![Democratic Republic Of The Congo [shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-e1555939980225-2500x1406.jpg)
What you need to know before you go: visas, embassy & consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn More
The U.S. is proud to announce our donation of 250,320 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo on September 6, in collaboration with the African Union via GAVI COVAX. We are committed to supporting our AU partners against the threat of COVID-19.
Learn more about our work Delivering Vaccines and on COVID-19 Recovery.
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) in 1960, following its independence from Belgium. U.S. foreign policy in the D.R.C. is focused on helping the country become a nation that is stable and democratic, at peace with its neighbors, extends state authority across its territory, and provides for the basic needs of its citizens.
U.S. foreign assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) supports the country’s long-term transition to more effective and empowering development. To achieve this goal, USAID invests substantially in three objectives: that selected national-level institutions more effectively implement their mandates; that lives are improved through coordinated development approaches in select regions; and that the foundation for durable peace is strengthened in eastern D.R.C.
The top U.S. import from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) is copper, accounting for close to 70% of all U.S. imports. The two countries have signed a bilateral investment treaty. The U.S. also has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, of which the D.R.C. is a member. The D.R.C. promotes entrepreneurship with women business owners by participating in exchange programs through the United States International Visitor Leadership Program.
![DRC Flag: sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist corner; blue represents peace and hope, red the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and the brilliant future for the country [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/drc-flag.gif){kind=small}
