Democratic Republic of the Congo

A political agreement to end armed conflict was reached on 31 December 2016. The security situation remains volatile. 

There are over 130 active armed groups in eastern DRC. Armed conflict has caused widespread civilian displacement. Conflict between local groups and government forces is ongoing. It's a more serious threat in eastern and northern provinces. This includes:

• Kasai, Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces where clashes caused hundreds of deaths in 2017
• South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces where fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of people
  A large UN military presence and several aid organisations operate in the DRC. This includes the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

A large UN military presence and several aid organisations operate in the DRC. This includes the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

Some local non-government organisations have suspended operations in North and South Kivu due to the security situation.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media for updates

• follow advice from local authorities

• avoid affected areas

• arrange effective personal safety measures

• keep adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, cash and medications

Keep your passport and other travel documents (e.g. visas, flights) up to date.

Regularly review your contingency plans in light of local developments. Be ready to leave the DRC at short notice if the situation worsens.

If, despite our advice, you decide to go to 'do not travel' areas, get professional security advice.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Security incidents can occur along the Matidi Road in Kinshasa, including:

• riots

• demonstrations

• attacks on vehicles

Roads may be closed with little or no notice.

The only road to the N'Djili Airport in Kinshasa may be blocked. Flight schedules may be disrupted.

To protect yourself from violence:

• avoid demonstrations

• monitor local media and other sources for updates

• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Kidnappers often target foreigners.

Kidnapping is most common in the eastern and north-eastern regions.

Areas with a high risk of kidnapping include:

• Virunga National Park in North Kivu

• Kasai, Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces

• South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces

To protect yourself from kidnapping:

• seek professional security advice

• arrange effective personal safety measures

• be alert to possible threats

• change your routes and patterns of travel

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

There's a very high level of crime. Risks increase after dark.

Criminals may use roadblocks and pose as police or military personnel to rob travellers at night.

Security authorities may target travellers to ask for bribes or make random arrests, such as at roadblocks.

Violent crime has increased in the east because of the unstable security situation. 

 Crimes that commonly affect travellers, especially in Kinshasa, include:

• violent robbery

• vehicle thefts

• burglaries

• carjacking

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep vehicle doors locked and windows up

• secure your accommodation against intruders

• avoid travelling after dark

• don't walk alone in Kinshasa

• avoid sensitive areas, such as military facilities

• don't permit soldiers or police officers to enter your vehicle

Carry colour photocopies of your passport and identity documents. Hand these to officials, not the originals.

Don't let soldiers or police officers enter your vehicle.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

The DRC experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes

• volcanic eruptions

• floods

• landslides

To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location

• monitor local media and other sources

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in touch with family and friends

• contact your tour operator or airline to confirm bookings

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

The DRC experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Exposure to volcanic ash, dust and toxic fumes is a major health risk.

Seek medical help if you have existing respiratory problems.

To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:

• stay inside with the windows and doors shut

• place damp towels at doors and other draft sources

• protect your skin with long-sleeved clothing and long pants

• wear a disposable face mask outside and change it frequently

• protect your eyes with goggles

• avoid contact with ash

Floods and landslides

Landslides and flooding may occur in the rainy season. This can affect transport infrastructure.

The rainy season is April to October in the north and November to March in the south.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a special insurance policy for any 'do not travel' destinations. Some Australian policies may not cover you for these areas.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the DRC. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medications

Ebola virus disease

There is currently a significant Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in several of the DRC's eastern provinces - particularly in Nord Kivu and Ituri provinces. On 17 July 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared this outbreak a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern'. 

EVD is often fatal.

Symptoms of EVD can include:

• high fever

• muscle pain and weakness

• headache

• sore throat

• vomiting and diarrhoea

• internal and external bleeding

There's no available vaccine to prevent EVD. There's no proven safe and effective treatment but prompt and high-quality care can be life-saving.

EVD spreads through direct contact with body fluids, even after the infected person has died.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid direct contact with EVD patients.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and separate yourself from others if you develop any Ebola symptoms.

Call ahead and tell the doctor about your recent travel and symptoms. Advance notice will help the doctor treat you and protect others.

See the Australian Government Department of Health for more information on how to protect yourself against catching EVD, and what to do if you’re in an area where EVD is known to happen.

More information:

• Ebola situation reports (WHO)

• Infectious diseases

Polio

Outbreaks of polio have occurred.

Stay up-to-date with polio vaccinations and booster doses. Speak to your doctor if you're unsure if you're vaccinated for polio.

If you're staying longer than 4 weeks, you'll need to show proof on exit that you've had the polio vaccine or a booster within the past 12 months. If you don't, you may need to be vaccinated before leaving the DRC.

More information:

• Australian Immunisation Handbook

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in the DRC.

Malaria occurs widely throughout the year.

Other insect-borne diseases can also occur, including:

• filariasis

• plague

• African sleeping sickness

To protect yourself from disease:

• check your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel.

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:

• cholera

• typhoid

• hepatitis

• tuberculosis

• meningitis

• rabies

• monkeypox

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• avoid swimming in fresh water

• avoid contact with dogs, monkeys, rodents and other animals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are basic in Kinshasa and inadequate outside the capital.

Doctors and hospitals will generally ask for payment before treatment.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for possessing illegal drugs include harsh prison sentences and fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

A number of offences carry the death penalty.

Always carry a copy of your passport and visa or immigration permit. Police and immigration officials can ask to see your travel documents at any time.

Same-sex activity is illegal in the DRC, and individuals engaging in these activities are often prosecuted.  Same-sex relationships are not recognised in the DRC.

Curfews can be imposed with little or no warning.

Pedestrians and motorists must stop for motorcades. Warnings include security personnel and sirens.

You must also stop when passing a government installation during the raising and lowering of the national flag. This happens at about 7:30am and 6pm every day.

In the DRC it's illegal to:

• take photos of or near government buildings or other infrastructure, including airports

• take photos of a presidential or other official motorcade

• fail to produce your passport and visa or immigration permit on request

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The DRC doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

You need to enter and exit the DRC using the same passport or you may be stopped from departing.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa conditions

You'll need a visa before you enter the DRC. You can't get one on arrival.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

The closest embassy of the DRC (French/English/Japanese) is in Tokyo.

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter DRC. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Declare satellite phones and GPS equipment on arrival.

A departure tax applies if you leave the DRC by air. You can buy departure tax passes at airports or some banks.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa can issue Australian provisional travel documents (PTDs). You can't travel to or through South Africa on a PTD.

The local currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF).

Declare local and foreign currency in excess of USD10,000 on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are widely accepted. Counterfeit currency is common. Check USD banknotes before accepting them.

Change currency at licensed commercial banks and exchange bureaus. Money transfer agencies operate in major towns.

Traveller's cheques aren't accepted. Some major hotels accept credit cards.

ATMs are available in Kinshasa and major centres. It may be difficult to withdraw cash from international accounts, even at major hotels.

Check that your cards will work in the DRC before you travel.

Border closures

Borders with neighbouring countries can close at short notice.

The border crossings at Bunagana and Chanika between the DRC and Uganda currently close in the evenings due to the ongoing ebola outbreak in the area.

Mining districts

You'll need official clearance from the relevant DRC ministry or government department before visiting a mining district.

More information:

• Ministry of Mining (French)

Driving permit

To drive in the DRC, you'll need both:

• a valid international driving permit (IDP)

• your current Australian driver's licence

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You're 5 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in the DRC than in Australia. Dangers include:

• aggressive driving

• low driving standards

• poor roads

• a lack of street signage and lighting

Military and police roadblocks are common.

Following large-scale prison breaks in Kinshasa, Béni and Kasangu, local authorities increased the number of checkpoints at night. Checkpoints include Gombe, Limete, Ngaba, Kintambo, Ngaliema, Ndjili, Mont Ngafula and around Camp Kokolo.

Criminals may use roadblocks to pose as police or military personnel and rob you. See Safety

To protect yourself while travelling on DRC roads:

• familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and practices

• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night

• check road conditions and risks before travel outside Kinshasa

• follow advice from local authorities

Carry government-issued identification, carte rose, carte grise and driver's licence at all times.

Ask for credentials if approached by an officer.

If you travel outside Kinshasa, have contingency plans and take emergency equipment such as a satellite phone.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel.

Avoid unofficial taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Robberies can occur.

Public transport

Don't use public transport. Bus and rail services are unsafe due to poor safety standards and crime.

Boat travel

Many boats and ferries are overloaded, lack lifesaving equipment and aren't seaworthy.

Kinshasa's main ferry terminal is congested and can close at short notice. Pay attention to your personal security in and around the terminal.

Air travel

Kinshasa's main airport, Ndjili International Airport, can close at short notice. Civil unrest has resulted in the cancellation of some flights to Kinshasa.

Local immigration and customs procedures at Kinshasa Airport are difficult. You may need help from people familiar with the process. If travelling by air, arrange for them to meet you when you arrive.

Pay attention to your personal security in and around the airport.

Avoid local airlines with poor maintenance and safety standards.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the DRC's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

There's no national emergency number in the DRC.

Remember to get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in the DRC.

The Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa provides consular assistance to Australians in the DRC. It can issue Australian provisional travel documents. Its services are limited outside Kinshasa.

Embassy of Canada, Kinshasa

17 Avenue Pumbu

Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa

Phone: (+243) 996 021 500

Fax: (+243) 996 021 510 or (+243) 996 021 511

Email: knsha@international.gc.ca

Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/congo

You can also get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Australian Embassy, Harare

1 Green Close

Borrowdale

Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone: +263 24 2853 235 55, +263 24 2852 471-6

Fax: +263 24 2870 566

Email: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au

Website: zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia