Travel Report for Canadians Traveling to Congo (Kinshasa)
1. INTRODUCTION
This Travel Report replaces the previous one dated March 16, 2005. Changes have been made in section 2 and 11 of the report.
2. ATTENTION
Canadian tourists should not travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo until further notice. The general political and security situation remains unpredictable and unstable. Canadians should not travel outside Kinshasa except for compelling family or business reasons. If you must travel to Kinshasa, ensure that someone is there to meet you when you arrive.
Canadians should not travel to the Ituri district. The Ituri district of Orientale province, in the northeast of the country, is extremely insecure at present. Armed conflict is ongoing between various rival militias, with UN peacekeeping forces increasingly drawn into the conflict. Widespread attacks on civilians in the area, involving atrocities, are reported almost daily. Humanitarian workers and UN personnel are also subject to attacks. Several NGOs have suspended or reduced operations in the area. Nine UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush on February 25, 2005, and the UN Mission to the DRC (MONUC) has stepped up aggressive military operations in the area. Outside of the main town, Bunia, there are no government administrative or security structures.
Following the announcement on January 7, 2005, that elections set for June this year could be delayed until October 2005, violent demonstrations occurred in Kinshasa. Police were deployed to prevent thousands of protesters from marching into the centre of Kinshasa. They fired shots into the air and arrested dozens of protesters. Further demonstrations are expected in the coming weeks. Canadians should avoid large gatherings and other public areas where disturbances could occur, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Clashes erupt, or can erupt, between various armed groups and the military forces in place in several areas, particularly North and South Kivu provinces, Maniema and Orientale province. The political negotiations between armed and unarmed Congolese groups led to the creation of an interim government in July 2003, but the active presence of the new government in the entire territory is not yet a reality. Recent events have shown that regional conflicts can affect the security situation in the rest of the country, including Kinshasa.
Violent demonstrations against UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a failed coup attempt occurred in early June 2004.
On August 26, 2004, Burundi reopened its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On August 16, 2004, Burundi had closed its border with the DRC following the massacre of approximately 160 Tutsi Congolese refugees at a refugee camp in Gatumba, Burundi, approximately five kilometres from the border. A Burundian rebel group, the National Liberation Forces (FLN), had claimed responsibility.
There are no government curfews in effect; this can change without warning. Canadians should contact the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa (see below) to confirm the curfew status.
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Security and military forces are stationed in urban areas, including Kinshasa. Military roadblocks are common and may not be clearly marked. Vehicles and passengers are subject to inspections. Always carry your passport and verify with local authorities if there is a need to obtain prior authorization for in-country travel. When possible, documents should be shown only through closed windows to reduce the possibility of their being temporarily confiscated in order to induce a payment.
Periodic closure of the border between Burundi and the DRC and Rwanda and the DRC can occur without notice.
Civil disturbances occur and can turn violent. Exercise caution and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Traffic and pedestrians are required to stop for the raising and the lowering of the national flag at approximately 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. every day. Policemen and/or military personnel often detain and fine people who neglect to do so.
Robbery, vehicle thefts, carjackings, and other acts of violence occur. A marked increase in violent crime has been observed in Kinshasa recently, particularly after dark. Avoid walking alone and displaying valuables. Particular care should be taken when travelling outside cities and towns. Avoid travelling alone and/or travelling after dark. Vehicle doors should be kept locked and windows closed. Stopping at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people are gathered is not advisable.
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Travellers should make sure someone will be meeting them at the airport. There is no organized public transit or taxi service in Kinshasa or in several other parts of the country.
Drive defensively, as road conditions are poor. Travellers should use four-wheel-drive vehicles. Rail service is unsafe. Air travel is subject to disruptions. Ferry service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville is operating, but may be interrupted with little or no warning. An entry visa, issued by a Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) embassy, is required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville.
Presidential and other official motorcades pose hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Travellers should pull to the far side of the road when sirens or security forces announce their presence. Travellers should not take photographs of processions or use communication devices that were not acquired/registered locally, including cellular phones or hand-held radios. Proceed only when security forces permit.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The IDP is an internationally recognized document that, when accompanied by a valid Canadian (i.e. provincial) driver’s licence, allows you to drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. Its purpose is to overcome difficulties that you may have while travelling in other countries with widely varying licence requirements. It is printed in the six United Nations official languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), plus German, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. The IDP can also be a useful form of picture identification in case of a lost or stolen passport. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada.
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from April to October in the north and November to March in the south. Some roads may be impassable during these periods. Travellers should remain informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is located in an active seismic area. Volcanic eruptions are common. Nyiragongo Volcano, situated on the edge of Goma, has erupted in the past and reconstruction work is still ongoing. Canadians should monitor local news reports and volcanic activity levels and know the address and telephone number of the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa in the event of an emergency.
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or a death sentence. The jail sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so; however, few are aware of this responsibility or willing to comply with this regulation. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
Avoid photography at the airport, and do not photograph public buildings.
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
Canadians in the Democratic Republic of Congo can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa at the following address:
17, avenue Pumbu, Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (country code: 243/ tel.: 895-0310/0311/0312/ fax: 884-1277/ postal address: P.O. Box 8341, Kinshasa 1, Democratic Republic of Congo/ e-mail: knsha@international.gc.ca). Office hours are Monday – Thursday: 07:30-12:30, 13:00-16:00/ Friday: 07:30-13:00.
Canadians should register with the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa and remain in close contact via the warden system if they are going to be in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Registration can be done on-line. To register on-line, please proceed to www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp and complete all the required fields.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Kinshasa at the numbers listed above and follow the instructions. You can also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Permission to enter another country is the sole prerogative of that country. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. Contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited and obtain the specific requirements for entry. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Travellers with visas for Uganda, Rwanda, or Burundi could be refused entry upon arrival in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required (A tourist visa is issued to students.)
Transit Visa: Required
Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever and cholera vaccination.
For further information, contact the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 18 Range Road, Ottawa, ON, K1N 8J3 (tel.:613-230-6391, 6582 / 255-3091 (24H) Fax: 613-230-1945 e-mail: info@ambassadesrdcongo.org).
9. MONEY
The currency is the Congolese franc. Payments can be made in foreign currency, particularly U.S. dollars. Merchants and foreign exchange dealers do, however, require that foreign currency be in good condition (not torn) and recently issued (American bills with large heads). Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not generally accepted. However, credit cards, including Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club, and MasterCard/EUROcard, are accepted at the Memling Hotel and the Grand Hotel in Kinshasa. Keep a record of all hotel transactions. Hotel bills should be scrutinized for discrepancies. It is not possible to obtain a cash advance with credit cards. Traveller’s cheques are rarely accepted. ATMs are not available. All foreigners, resident and non-resident, must declare upon entry all amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000. Similarly, foreigners leaving the country must declare all amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 in foreign currency.
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Democratic Republic of Congo (capital: Kinshasa) is located in central Africa, bordered by the Central African Republic, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, the Republic of Congo, and the Angolan enclave, Cabinda. Communications by land phones or cellular phones are poor. Tourists facilities are very limited in Kinshasa and almost non-existent outside the capital. The official language is French, but Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, and Kikongo are widely spoken.
Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to the Democratic Republic of Congo. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site (www.rcinet.ca). You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7555.
11. HEALTH CANADA’S TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
Health Canada and the World Health Organization report that the following diseases – among others – can occur in the Democratic Republic of Congo: AIDS, cholera, hepatitis A, malaria, meningitis, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring reports of human pneumonic plague in the remote north-eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Bas-Uélé district of the Oriental province.
Canadians are advised to consult a physician or travel medicine specialist well in advance of travelling to determine health risks and necessary vaccinations. Important factors to be considered include the individual’s state of health, current immunization status, and travel destination, as well as the local disease situation. Vaccinations and other special precautions may be required. For a list of travel medicine clinics, call Health Canada’s Travel Medicine Program at 613-957-8739. Additional travel health information is available on Health Canada’s Web site (www.TravelHealth.gc.ca).
Travellers should ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (eg. tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles) are up-to-date. Yellow fever vaccination may be required to enter some countries. Based on the risk of exposure, vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, or other diseases may also be recommended. Several diseases occur globally. Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, occur throughout the world, and the traveller may be exposed to both viral and bacterial infection, particularly if engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Tuberculosis represents a significant risk at certain destinations. Influenza is also a concern, and immunization may be recommended depending on the destination and time of year. Rabies is found throughout the world and is uncontrolled in some areas; risk of exposure may be higher in remote areas. Traveller’s diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites in contaminated food and water. Travellers are advised to ensure that food and drinking water are safe.
Infectious diseases not routinely seen in Canada occur and may even be widespread in other countries. Infections acquired abroad such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, STDs, among others, may be resistant to standard North American antibiotic regimens. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive and payment in advance required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance, including provision for emergency evacuation, prior to departure. Travellers should also carry their prescription medicine in the original container along with the prescription.
If you feel ill when you return to Canada, see a doctor as soon as possible. Inform the doctor – without being asked – where you have been. If you were ill while travelling, tell your doctor what your symptoms were and what treatment you received.
12. LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are basic in Kinshasa and inadequate elsewhere in the country. Any serious illness, injury, or surgery requires air evacuation from the country.
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice should be boiled first. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Eat only well-done meat and fish, preferably served still hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit should be peeled. To avoid problems, travellers are advised to drink only bottled water during their stay.
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Declare everything acquired abroad, whether purchases for yourself or gifts, as well as goods bought at a Canadian or foreign duty-free store. Keep original receipts. Certain items are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering importing meat or dairy products, plants, vehicles, weapons, cultural property, endangered species or products derived from them, obtain more information from the Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca), the Canada Firearms Centre (www.cfc.gc.ca), Canadian Heritage (www.pch.gc.ca/progs/voyage-travel/index_e.cfm), or the office of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) (www.cites.ec.gc.ca). The booklet I Declare (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4044/) describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you have been away for less than a year.
Due to increased scrutiny of international travellers by airlines and immigration authorities around the world, Canadian citizens are strongly advised to obtain a Canadian passport prior to initiating travel. Canadian citizens who do not hold a valid Canadian passport should contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad to apply for one.
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site (www.cic.gc.ca), or contact your provincial or territorial government.
15. TRAVEL TIPS
You should:
a) carry a Canadian passport for all visits outside Canada;
b) keep a photocopy of your passport’s identification page with you;
c) carry passports, tickets, and money separately;
d) keep valuables and passports safe and carry only enough money for anticipated expenses;
e) leave a copy of your itinerary and proof of citizenship with family and/or friends;
f) carry legally certified documentation signed by both parents permitting a child under 18 to travel alone or with an adult (i.e. a relative or teacher), or carry legally certified documentation from the absent parent if only one parent escorts the child, in addition to a copy of any separation or divorce decree or death certificate; and
g) not visit unknown or isolated areas without first obtaining information or assistance.
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative at home, and your travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you leave the country. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
NOTE: This is a formal notice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Canadian government to advise Canadian tourists not to travel to this country. Further details are in the “ATTENTION” section above.
NOTE: This is a formal notice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Canadian government to advise Canadians not to travel to the specified region(s). Further details are in the “ATTENTION” section above.
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) provides: (a) Country Travel Reports (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp) detailing safety and security conditions, health advice, and entry requirements; (b) information on Current Issues (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/ci/all-en.asp) highlighting current and ongoing situations around the world; (c) daily e-mail Travel Updates (www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/sub-en.asp) notifying you of changes to our Current Issues and Country Travel Reports; and (d) a series of free safe-travel publications (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs_menu-en.asp) to help travellers prepare for a safe and problem-free journey.
For additional information, you may contact the Consular Affairs Bureau by telephone: 1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788; e-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca; Web site: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp; and TTY: 613-944-1310 or 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.). Specific information may also be obtained from a consular representative by contacting Canadian government offices abroad (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/fordest/foreign_view_client-en.asp).
March 18, 2005
Posted in: Africa