A volcano erupted on White Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Updates are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
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.
Reconsider your need to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo overall.
Reconsider your need to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo overall due to the volatile security situation and risk of kidnapping. See Safety
Do not travel to Kasai, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces.
Do not travel to Kasai, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, South Kivu, North Kivu, Ituri, Maniema, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé provinces due to the significant threat of armed conflict and violence.
See Safety
The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is volatile. Conflict between government forces and armed groups is ongoing. Regularly review your contingency plans and be ready to leave the country at short notice.
Large-scale protests could occur at any time. These can turn violent quickly. Avoid large public gatherings.
Kidnappers often target foreigners. The risk is highest in the east and north-east regions. If you're travelling to these areas, seek professional security advice.
Crime rates are very high, especially in Kinshasa and the country's east. Risks increase after dark. Ensure your accommodation is secure. Don't walk alone in Kinshasa, even during the day.
The DRC has active volcanoes. If there's an eruption, avoid contact with ash. Seek medical help if you have breathing problems.
In the rainy season, landslides and flooding can disrupt transport networks. Be prepared to change your travel plans.
Full travel advice: Safety
There is an ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in eastern DRC, primarily affecting North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. In July 2019, the WHO classified this outbreak as a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern'. There's no vaccine or effective treatment. Avoid contact with EVD patients as the disease is spread through bodily fluids.
Ensure you've been vaccinated against polio before you travel. Carry proof of vaccination with you.
Some insect-borne disease such as yellow fever and malaria are widespread. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof and use insect repellent.
HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Don't swim in fresh water.
Medical facilities are basic in Kinshasa and inadequate elsewhere. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Full travel advice: Health
The death penalty applies to a number of offences.
Always carry your passport and visa or immigration permit. It's illegal not to show them if officials ask.
Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph presidential or official motorcades. It's also illegal to take photos near government buildings or other infrastructure, including airports.
If you're walking or driving, stop for motorcades and flag ceremonies. Failing to stop is illegal.
The DRC doesn't recognise dual nationality. If you're a dual national, make sure you enter and exit the country on the same passport.
Full travel advice: Local laws
If you decide to travel to DRC despite our advice, you'll need a visa. Get one from your nearest DRC embassy before you travel.
Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. You'll need it to enter the country.
Military and police roadblocks are common. Always carry your government-issued identification, insurance card (carte rose), registration (carte grise) and driver's licence.
Don't use public transport. Bus and rail services are unsafe due to poor safety standards and crime.
Full travel advice: Travel
The Consular Services Charter details 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.
For full consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Zimbabwe.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
The DRC experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
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:
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
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:
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:
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:
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:
Yellow fever is widespread in the DRC.
Malaria occurs widely throughout the year.
Other insect-borne diseases can also occur, including:
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:
HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:
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 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.
Penalties for possessing illegal drugs include harsh prison sentences and fines.
More information:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
You'll need official clearance from the relevant DRC ministry or government department before visiting a mining district.
More information:
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.
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:
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.
Always wear a helmet.
Use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel.
Avoid unofficial taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Robberies can occur.
Don't use public transport. Bus and rail services are unsafe due to poor safety standards and crime.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.