members of the Congolese diaspora living abroad to join their families in the DRC

International tourism figures for the Democratic Republic of Congo

Despite security challenges and sometimes inadequate infrastructure, the DRC offers many tourist attractions likely to attract travelers from all over the world. Among the most popular destinations are :

• Virunga National Park, home to the famous mountain gorillas
• The city of Goma, located on the shores of Lake Kivu and offering a breathtaking view of the Nyiragongo volcano.
• Salonga National Park, home to bonobos, elephants and other endemic animal species
• The city of Kinshasa, with its colorful markets and lively nightlife

According to official statistics, the number of international tourists to the DRC has risen slightly in recent years, despite an unstable security situation in some parts of the country. Most foreign visitors come from neighboring countries such asUganda, THE Rwanda and theAngolabut also from European countries such as Belgium or the France.

Residence permits, deportations and naturalizations: other key figures

To complete our analysis of immigration statistics in the DRC, we should also mention a few data concerning residence permits, removals and naturalizations:

• Residence permits Every year, several thousand residence permits are issued to foreigners residing in the DRC for various reasons (employment, studies, family reunification, etc.).
• Distance The Congolese authorities regularly carry out operations to remove foreign nationals who are in an irregular situation or who have committed offences.
• Naturalizations Naturalization: although less frequent, naturalization applications are also processed by the relevant authorities, enabling some foreigners to acquire Congolese nationality.

The role of asylum in DRC immigration statistics

Finally, it is essential to consider the role of asylum in the immigration figures for the Democratic Republic of Congo. As mentioned earlier, the DRC hosts a large number of refugees fleeing conflict or persecution in their home countries. These asylum-seekers are generally housed in camps run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Congolese authorities. They benefit from international protection and may be authorized to work or study under certain conditions. However, their socio-economic integration is often precarious and largely dependent on available resources.