The Level was changed from a Level 3 to a Level 4. Do Not Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri Province in the DRC. The "Health” risk indicator was added and the “Other” indicator was removed. Advisory summary was updated.
Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to crime, unrest, and health.
Advisory summary
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to the Health situation
Health
On May 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Outbreaks of serious infectious diseases are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
The local health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.
Travel restrictions for government employees
U.S. government employees working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo need special authorization to travel outside of Kinshasa due to safety risks. The U.S. embassy has extremely limited ability to provide routine or emergency consular services outside of Kinshasa.
Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Crime
Petty crime is common. This includes crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing and burglary. Violent crimes include armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault. Criminals may pose as police or security agents.
Local police do not always inform the U.S. embassy when they arrest a U.S. citizen. They may also delay access to detained U.S. citizens or use violence and threats during interrogations.
Unrest
Demonstrations are common in many cities and can sometimes turn violent. Police may respond with force, resulting in deaths and arrests. Looting, assault, traffic obstruction, property damage, and other violent actions can happen when police don't respond quickly, or at all.
North and South Kivu Provinces
Active fighting is ongoing between armed groups and government military forces in the Kivu provinces; the M23 armed group is occupying major cities of Goma and Bukavu. Missiles and armed drones have been used in the conflict. The fighting has forced thousands of people from their homes which can cause instability in the province.
Violent crime is common throughout the Kivu provinces. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Terrorist and armed groups operate in the Kivu provinces. They have attacked military and civilian targets. This includes aid workers, businesspeople, and other NGO staff in the area.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in North and South Kivu provinces. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout the region, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to North and South Kivu Provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Kivu provinces.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Ituri Province
Violent crime continues throughout Ituri province. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Terrorist and armed groups operate in Ituri province. They have targeted both military and civilian sites. This includes humanitarian aid workers and other NGO staff in the area.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ituri province. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Ituri province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and the 3 Kasai Provinces
Violent crime like murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery are common in these areas:
- Tanganyika
- Haut Lomami
- Kasai provinces: Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Kasai.
Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.
Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Mai-Ndombe Province
Violence in Mai-Ndombe is rising. There are also more police and military in the area, especially along the Route Nationale 17. Government security officials may limit travel for U.S. citizens when violence rises. Activity of armed groups could block passenger and freight traffic on regional routes in the province. Protests can occur without warning.
Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Mai-Ndombe province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mai-Ndombe province.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas
If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Use caution when walking or driving.
- Always have a photocopy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically.
- If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Kinshasa immediately.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts from the U.S Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for the DRC.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Ensure that documents and medications are easy to locate in case you need to leave on short notice.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
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