Democratic Republic of the Congo - Kinshasa

There is no country-wide emergency number.

Emergency response may be inconsistent and very limited. Remote areas may have no emergency services at all.

Overall, the security situation is unstable and unpredictable in the DRC, and there is a high rate of crime and violent robbery. Risk increases after dark. Foreigners are sometimes the victims of street crime and armed robbery, especially in Kinshasa. Never walk alone day or night. Avoid showing signs of wealth, and keep valuables out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Do not carry large sums of cash.

There is a risk of carjackings and vehicle theft so keep windows and doors closed and locked at all times. Stay on main roads and never park in unsupervised areas. Road travel can be hazardous due to poorly maintained vehicles, roads in poor condition, and drivers not adhering to the rules of the road.

Police have few resources, are poorly trained, and can be corrupt. DRC security forces may solicit bribes from foreigners. There are reports that roadblocks are sometimes set up, especially at night, and foreign nationals have been arbitrarily arrested. Security personnel may attempt to detain foreigners and bribe them in exchange for their release. Always carry your passport and visa with you, however, if asked to show identification at a checkpoint, show your document behind a car window. Check with local authorities to learn whether additional travel authorization is needed for inter-country travel.

There have been reports of robberies by gangs of street children.

There is no reliable transportation infrastructure in the DRC, including road, rail, or air carriers certified in the DRC.

Exercise extreme caution if driving in the DRC. The incidence of road accidents is high. Road travel is dangerous due to poor road conditions, debris poorly maintained vehicles, and reckless driving. Do not Avoid travel after dark. During the rainy season, many roads may be impassable due to flooding and washouts.

You can be detained for taking pictures of public places and government buildings, including the international airport in Kinshasa. When passing a government installation during the raising or lowering of the DRC flag (about 7:30 am and 6:00 pm daily), pedestrians and traffic must stop. Anyone failing to stop can be detained.

Be aware that you could be arrested, detained, or deported for activities that might not be considered crimes in your country of origin.

Curfews can be imposed at any time without notice. Always follow the directions of local authorities.

Do not use ferry lines as a method of transportation. Ferries are often overcrowded and do not meet safety standards.

Tourism facilities are virtually non-existent outside of Kinshasa and telephone communication is unreliable.

DRC is located in an active seismic zone and is, therefore, at risk of earthquakes. Volcanic eruptions are also common in some areas of the DRC.

Due to the unstable and unpredictable safety and security situation, avoid all travel to the following areas:

• Provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï Central, Kasaï Oriental, Haut-Uele, Haut Lomami, Ituri, North Kivu (except the city of Goma), South Kivu (except the city of Bukavu), Maniema, and Tanganyika in eastern DRC

• Areas to east and west Kananga, including Tshikapa and Mwene-Ditu

• Areas that are within 50 kilometers of the border with the Central African Republic and South Sudan

Avoid unnecessary travel to the following areas:

• City of Goma in North Kivu province

• City of Bukavu in South Kivu province

• Districts of N’djili and Kimbanseke in Nsele district

There is a high risk of violent crime, armed conflict, and kidnapping in the DRC, including the risk of kidnapping aid workers.

Violent political and ethnic demonstrations have occurred and people have been killed. To minimize safety risk, avoid all areas of public gatherings and protests and be particularly vigilant and cautious during periods of civil unrest.