Contents
Summary
Entry and exit requirements
Safety and security
Local travel
Laws that apply to you
Health issues
Where to get help
Additional information
Summary
- We recommend that you do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to the volatile security situation, clashes between armed groups and the high level of crime.
- We strongly advise you not to travel to eastern and north eastern regions of the DRC due to the risk of armed conflict and banditry. This includes the provinces of North and South Kivu and the Ituri district of Orientale province.
- Political and ethnic protests and demonstrations do occur and have become violent in the past. You should exercise extreme caution and avoid all large gatherings, protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
- The DRC’s borders with Angola, Rwanda and Burundi can close at short notice.
- Kinshasa’s main airport, Ndjili International Airport, and ferry terminal can close at short notice. Check with your tour operator before travelling.
- Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in the DRC. The Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa provides consular assistance to Australians in the DRC. Australians in the DRC should stay in close contact with the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa for the latest developments on the ground.
- Due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the DRC, we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us, so we can contact you in an emergency.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the DRC for the most up to date information.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited the DRC in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry into Australia.
On arrival at any DRC port, visitors are required to declare any satellite telephones or GPS equipment and clear them before they are used in country.
All passengers departing DRC by air are required to pay a departure tax. Departure tax passes can be purchased at airports or from designated counters at banks.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas. Australian Provisional Travel Documents issued by the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa, on behalf of the Australian Government, are not acceptable for travelling or transiting through South Africa.
Safety and security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil unrest/political tension
We recommend that you do not travel to the DRC due to the volatile security situation, clashes between armed groups, and the high level of crime.
The security environment is volatile and may deteriorate with little warning. Political campaigning has been marked in the past by political unrest and violence. There continue to be risks of political or ethnic demonstrations giving rise to violent incidents across the country. You should avoid all civil disturbances, protests or demonstrations because they may turn violent.
You should monitor the media for possible risks to your safety and security. Local curfews can be imposed with little warning. You should follow the directions of local authorities.
Clashes between armed groups are common in DRC
Clashes between various armed local groups (including the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR), the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), the Mai-Mai, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Coalition of Congolese Patriotic Resistance (PARECO)) and government forces are common in the DRC.
There are numerous government security forces stationed in urban areas, including Kinshasa. There is also a large UN military presence in the DRC. Local authorities, including the police, often have limited or no capacity to control the situation or provide assistance.
Eastern, north-eastern regions:
For some time we have strongly advised Australians not to travel to the eastern, and north-eastern regions of the DRC, including North and South Kivu Provinces and the Ituri district of Orientale Province, because of the dangerous and unstable security situation and lawlessness throughout these regions.
The United Nations reports that government soldiers and rebel groups have been responsible for politically-motivated killings, looting, sexual violence, kidnapping, carjacking, and instability in these regions. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
The LRA in particular is active in north-eastern DRC (Orientale Province) and the regions bordering Central African Republic and Sudan. Fighting in the region has led to the displacement of over 100,000 people.
Sporadic fighting continues between Government soldiers and rebel groups, especially the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR), in North and South Kivu provinces. Thousands of civilians have been displaced by the violence.
Several local NGOs have suspended or reduced operations in North and South Kivu due to the unstable security situation. Australians in the North and South Kivu Provinces should stay in close contact with the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa for the latest developments on the ground.
Crime
There is a very high level of crime throughout the DRC and risks increase after dark. You should avoid all travel after dark.
Arbitrary arrests of foreigners by security authorities, who demand payment for release, are common.
Vehicle thefts, burglaries and carjackings are common. When driving, keep doors locked and windows closed at all times. You should not drive off the main thoroughfares or park your vehicle in unsupervised areas.
Violent robbery, particularly of foreigners, is common, especially in Kinshasa. You should avoid displaying valuables and cash.
Walking alone in the capital, including in daylight hours, is dangerous.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money in the DRC, such as credit cards, and cash. US dollars are widely accepted in the DRC but should be in good condition (not torn) and recently issued. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry. Travellers' cheques are not accepted in Kinshasa and credit cards are only accepted at some major hotels. You may experience difficulties withdrawing cash from international accounts at ATMs, even at major hotels. You should consult your bank to find out whether your ATM card will work in the DRC.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
Kinshasa’s main airport (Ndjili International Airport) and ferry terminal can close at short notice. Check with your tour operator before travelling. Civil unrest has resulted in the cancellation of some flights to Kinshasa.
If travelling by air to Kinshasa, we strongly recommend that you arrange to be met on arrival at the airport. Local immigration and customs procedures at Kinshasa Airport are difficult and you may need assistance from people familiar with requirements.
There is no reliable public transport.
Taxis are only reliable from some major hotels.
Driving in the DRC can be dangerous because of aggressive driving practices and low driving standards. Most roads are in poor condition with insufficient or non-existent signage and lighting. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Military and police roadblocks are common throughout the country, including in Kinshasa, particularly after dark. They may not be clearly marked. You may be required to show identification documents, including car registration and ownership papers. Criminal groups also use roadblocks in order to rob travellers.
There are risks involved in travelling by ferry or boat. Many are overloaded, lack necessary lifesaving equipment and are not sea worthy. Rail services are also unsafe due to poor safety standards.
You require official clearance from the relevant DRC Ministry or Government Department before visiting any mining district.
The borders with Angola, Rwanda and Burundi can close at short notice.
Airline safety
We recommend against travel on domestic airlines. Local airlines have poor maintenance and safety standards. Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in the DRC, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for possession of illegal drugs, including so-called 'soft drugs', include mandatory prison sentences of up to 12 months.
Any offence leading to a person's death is punishable by the death penalty.
Pedestrians and motorists are expected to stop beside the road when sirens or security forces announce the presence of the presidential and official motorcades. Photography of the motorcades is not permitted. Security personnel will give permission when bystanders can proceed.
Traffic and pedestrians are required to stop for the raising of the national flag at approximately 7.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. every day. Police and military personnel often detain people who neglect to do so.
Curfews may be imposed with little or no warning.
We recommend you carry your passport and visa or immigration permit at all times. Police and immigration officials can request to see your passport and immigration stamp/visa at any time. Failure to produce these documents may result in detention. Failure to adhere to immigration requirements could result in imprisonment and/or deportation.
Photography of or near government buildings or other infrastructure, including airports, is prohibited.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Information for dual nationals
The DRC does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/DRC dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Dual nationals should carefully consider which passport they use to enter the DRC. Passengers who are unable to produce the same passport on exit may face difficulties and may be stopped from continuing their journey.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Health
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities is basic in Kinshasa and inadequate outside of the capital. Doctors and hospitals generally require up-front payment before commencing treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.
Polio is a high risk in the DRC. The Department of Health and Ageing recommends that you complete a primary course of polio vaccinations prior to travel. If it has been more than 10 years since your primary polio vaccination course or last polio booster dose, you should have a single booster dose of polio vaccine. If you are unsure of your polio vaccination status, check with your doctor prior to travel.
Malaria occurs widely and throughout the year in the DRC. Other insect-borne diseases (including yellow fever, filariasis, plague and African sleeping sickness) also occur. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation in mosquito proof.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, meningitis, rabies, monkeypox and haemorrhagic fevers) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For more information see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to get help
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in the DRC. While consular services provided by the Canadian Embassy include the issue of provisional travel documents, they do not include the issuance of Australian passports. We recommend that you register your travel at Smartraveller and with the local Canadian Embassy in the DRC. The Canadian Embassy is located at:
Embassy of Canada, Kinshasa
17 Avenue Pumbu
Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa
Telephone: +243 996 021 500
Facsimile: +243 99 602 1510 or +243 996 021 511
E-mail: knsha@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/congo/
You can also obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy, which is located in Zimbabwe:
Australian Embassy, Harare
1 Green Close
Borrowdale
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: (263 4) 852 471
Facsimile: (263 4) 870 566
Website: http://www.zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
E-mail: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au
If you are travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend that you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the above embassies you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
The DRC is subject to earthquakes. An earthquake hit the towns of Bukavu and Goma in February 2008. Many people were injured and property was damaged.
Volcanic eruptions have occurred at the Nyiragongo volcano in 2002 and the Nyamulagira volcano in 2006 and January 2010.
The rainy season is April to October in the north and November to March in the south. Landslides and flooding may occur during these periods which can affect transport infrastructure.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. In the event of an earthquake, volcanic activity or other natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional operations and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities in the DRC, we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.