{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711378154,"date":"2024-03-25 10:49:14"}},"data":{"country-iso":"CD","advisory-state":2,"has-advisory-warning":1,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)","url-slug":"congo-kinshasa","geo-group":"Africa","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 25, 2024 10:32 EDT","advisory-text":"Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories)","recent-updates":"The Need help? section was updated.","advisories":"
Avoid non-essential travel<\/a> to to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to high crime rates, civil unrest and the risk of kidnapping.<\/p><\/div> Avoid all travel<\/a> to the eastern and northeastern areas of DRC, in particular: If you decide to travel to these areas despite this advisory, you should regularly review the situation to determine whether your continued presence in the area is warranted.<\/p> The security situation around Goma, in North Kivu, is unstable. If you are in the region, be ready to leave on short notice should the situation further deteriorate.<\/p><\/p> <\/p><\/div> Avoid all travel<\/a> to the following provinces due to frequent clashes between security forces and armed militias: <\/p><\/div> Avoid all travel<\/a> to the province of Mai-Ndombe due to intercommunal violence.<\/p> <\/p><\/div>","security":" Security situation in eastern DRC<\/p><\/h3> Since the beginning of February, 2024, the security situation in eastern DRC has become more unstable and unpredictable.<\/p> Fighting has intensified between security forces and the M23 rebel group in North Kivu. The conflict has caused hundreds of casualties and displaced thousands of people.<\/p> Avoid all travel to eastern DRC, including to North Kivu. If you decide to travel despite this advisory, continually reassess the situation to determine whether your presence in the area is warranted.<\/p><\/section> Demonstrations in Kinshasa<\/p><\/h3> Starting February 10, 2024, violent demonstrations are taking place in Kinshasa, near Boulevard du 30 Juin.<\/p> <\/p> Foreign embassies have also been targeted by demonstrators, including those of:<\/p> <\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> <\/p> If you are in Kinshasa:<\/p> <\/p> The security situation in DRC is unpredictable and could deteriorate suddenly.<\/p> Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in Kinshasa. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent suddenly. They can also cause major disruption to traffic and public transport.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> The situation remains volatile in the east of the country due to the persistent presence of and regular clashes between over 120 armed groups. <\/p> The affected provinces are:<\/p> Crime is endemic throughout these areas, and there are many reports of human rights violations.<\/p> Since 2021, the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri have been under a state of military siege. These provinces are under military administration until further notice.<\/p> Clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group continue around Goma in North Kivu.<\/p> Despite the signing of peace agreements and the presence of UN forces, armed conflict persists in certain regions outside the provincial capitals. Members of various armed groups continue to perpetrate acts of pillage and violent crimes against the civilian population, including murder, kidnapping, armed assault and rape. The ensuing humanitarian crisis has led to major displacements.<\/p> Military operations are still underway in some areas, including near:<\/p> Military operations could lead to a deterioration in the security situation in various locations outside the two capitals, Goma and Bukavu. Some places are particularly dangerous, including:<\/p> Avoid all travel to the provinces of North and South Kivu. If you decide to travel despite this advisory:<\/p> The province of Tanganyika, and especially Manono Territory, is the theatre of an ethnic conflict between the Pygmies and the Luba. The Mai-Mai militia periodically re-engage.<\/p> Armed clashes persist in the province of Ituri. There is a terrorist threat in the Beni and Irumu territories.<\/p> Violent crime continues in Haut Lomami Province. Travellers have been ambushed, robbed and kidnapped.<\/p> Despite intensified operations by the Ugandan, Congolese and South Sudanese armed forces and the United Nations, the Lord's Resistance Army continues to commit acts of violence against the civilian population. Numerous casualties have been reported, and thousands of people have fled the region.<\/p> Entry points at the Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda borders should be avoided at all times due to the prevailing insecurity and disorder. The borders separating the DRC from Burundi and Rwanda may be closed at any time.<\/p> Although the situation is currently calm in the Kasaï provinces, armed clashes have previously claimed thousands of victims in the provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï-Central and Kasaï-Oriental. Kidnappings have also taken place.<\/p> Inter-community violence has been a regular occurrence in Mai-Ndombé Province since June 2022, particularly in the Kwamouth territory where thousands of residents have been displaced. The violence has claimed hundreds of victims. Attacks have also occurred in neighboring provinces, including the commune of Maluku in northern Kinshasa Province.<\/p> In the capital, choose a hotel in the commune of Gombe, which is both the administrative headquarters and a commercial zone.<\/p> There is a threat of terrorism in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly:<\/p> Terrorist groups clash over control of good-trafficking routes, mining sites, and agricultural areas.<\/p> Attacks on civilians and government targets occur frequently. Further attacks are likely.<\/p> Targets could include:<\/p> Large-scale events could be targeted.<\/p> Crime rates are high in the DRC due to extreme poverty and the lack of enforcement.<\/p> Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs regularly throughout the country, including in Kinshasa. Theft is frequent:<\/p> During your trip to the DRC:<\/p> Violent crime occurs in both urban and rural areas, especially after dark. Incidents include:<\/p> During your stay:<\/p> Kidnappings occur regularly in the eastern and northeastern provinces. Foreigners are often targeted. Incidents occur mainly in the following areas:<\/p> Express kidnappings targeting foreigners occur. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours in broad daylight and stripped of their possessions.<\/p> These attacks are often perpetrated by small groups of individuals dressed in police uniforms. The threat is particularly high in the Gombe district in Kinshasa.<\/p> If you plan to travel to the DRC despite the risks:<\/p> Curfews can be imposed without notice.<\/p> Always comply with the directives issued by local authorities.<\/p> Road safety is poor throughout the country. Fatal accidents are frequent.<\/p> Roads are generally poorly maintained and badly lit throughout the country. <\/p> Some roads can become impassable during the rainy season and require a four-wheel drive vehicle, including in some parts of the capital, Kinshasa.<\/p> The road between Kinshasa and Matadi is paved, but the risk of accidents is very high due to:<\/p> Drivers don't always respect traffic laws, and police rarely enforce it. Drivers can be aggressive and reckless.<\/p> If you drive in the DRC:<\/p> Motorists should pull over to the shoulder of the road when sirens or police announce the approach of presidential or other official motorcades.<\/p> Local authorities may increase the number of roadblocks during the night, especially at the following locations:<\/p> Carry official identification at all times.<\/p> Don't cross any roadblock without stopping, even if it seems unguarded.<\/p> Representatives of local authorities may try to confiscate your identification in hopes of receiving a bribe to return them. To reduce this risk in the event of an identification check, try as much as possible to show your identification without lowering your car window.<\/p> Criminals may impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from you.<\/p> Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Tourist facilities are very limited in Kinshasa and virtually non-existent outside the capital.<\/p> Power outages can occur on a nationwide scale.<\/p> Local authorities may impose electricity rationing measures.<\/p> Power outages sometimes disrupt essential services, such as:<\/p> Not all buildings have generators.<\/p> The telecommunications network is not always reliable. Fixed telephone lines are virtually non-existent, and cell phone coverage can be intermittent.<\/p> Internet access may be limited during periods of civil unrest.<\/p> Public transport in the DRC is neither reliable nor safe.<\/p> You can rent a car with or without a driver from rental companies or travel agencies.<\/p> If you're going to Kinshasa, make sure someone meets you at the airport.<\/p> Avoid using public transport, including cabs, especially after dark.<\/p> Bus routes are not well displayed, and bus stops are poorly located. Vehicles are often overloaded and in very poor condition. Accidents are frequent. <\/p> Only use tour operators offering direct routes from your point of departure.<\/p> Not all taxis are officially marked, and they generally do not meet safety or mechanical reliability standards. Some ride-sharing apps are available in Kinshasa.<\/p> If you need to take a taxi:<\/p> Rail service is limited and unsafe. Accidents occur regularly. Poor track conditions and mechanical breakdowns often cause delays. Trains are crowded and often frequented by thieves.<\/p> Ferries are available in many parts of the country, but most are unsafe. Ferry accidents occur regularly.<\/p> If you decide to take a ferry:<\/p> Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.<\/p> Live piracy report<\/a> - International Maritime Bureau<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from Congolese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from DRC.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: required To enter DRC, Canadians must obtain a visa from the DRC embassy in Ottawa before leaving Canada.<\/p> You cannot obtain a visa at a port of entry or at a DRC embassy other than that of your country of residence.<\/p> Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada<\/a><\/p> Travellers going to DRC commonly encounter difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry.<\/p> Arrival at N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa can be chaotic. Travellers can sometimes be temporarily detained and asked by security and immigration officers to pay unofficial “special fees.”<\/p> All air passengers leaving DRC must pay an airport infrastructure development tax (IDEF) in the amount of US$58 (subject to change without notice). You must obtain proof of payment of the IDEF (called a Go Pass) to be permitted to board your flight. This document is available at special counters in banks or designated institutions, and at airports.<\/p> To cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, you must have an entry visa issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Yellow fever<\/a> <\/span>is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a> Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> Malaria<\/a> is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.<\/p>\n Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.<\/strong> If you develop symptoms<\/a> similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. <\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions<\/a>, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.<\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). <\/p><\/details> Polio<\/a> (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Wild poliovirus (WPV1) and\/or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV1 or cVDPV3)) is\/are present in this destination.<\/p>\n This destination is subject to Temporary Recommendations under the World Health Organization’s polio Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)<\/a>. <\/p>\n Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.<\/p>\n Recommendations:<\/strong><\/p>\n Proof of vaccination:<\/strong><\/p>\n Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease<\/a> is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. <\/p>\n Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Risk<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Cholera<\/a> is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.<\/p>\r\n To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:<\/p>\r\n Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.<\/p><\/details>Eastern and northeastern areas of DRC - Avoid all travel<\/h3>
Kasaï provinces - Avoid all travel<\/h3>
Mai-Ndombe province - Avoid all travel<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Eastern DRC<\/h3>
State of siege<\/h3>
Provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu<\/h3>
North Kivu<\/h4>
South Kivu<\/h4>
Tanganyika Province<\/h3>
Ituri Province<\/h3>
Haut-Lomami Province<\/h3>
Border regions of South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Uganda, including Garamba National Park<\/h3>
Points of entry from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda<\/h3>
Kasaï provinces<\/h3>
Intercommunal violence in Mai-Ndombe<\/h3>
Kinshasa<\/h3>
Terrorism<\/h3>
Crime<\/h3>
Petty crime<\/h4>
Violent crime<\/h4>
Kidnappings<\/h3>
Express kidnappings<\/h4>
Curfews<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Road conditions<\/h4>
Driving habits<\/h4>
Official motorcades<\/h4>
Roadblocks<\/h4>
Law enforcement impersonation<\/h3>
Women’s safety<\/h3>
Tourist infrastructure<\/h3>
Power outages<\/h3>
Telecommunications<\/h3>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Buses<\/h4>
Taxis and ride-sharing apps<\/h4>
Train<\/h4>
Ferry<\/h4>
Piracy<\/h3>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: required
Student visa: required - students must obtain a tourist visa
Transit visa: required<\/p>Difficulties at ports of entry<\/h3>
Departure tax<\/h3>
Crossing to Brazzaville<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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* It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p><\/details>COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Malaria <\/summary>
Antimalarial medication is recommended<\/a> for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites<\/a> at all times: <\/p>\n\n
Rabies <\/summary>
Polio \u2013 WHO Temporary Recommendations <\/summary>
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Measles <\/summary>
Meningococcal disease <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Cholera<\/summary>
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Travellers' diarrhea<\/summary>