Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Tensions are high in the DRC since December 20, 2016, which is the date of power transfer set forth by the Congolese Constitution. Violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces are ongoing in Kinshasa and other cities, including Lubumbashi and Goma. Incidents involving gunfire have resulted in deaths and injuries. There is an increased police presence in the streets. The only road to the N’Djili Airport in Kinshasa may be blocked and flights could be cancelled. Telecommunication services are severely disrupted. The security situation could deteriorate further, and unrest could spread to other parts of the country. If you are in Kinshasa or in another affected area, remain indoors. If you are elsewhere in the DRC, ensure that you have several days’ supplies of food and water on hand, limit your movements, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and monitor media .Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important messages from the embassy of Canada. In the event of violent unrest, the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa could operate at reduced capacity or close without notice.

The situation in the eastern part of the country—including Maniema, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika provinces and the new provinces of Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele and Ituri—remains challenging given the continued presence of armed groups and their regular clashes with the Congolese armed forces (FARCD), whether or not they are backed by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The DRC government’s ability to impose order throughout the territory is very limited and crime is endemic.

Provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu (see Advisory)

The situation in the Kivus remains volatile. Armed conflicts continue in some areas outside provincial capitals, despite the signing of peace accords and the presence of UN forces. Members of various armed groups continue to plunder and commit violent crimes against civilians, including murder, kidnapping, armed assault and rape. There is a stark increase in cases of kidnappings-for-ransom in North Kivu, including in Goma. Foreigners are increasingly targeted. The FARCD, sometimes with the assistance of MONUSCO, has been fighting armed groups in order to eradicate them. The resulting humanitarian crisis has led to significant population movements.

Caution is advised in Goma (capital of North Kivu) and Bukavu (capital of South Kivu), although the situation in those cities is more stable. It is very important that you take the information provided by the Congolese authorities and MONUSCO into account in order to help avoid dangerous situations. As is the case throughout the country, the use of public transportation is not advised.

The North Kivu territories of Beni, Masisi, Rutshuru and Walikale and South Kivu’s Kabare and Shabunda are particularly dangerous. In the Kivus, military operations to eradicate elements of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) could lead to a deterioration of safety in different areas outside the two capitals. Local businesses and services, including airports, are often disrupted in these provinces. If you are in North Kivu or South Kivu, you must continually reassess the situation to determine whether your continued presence in the area is warranted.

Tanganyika province (see Advisory)

The new province of Tanganyika, and especially Manono Territory in the northeastern part of the former province of Katanga, is the theatre of an ethnic conflict between the Pygmies and the Luba. The Mai-Mai militia are periodically active.

Ituri province (see Advisory)

Despite initial progress on the disarmament of militia groups in the new province of Ituri, armed confrontation continues in the northeastern part of the former province of Orientale. Outside the main city, Bunia, public safety measures are inadequate.

Garamba National Park and border areas with South Sudan and Uganda (see Advisory)

Despite the fact that the Ugandan, Congolese and South Sudanese armed forces and the UN have intensified their operations, the Lord’s Resistance Army continues to commit acts of violence against the civilian population. Many people have been killed and thousands have fled the region.

Points of entry from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda (see Advisory)

Points of entry from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda should be avoided at all times because of continuing insecurity and lawlessness in those areas. The DRC borders with Burundi and Rwanda can be closed on short notice. The border crossings between the DRC and Rwanda are closed at Bukavu and Goma from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Kinshasa (see Advisory)

It is best to choose a hotel in the country’s capital that is located in the municipality of Gombe, the seat of government and the business sector. Be extremely cautious outside Gombe and use only reliable means of transportation (see Public transportation). Avoid any travel after dark.

Crime

Crime is endemic in the DRC as a result of the extreme poverty and the prevailing climate of impunity. A high rate of violent crime and pickpocketing is reported in high-density public areas and on public transportation in both urban and rural areas, especially after nightfall.

There have been more incidents of individuals posing as police personnel (or who are actual members) and stopping vehicles or pedestrians to extort money.

Avoid walking alone and displaying signs of wealth. Also avoid getting into vehicles with strangers, even if they identify themselves as police officers. While in vehicles, doors must be locked and windows raised. You are advised against leaving the main highways, parking in unsupervised areas and stopping at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people are gathered.

Individuals offering discounted precious metals and diamonds have robbed foreign nationals.

Roadblocks

Roadblocks are often set up by people posing as police or military personnel in order to rob people travelling at night. You should beware of civilians wearing police or military uniforms, or posing as members of the police force or the military. On occasion, travellers are detained and questioned by ill-disciplined security forces at certain legitimate military roadblocks throughout the country.

Local authorities may ask you to present your passport and visa at any time. In such situations, you are advised to remain calm and cooperative. Failure to comply could result in expulsion. Always carry a certified copy of your passport and visa with you; these can be obtained at the embassy of Canada in Kinshasa. Your original passport should be stored in a secure place at all times.

You are advised to show your documents through the raised window of the vehicle, when possible, to reduce the risk of temporary confiscation in an attempt to extract a bribe.

You should also check with local authorities to see whether you need to obtain prior authorization for in-country travel.

Canadians who are detained can contact the embassy of Canada in Kinshasa.

Public transportation

Despite the addition of new vehicles in 2013, the public transportation system in Kinshasa and throughout the DRC is not recommended. Routes are not clearly posted, bus stop locations are inadequate and vehicles are often overcrowded. A large number of old and non-roadworthy vans are still in circulation. Taxis are not marked and generally do not meet safety or roadworthiness standards. Private transportation services can be hired at some hotels. It is possible to lease a car with or without a driver through rental companies or travel agencies.

Rail service is unsafe and not recommended. Rail lines are in very poor condition and there are frequent delays because of breakdowns and problems with the lines. Trains are overcrowded and the scene of rampant theft. The N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa may close in a crisis. The airport, located near the parliament building, is difficult to access during demonstrations.

A ferry links Kinshasa and Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo. The service is mainly used by the local population and is not recommended for Canadians. Smaller motor boats also provide service, for a small fee, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. These vessels are often overcrowded and you must line up early to secure a spot. An entry visa issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) is required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville.

Road travel

Roads in the DRC are not well maintained and are poorly lit. Drivers are aggressive. Some roads may become impassable during the rainy season, and the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles is recommended, even in some parts of the capital, Kinshasa. The road between Kinshasa and Matadi is now paved, but the risk of being in an accident is very high because vehicles are poorly maintained, overcrowded and often abandoned on the poorly lit road.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Official motorcades

Presidential and other official motorcades pose hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Motorists must pull over when sirens or security forces indicate a motorcade. Do not take photographs of motorcades or use communication devices that were not acquired or registered in the DRC, including cell phones and hand-held radios. Proceed only when security forces permit you to do so.

General security information

Tourism facilities are very limited in Kinshasa and virtually non-existent outside the capital.

If you are going to Kinshasa, ensure that there is someone to meet you when you arrive at the airport.

Landline and cell phone communication is poor.

Curfews can be imposed without notice. Always comply with the directives issued by local authorities.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from Congolese authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit the DRC, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

To enter the DRC, Canadians must be in possession of a visa, which they must obtain from the DRC embassy in Ottawa before leaving Canada. Visas are not available at ports of entry and it is not possible to obtain a visa at DRC embassies outside of one’s country of residence.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required (a tourist visa is issued to students)
Transit visa: Required

A multiple-entry visa is required for foreigners who want to enter the DRC more than once (this is often the case with travellers using the ferry service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville). The multiple-entry visa is available at the embassy of the DRC in Ottawa or in Kinshasa at the Direction générale de migration, 65 Boulevard du 30 juin (next to the Regideso building), Gombe.

Difficulties at ports of entry

Travellers going to the DRC commonly encounter difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry. Arrival at the 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.”

Travellers reporting to a border post without the required documents are liable to be turned back and expelled by immigration control officers.

Currency declaration

Upon entry, all foreigners (resident and non-resident) must declare all amounts of currency exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000. Similarly, all foreign currency must be declared when leaving the country.

Departure tax

All air passengers leaving the DRC must pay an airport infrastructure development tax (IDEF). 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 airports.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

New medical facilities in Kinshasa provide adequate care but, with a few exceptions, health care services and medical equipment are rudimentary. They are inadequate throughout the rest of the country. Any serious illness, injury or surgery outside Kinshasa requires air evacuation, which is very expensive and often requires payment upfront.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Motorists and pedestrians are required to stop for the raising and the lowering of the national flag at approximately 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. Policemen and/or military personnel often detain and fine people who fail to do so.

Taking photographs in public places, including at N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa, is prohibited and could lead to arrest and detention.

Persons convicted of the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can expect prison terms and heavy fines.

An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in the Democratic Republic of Congo. If local authorities consider you a Congolese citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Congolese passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The currency is the Congolese franc (CDF). Payments can be made in foreign currency, particularly U.S. dollars. Merchants and foreign exchange dealers require that foreign currency is in good condition (not torn) and recently issued (featuring large heads), due to the amount of counterfeit currency in circulation.

Credit cards are not generally accepted, except by certain hotels, restaurants and major stores. We recommend that you systematically check and keep all hotel bills. Major hotels now have automated banking machines (ABMs), from which you can obtain a cash advance with certain credit cards; however, they do not always work. Foreigners can be targeted after using an ABM. As expenses are very high, you must carry significant amounts of cash and should therefore be very cautious when withdrawing cash, even in hotels.

Natural disasters & climate

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from April to October in the north and from November to March in the south. Some roads may be impassable during these periods. You should remain informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Earthquakes

The DRC is located in an active seismic area.

Volcanoes

Volcanic eruptions are common in some parts of the country. Mount Nyiragongo, situated on the edge of Goma, has erupted many times in the past and has been showing signs of eruption. While it remains at alert level “yellow”, which means that there is no immediate danger, exercise a high degree of caution and closely follow the advice of local authorities. You should monitor news reports and volcanic activity levels, and carry the address and telephone number of the Canadian embassy in Kinshasa with you, should there be an emergency.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

 Due to the current security situation, the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa is operating at reduced capacity and could close without notice.

For emergency consular assistance , call the Embassy of Canada in Kinshasa and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.