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TRAVEL REPORT
Congo (Kinshasa)

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning has changed for Bas-Congo Province.

The information contained in this Travel Report has been thoroughly reviewed and updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Congo (Kinshasa)

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Canadians in the DRC should regularly review their personal circumstances to determine if their continued presence is warranted.

The general security situation in the country is dangerous and unstable, given persisting armed conflict, the impossibility for the Congolese government and UN observation forces to impose order throughout the territory, and endemic criminality.

There continue to be risks of political or ethnic demonstrations giving rise to acts of violence and attacks throughout the country, including attacks against international targets. It is important to exercise extreme caution and to avoid large crowds.

Curfews may also be imposed without warning. Travellers are advised to follow the directives of the local authorities at all times.

Travellers going to Kinshasa should ensure there is someone to meet them when they arrive at the airport.

Part of the southern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Angola, which runs along the province of Kasaï Occidental, is subject to periodic closures. Security has been stepped up in this region.

Bas-Congo Province (West)

You are also advised against non-essential travel to Bas-Congo Province, in the west of the country, where followers of the political-religious group Bundu dia Kongo and security forces clashed in January and February 2008.

Regional Warning : Eastern and Northeastern Areas of the DRC

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the eastern and northeastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Points of entry from Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda

Except for the city of Bukavu -- where the situation is somewhat safer but where we advise against non-essential travel -- points of entry/exit from Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda should be avoided at all times because of the continuing insecurity and lawlessness in these areas. The DRC borders with Burundi and Rwanda could be closed on short notice.
 
Provinces of North and South Kivu

You are advised against all travel to the Kivus, including the city of Goma. Armed conflicts continue despite the signing of peace accords in 2008 and the presence of UN forces. In January 2009, Rwandan government troops and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) launched large-scale joint military operations against FDLR (Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda) rebels in North Kivu. Members of armed groups involved in these clashes continue to plunder and commit violent criminal acts against civilians, including murder, kidnapping, armed assault and rape. The resulting serious humanitarian crisis, aggravated by famine and the spread of disease, has provoked large population movements. Since August 2009, the number of persons fleeing their homes in the Kivus and the Ituri district (see below) has risen substantially.
 
Several locally based NGOs have also been forced to reduce or even suspend their operations as a result of continuous threat from militias. Humanitarian workers and UN personnel have been the object of armed and sometimes violent attacks, robbery, extortion and aggravated assault including sexual assault.

Local businesses and services, including the airport, are often disrupted. Canadians in the region should carefully evaluate their need to remain there.

The Ituri district

You are advised against all travel to the Ituri district of Orientale province, in the northeast of the country, where armed clashes persist in spite of earlier progress made in disarming militia groups. Outside of the main town, Bunia, government security structures are weak.

Garamba National Park and border areas with southern Sudan and Uganda

You are advised against all travel to Garamba National Park and the border areas with southern Sudan and Uganda in the northeast of the country. Despite the fact that the Ugandan, Congolese and Sudanese armed forces and the UN have intensified their operations there, the Lord's Resistance Army continues to commit acts of violence against the civilian population. Many people have been killed and thousands more have fled the region.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Criminality

The DRC is experiencing increased criminality as a result of the current economic crisis and the prevailing climate of impunity. A high rate of violent crime and pickpocketing is reported in both urban and rural areas, especially after nightfall, in high-density public areas and on public transportation. Certain individuals offering discounted precious metals and diamonds have robbed foreigners. Avoid walking alone and displaying signs of wealth. 

In vehicles, doors must be locked and windows raised. You are advised against leaving the main highways, parking in unsupervised areas, and stopping at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people are gathered.

Roadblocks

Roadblocks are often set up by people posing as police or military personnel in order to rob people travelling at night. Travellers should beware of civilians wearing police or military uniforms, or posing as police or military. On occasion travellers may also be detained and questioned by ill-disciplined security forces at certain legitimate military roadblocks throughout the country.

Local authorities may ask foreigners to present their passport and visa at any time. In such situations you are advised to remain calm and cooperative. Persons who fail to comply with this regulation could face expulsion. Travellers should carry on their person a certified copy of their passport and visa, which can be obtained free of charge at the Canadian embassy in Kinshasa. The original passport should be stored in a secure place at all times.

Travellers should also check with local authorities about whether they have to obtain prior authorization for in-country travel. You are advised to show your documents through the raised window of the vehicle, when possible, to reduce the risk of their being temporarily confiscated in an attempt to extract a bribe. If detained, Canadians can contact the embassy.

Local infrastructure

Tourist facilities are very limited in Kinshasa and almost non-existent outside the capital.

Communications by land phones or cellular phones are poor.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Congolese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo for up-to-date information.

Passports

Canadians visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) must be in possession of a Canadian passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of their expected departure from the country.

Visas

Canadians must also hold a visa, which they must obtain from the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo before leaving Canada. Visas are not available at ports of entry.
 
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required (A tourist visa is issued to students)
Transit Visa: Required

A multiple-entry visa is required for foreigners wishing to enter the DRC more than once (this is often the case for travellers using the ferry service between Brazzaville and Kinshasa). This multiple-entry visa is available at the Embassy of the DRC in Canada. Expect to pay a minimum fee of US$275. Once in the country, travellers can obtain the multiple-entry visa at the following address:

Direction Générale de Migration
65, Boulevard du 30 juin (next to the Regideso building)
Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa

Travellers reporting to a border post without the required documents are liable to be turned back and repatriated by immigration control officers.

Difficulties at ports of entry 

Travellers going to the DRC commonly encounter difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry. They are sometimes temporarily detained and asked by security and immigration officers to pay unofficial “special fees.”

Currency Declaration

All foreigners, resident and non-resident, must declare upon entry all amounts of currency exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000. Similarly, foreigners leaving the country must declare all amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 in foreign currency.

Departure tax

On March 30, 2009, the DRC introduced a new departure tax for air passengers called the "Redevance de Développement des Infrastructures Aéroportuaires" (IDEF).  Travellers have to obtain proof of payment of the IDEF (called a "Go Pass") to be permitted to board their flight. This document is available at special counters in banks or designated institutions, or in airports.

Vaccinations

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Congo (Kinshasa) - KINSHASA, Embassy of Canada
Address: 17, avenue Pumbu, Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa, Congo (Kinshasa)
Postal Address: P.O. Box 8341, Kinshasa, 1, Congo (Kinshasa)
Tel.: 243 898-950-310/311/312
Fax: 243 999-975-403 or 243 813-016-515
E-Mail: kinshasa@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.congo.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa and follow the instructions. You can also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

This country is in the area referred to as the African meningitis belt (which extends from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east). To obtain information and health recommendations concerning meningitis, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are basic in Kinshasa and inadequate elsewhere in the country. Any serious illness, injury, or surgery requires air evacuation from the country. Upfront payment is generally required. Medical equipment is rudimentary.

Water contamination and perishable foodstuffs

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice should be boiled first. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Eat only well-done meat and fish, preferably served still hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit should be peeled. To avoid problems, travellers are advised to drink only bottled water during their stay.

Swimming in lakes or rivers is not recommended because of the presence of water-borne pathogens.

Certain water-borne diseases are endemic in the DRC, particularly cholera. For more information, see the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Diseases transmitted by insect bites

Appropriate precautions must also be taken against insect bites, which can cause disease. Travellers are advised to use insect repellent and avoid swampy or low-lying areas where mosquitoes are to be found in greater numbers. They are also advised to use physical protection such as insect nets, long-sleeved sweaters, etc.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Traffic and pedestrians are required to stop for the raising and the lowering of the national flag at approximately 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. every day. Policemen and/or military personnel often detain and fine people who neglect to do so.

Taking photographs in public places, including Kinshasa Airport, is prohibited and could lead to arrest and detention.

Persons convicted of possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can expect prison terms and heavy fines.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Public transportation

There is no reliable public transport system in the DRC. Overcrowded and non-roadworthy vans serve as buses in Kinshasa. There is no organized public transit or taxi service in Kinshasa or in several other parts of the country. The only reliable taxis are affiliated with certain big hotels. Few independent taxis are available and most of them do not meet safety standards. It is possible to lease a car with or without a driver through international companies in Kinshasa.

Rail service is unsafe. The link between Kamina (Katanga) and the cities of Kindu (Maniema) and Kalemie (northern Katanga) is currently interrupted. The link between Ilebo and the Katanga via Kananga (western Kasaï) has been restored. Two weekly trains connect Kinshasa and Matadi.

The Ndjili international airport in Kinshasa and the ferry can close without notice.
 
The ferry service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville is operating, but may be interrupted with little or no warning. Boats can be unsafe because of poor maintenance and overcrowding. An entry visa issued by the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) is required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville. See section 4 for information on the visa required for multiple entries in Kinshasa.

Domestic air travel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not recommended. Planes used by national carriers can be poorly maintained and do not meet international safety standards. There have been several recent incidents causing deaths and injuries.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Road travel

Roads are not well maintained and are poorly lit. Some roads may become impassable during the rainy season. Road infrastructure is particularly damaged in the provinces surrounding Kinshasa, especially on the roads leading to Kikwit and Matadi. Travellers should use four-wheel-drive vehicles. Traveling in mining areas requires a government permit.

Aggressive drivers make driving dangerous.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Official motorcades

Presidential and other official motorcades pose hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Drivers should pull to the far side of the road when sirens or security forces announce their presence. Travellers should not take photographs of motorcades or use communication devices that were not acquired or registered locally, including cellular phones and hand-held radios. Proceed only when security forces permit you to do so.

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Currency

The currency is the Congolese franc (XAF). Payments can be made in foreign currency, particularly U.S. dollars. Merchants and foreign exchange dealers do, however, require that foreign currency be in good condition (not torn) and recently issued (American bills with large heads), due to the amount of counterfeit currency in circulation.

Credit Cards and Traveller's Cheques

Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not generally accepted, apart from major institutions such as the Memling Hotel and the Grand Hotel in Kinshasa. Keep and systematically check all hotel bills. It is not possible to obtain a cash advance with a credit card. Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) are not available.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Rainy Season

The rainy season extends from April to October in the north and November to March in the south. Some roads may be impassable during these periods. Travellers should remain informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Earthquakes

The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in an active seismic area. Volcanic eruptions are common. Nyiragongo Volcano, situated on the edge of Goma, has erupted in the past and reconstruction work is still ongoing. Canadians should monitor local news reports and volcanic activity levels and know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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