Yes, for now. MSF is still negotiating for staff to complete the 21 days in their home location, only if that location meets MSF medical criteria (access to an MSF‑validated hospital that can test and treat Ebola.)  

You will receive a logistics & security briefing explaining:

• MSF security protocols for Kinshasa

• MSF movement protocols

You will receive a medical briefing explaining:

• MSF monitoring requirements, and

• DRC Government requirements.

• MSF's "no touch" policy which also applies in Kinshasa.

You will receive an HR briefing explaining:

• Housing & Living allowance

• Specificities of your contract (dependent on your contracting section)

• If eligible, you will receive additional information about the exception (derogation) process

You will have time to ask questions.

On 3 July 2026, DRC authorities introduced a system allowing case‑by‑case authorisation to leave DRC and complete the remaining 21 days outside the country, based on the authorities' risk assessment. See "What should I expect if MSF requests an exception for me?" section

If your home location does not meet MSF criteria, and you do not have a visa to travel to a country that does, you are not eligible for this exception and will need to complete the 21 days in Kinshasa until another solution is identified. 

• MSF (all sections) submits a list of eligible IMS once per week.

• The process typically takes one week or more and is coordinated with authorities by MSF representation.

• You will be contacted directly by DRC authorities to verify your details and confirm the request.

• If approved, you must wait for an official validation certificate required to exit DRC.

• The steps/timeline can differ per person. The decision and process are managed by DRC authorities, not MSF. 

• OCG will provide a letter confirming the monitoring days completed in Kinshasa

• Your printed flight confirmation provided by the Travel Administrator in Kinshasa

• A printed copy of your flight to Kinshasa

• Your MSF mission order with stamp confirmed by DGM (Direction Générale de Migration)

• Traveler Health Declaration (DRC Government Issued QR Code & INS number): This process must be completed at least 24 hours before travel.

• Risk Assessment Form: Completed by the COUSP

• MSF Temperature Monitoring Form

• The "Go-Pass" (officially called the Redevance de Développement des Infrastructures Aéroportuaires - IDEF) is an obligatory airport tax 

Yes. MSF's 21‑day monitoring "clock" starts the day after you arrive in a green zone.

• If you complete all 21 days in Kinshasa, MSF follow‑up ends once you travel home.

• If you leave Kinshasa before day 21 (with an approved exception), MSF will continue monitoring you only for the remaining days until day 21 is completed. Days already completed in Kinshasa are counted for MSF's 21-day requirement. 

It depends on your destination country's government regulations and is handled on a case-by-case basis.

• OCG will provide a letter confirming the monitoring days completed in Kinshasa.

• Your contracting MSF section may contact you with additional steps/forms required before arrival.

• Some countries may:

• require you to restart 21 days on entry, or

• accept the days already completed, or

• decide on a case by case basis at the airport or shortly before arrival.

In practice, most IMS fall into 4 scenarios (subject to change).

Note selected countries are mentioned as most relevant locations for OCG IMS 

Scenario 1: Government restricts it citizens or residents from returning home from DRC (Not allowed to enter)

• This is currently the case for US and Haiti (TBC)

• IMS from these countries, who are eligible to travel to Switzerland, are supported by OCG to come to Switzerland for the 21-day surveillance period; this is discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Scenario 2: National authorities require you to observe an additional 21 days of medical monitoring (The 21-day surveillance restarts on entry).

• This is currently the case for Canada (quarantine), Uganda (quarantine), and Italy (self-monitoring)

Scenario 3: No additional monitoring if you completed 21 days in Kinshasa.

• This is currently the case for Switzerland, Netherland, Belgium, Australia, Prague, Austria

Scenario 4 (Through exception (derogation) process): Exit Kinshasa before completing 21 days and complete remaining days at home (Kinshasa days + home days = 21 total).

• This is currently the case for Switzerland, Netherland, Belgium, Australia

• UK and France decide on a case-by-case basis

• MSF is not involved in this assessment

Important note: This information can change with short notice as government policies and implementation evolve.