23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
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.
Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
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.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
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:
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:
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:
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:
To protect yourself from kidnapping:
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:
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:
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:
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. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
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 medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in the DRC.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Several outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have occurred in DRC. There is an ongoing risk of EVD transmission in the DRC.
EVD is often fatal with a mortality rate of around 50 per cent.
Symptoms of EVD can include:
Approved vaccines are currently only administered during a confirmed outbreak to those considered at highest risk of contracting the virus. They are not available to the general public as a preventative measure at this point in time. 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 an infected person has died. EVD can also be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of those who have survived and recovered from infection.
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 EVD 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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
DRC has opened some of its international borders and resumed international flights from Kinshasa N’Djili International Airport and domestic flights from most airports. Border openings and other restrictions may change at short notice. Contact your airline directly for the latest update and register with the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa, for advice on departure options.
If you travel to the DRC despite our advice:
The Australian Government has no plans to repatriate you. If you are in DRC consider your departure options through commercial means.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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 has resumed operations. Civil unrest may cause flight cancellations to and from 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:
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:
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