Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congohttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congoDemocratic Republic of the Congohttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/travel-alertWhat are the issues affecting travelers in DRC? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-05-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/travel-alerthttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Previous travel alerts for the Democratic Republic of Congo</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Previous travel alerts</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Ebola outbreak - October 2018</h2> <p>In May 2018, the World Health Organisation was informed by the DRC Government of the presence of Ebola virus, including two confirmed cases in the town of Bikoro in Equateur province (northwest part of the country). Further outbreaks occurred in August and September in North Kivu province, in the towns of Beni and Tchomia. Over the past 40 years, DRC has experienced eight outbreaks of the disease, with the last known outbreak in May 2017.</p> <p>As of late September 2018, the country has approximately 159 cases of Ebola virus and the disease has caused 104 deaths. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Kidnapping of two British tourists in Virunga National Park - May 2018</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Kidnapping of two British tourists in Virunga National Park - May 2018</h2> <p>On 11 May 2018, two British tourists were kidnapped while traveling through the famous Virunga National Park when armed bandits ambushed their vehicle. A park ranger who was also traveling with the group was killed and the driver was injured during the incident. The British tourists were safely rescued by the Congolese military and park rangers on 14 May. </p> <p>Since the start of 2018, eight park rangers have been killed in the national park, a reminder of the ever-present risk posed to conservation efforts and local communities.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Is it safe to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo?</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Is it safe to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo?</h2> <p>Most government travel advisories have warned travelers to "Reconsider Your Need To Travel" due to the high risk of civil unrest, political instability, violent crime and armed conflict (particularly in the east of the country which borders with South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania). If you are traveling in the country, always be aware of your surroundings and plan your travel activities ahead. Keep travel within the country to a minimum and avoid traveling at night. Always monitor local media for updates. </p> <p>You will need a visa to enter the DRC and the time taken to receive the visa can take weeks or more, so plan ahead before your trip.</p> <p>Some government travel advisories also report that having stamps in your passport from Uganda or Rwanda can bring some extra attention from border officials however it shouldn't prevent entry.</p> <p>Yellow Fever is endemic in the DRC so you will need to be vaccinated and carry proof of vaccination, particularly for entry into countries where Yellow Fever isn't present.</p> <p>If you are planning to travel to Virunga National Park, you will mostly deal with either a tour operator or the park. For more information, visit the Virunga National Park's <a href="https://visitvirunga.org/">website</a>.</p> <h3>Kidnapping</h3> <p>Human Rights Watch highlights the kidnapping risk to travelers in the DRC, with people mostly being taken for ransom. While a majority of the time, it's Congolese people kidnapped; there have been several reported cases of westerners being taken. Bandits will generally operate in groups and are heavily armed. The kidnapping of humanitarian workers is unfortunately also on the rise, particularly in the east of the country.</p> <h3>Protests</h3> <p>Public demonstrations can occur and turn violent without warning. Often the road to N'Dijili Airport can be blocked and it's strongly advised to avoid these events at all costs. Should you, unfortunately, become caught up, try to quickly and calmly leave the scene. Avoid taking photos or hanging around. Commercial flights and other modes of transport can be suspended should the situation escalate out of control.</p> </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/Willie Schumann / EyeEm 11173312179 Getty Images Kinshasa at sunset, Democratic Republic of Congo

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/natural-disastersVolcanoes, earthquakes and landslides in the DRC. Find out how to stay safe if a natural disaster happens while you're there.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/natural-disastershttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Not only do you have to watch out for crime on the streets in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also volcanoes and earthquakes that may cause natural disasters while you're there.</p> <p>Be prepared for the worst and keep an eye on the news to see is seismic activity is taking place before you go, as many towns here are built on the slopes of volcanoes.</p> <h2>Volcanoes in the DRC</h2> <p>Volcanic eruptions don't happen often, but they can happen every few years in the Democratic Republic of Congo.</p> <p>Nyamuragira is Africa's most active volcano, located about 15mi (25km) north of Lake Kivu which shares the border with Rwanda to the far east.</p> <p>The reason tourists may get caught here in the Virunga Mountains is because many people visit to see the wildlife that exists on the slopes of these mountains. Thick jungle grows in volcanic regions, and some of the Congo's famous primates also live in these regions. This draws plenty of visitors to the area.</p> <p>There are tours that take travelers <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g303843-d556673-Reviews-Mount_Nyiragongo-Goma_North_Kivu_Province.html" target="_blank" title="TripAdvisor">up the slopes to see the crater of Nyiragongo volcano</a>, but do your research to find a reliable, responsible tour operator before you go. </p> <p>If the volcano has erupted, don't even think about going there. Flowing lava adds another element to the sort of danger you'll face in the Congo.</p> <h2>Earthquakes in the DRC</h2> <p>The DRC is located in an earthquake-prone area.</p> <p>A 5.9 magnitude earthquake caused damage to properties and injured many people in the towns of Bukavu and Goma in February 2008. In 2016 there was a 4.8 magnitude earthquake that killed six people in Bukavu.</p> <p>While earthquakes are rare, just know that accommodation in the Congo <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-an-earthquake-travel-safety-tips" target="_blank" title="How to Survive an Earthquake">isn't built to withstand earthquakes</a>.</p> <p>Quakes in the Congo shouldn't be taken lightly – large tremors can shake the whole of East Africa. The earthquake in 2008 saw tremor reports in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.</p> <h2>Wet season in the DRC </h2> <p>While volcanoes and earthquakes are the main natural disasters to watch out for, there are some more common problems that you should be aware of.</p> <p>The rainy season runs from April to October in the north and November to March in the south. Landslides and flooding may occur during these months, which can affect transport and your ability to travel around the country.</p> <p>Landslides are common here, so watch out for areas that have recorded a lot of rain. <a href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/cd/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-weather" target="_blank" title="DRC weather">Monitor the weather online</a>, or stay up to date during wet season months before setting out on a long-distance adventure.</p> <p>The DRC also straddles the Equator, with one-third to the north and two-thirds to the south. As a result of this equatorial location, the Congo experiences large amounts of precipitation and ranks as a location <a href="http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150810-the-most-electric-place-on-earth" target="_blank" title="DR Congo in Central Africa is known as the thunderstorm capital of the world">with the highest frequency of thunderstorms in the world</a>.</p> <p>In the event of an earthquake, volcanic activity or other natural disaster in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, follow the advice of local authorities.</p>Getty Images/Natalia Gosciniak 11158581714 Getty Images Looking into the crater of Mount Nyiragongo, an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 3,470 m in the Virunga Mountains

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/health-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congoFrom malaria and cholera to typhoid and mosquito-borne illnesses, these are the health issues you need to know about.2019-12-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/health-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congohttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>There are a number of diseases, viruses and unwanted illnesses to be aware of before you go to Africa.</p> <p>If you decide to travel to the Congo, you should talk to your travel doctor so you are prepared with <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/democratic-republic-of-congo" target="_blank" title="CDC">recommended booster shots and vaccinations</a> for your trip.</p> <p>The DRC has an array of nasty health problems, which can make you sick, and even kill you. Be prepared and stay healthy with these tips.</p> <h2>While in the DRC</h2> <p>Medical facilities are severely limited, and medical materials are in short supply. Come prepared with labelled prescription drugs and other medications, and do not expect to find an adequate supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local stores or pharmacies.</p> <p>Payment for any medical services is expected in cash, in advance of treatment.</p> <p>Malaria is common throughout the DRC. Speak to your personal doctor about anti-malarial medication and whether it's right for you. If you don't take malarial medication, do everything you can to avoid mosquito bites: cover up wearing long-sleeved clothing and wear insect repellent.</p> <p>Outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/" target="_blank" title="CDC">Ebola</a> virus, and haemorrhagic fever also occur.</p> <p>New diseases and viruses are found frequently in the country's deep rainforests.</p> <p>Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in the DRC. Travelers are encouraged to obtain tuberculosis testing pre-travel and repeat 8–12 weeks after return.</p> <p>Be aware of polio in the DRC. <a href="https://www.who.int/csr/don/08-january-2019-poliovirus-drc/en/" target="_blank" title="Polio, WHO">In 2018 two cases of polio were reported in the Haut-Katanga province of the DRC</a>.</p> <p>Many insect-borne illnesses are present. Follow insect precautions at all times, including using insect repellent and mosquito nets when possible. Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into the country.</p> <p>Travelers are encouraged to avoid contact with non-chlorinated freshwater to prevent schistosomiasis.</p> <p><a href="https://www.iamat.org/country/congo-democratic-republic/risk/sleeping-sickness-african-trypanosomiasis" target="_blank" title="IAMAT">Sleeping sickness is also making a comeback in the Congo</a>. Do everything you can and avoid mosquitoes in these regions.</p> <p>Sleeping sickness is spread by the Tsetse Fly, insect bite avoidance measures are essential if traveling to North Eastern DRC. The symptoms of sleeping sickness include confusion, poor coordination, and disturbance of the sleep cycle. If left untreated, this disease is fatal.</p> <h2>Wildlife to be careful of in the DRC</h2> <p>Be careful around animals in the DRC as well. While most of us have heard about rabies, the Democratic Republic of Congo has another virus called <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox" target="_blank" title="WHO">Monkey Pox</a>.</p> <p>The Monkey Pox virus is usually transmitted to humans from infected ground squirrels and rodents. Symptoms include a fever, the appearance of pus-filled blisters all over the body, and lymph node swelling. You should avoid contact with people suffering these symptoms, and avoid contact with animals.</p> <p>Most of these diseases and viruses are a direct result of medical attention which has become non-existent. With war and crime plaguing the whole country for decades, it's virtually impossible to guard against diseases which run rampant across large regions.</p>Getty Images/USO 1502776272 Getty Images River in the DRC jungle

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/democratic-republic-of-congo-a-world-of-crimeCrime can occur in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but there are things you can do to minimize the risk and stay safe. Here are our tips to avoid trouble.2019-12-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/democratic-republic-of-congo-a-world-of-crimehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Crime is a way of life in the DRC. With most normal facets of life collapsing on a regular basis, many people have turned to crime.</p> <p>Travelers need to pay close attention when they are entering the country and when moving across DRC's enormous interior.</p> <p>Coupled with the constant security instability, crime in the Congo is out of control, a perfect example of a failed state in the heart of Africa.</p> <p>So, get ready to grow eyes in the back of your head. This is what you need to know about personal safety in the DRC.</p> <h2>Hotspots for crime</h2> <p>Kinshasa remains a critical crime threat area, and foreign citizens continue to be the victims of serious crime, including armed robbery.</p> <p>This sort of violent crime happens at all hours of the day, so don't think daylight will save you.</p> <p>Most of this violent crime is perpetrated by groups posing as police in both rural and urban areas. So prepare yourself and be smart.</p> <p>Travel in many sections of Kinshasa, Kisangani, Lubumbashi and most other major cities is generally safe during daylight hours, but travelers are urged to be vigilant against criminal activity that targets non-Congolese, particularly in traffic jams and areas surrounding hotels and stores.</p> <p>Outlying, remote areas are less secure because of high levels of criminal activity and the lack of adequate training, supervision, and salary for security forces.</p> <h2>What to watch out for</h2> <p>So you want to still go to the DRC for a trip? Here are some tips:</p> <ul> <li>Avoid walking alone, displaying cash or other personal items of value in public</li> <li>Avoid taking photos in public, especially of the river, government buildings and the airport, which are viewed as places of national security, since doing such may lead to arrest</li> <li>In the DRC, deteriorating economic conditions continue to foster crime, especially in urban areas. So avoid areas considered risky by locals, they warn you for a reason</li> <li>Don't trust anyone offering you help on the spot. It;s a sad part of traveling through the Congo, but it will keep you safe.</li> </ul> <h2>What to prepare for</h2> <p>Below are some common crimes you may experience in the Congo, most are violent and not what travelers want.</p> <p>Security officials and individuals purporting to be security officials have detained and robbed foreigners in Kinshasa. This type of crime occurs more frequently during the Christmas and New Year's holidays and prior to the beginning of school years.</p> <p>Vehicle thefts, burglaries, and armed robberies occur throughout the country; there have been reports of car-jackings in the North Kivu area, resulting in deaths.</p> <p>If confronted by members of the military or security forces, visitors should not permit soldiers or police officers to enter their vehicles nor get into the vehicle of anyone purporting to be a security official. If confronted, remain courteous and calm and, if threatened, do not resist.</p> <p>Street children, particularly in Kinshasa, can be aggressive, persistent and involved in criminal activity.</p> <p>Kidnapping is also a real threat in the Congo. Well-planned attacks against foreign nationals, so watch your step.</p> <h2>Big tip</h2> <p>Try to always move with an experienced tour group. They will help you avoid problems and keep you safe. In the Congo, that's what you want.</p>Getty Images/Fabian Plock / EyeEm 1966380328 Getty Images Matadi, DRC