Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to eastern and north eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  This includes entering DRC from Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. The only exceptions to this are within the town of Bukavu and Goma, where we advise against all but essential travel. You should avoid entering or leaving DRC overland via Goma or Bukavu unless essential. This is due to continued insecurity and lawlessness in these areas.  Military operations by the Congolese army against foreign armed groups in North and South Kivu provinces have led to very high numbers of civilians being displaced.  See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel to the rest of DRC because of continuing tension and insecurity.  The situation can deteriorate at short notice.  See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a risk of political demonstrations and politically-motivated violence. For immediate, specific information about planned demonstrations or any other events which may affect the local security situation, you should register with/contact the British Embassy in Kinshasa.  See the General (Registering with the British Embassy) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Ndjili airport (Kinshasa’s main airport) and Kinshasa’s ferry terminal can close at short notice.  You should check with your operator before travelling.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Seven British nationals required consular assistance in Congo (Dem Rep of) in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1 cases); hospitalisations (2 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (7 cases). Robbery, including by individuals posing as plainclothes police, is also common.  You should also be aware of gangs promising you cut price gold and diamonds. We have received reports of crime targeting international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Goma.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.