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Travel Guide
Please Note
This is a generalized travel guide and it is intended to coalesce several resources, which a traveler might find useful, regardless of a particular destination. As such, it does not include travel warnings for specific "hot spot" destinations.
For travel alerts and warnings, please see the United States Department of State's listings available at URL:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Please note that travel to the following countries, based on these warnings, is ill-advised, or should be undertaken with the utmost precaution:
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories of West Bank and Gaza, Philippines areas of Sulu Archipelago, Mindanao, and southern Sulu Sea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, and Yemen.
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Please note:
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (a.k.a. DRC or Congo-Kinshasa,). U.S. citizens should avoid all but essential travel to the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, northeastern Orientale, and northern and central Katanga, where instability and sporadic violence continues.
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International Travel Guide
Checklist for Travelers
1. Make sure you travel with the proper documentation. This may include passports, travel visas, consent for travel with minors, and international driving permits, if necessary. Get the necessary visas for the country (or countries) one intends to visit - but be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
2. Protect one's personal information by making copies of one's passport details, insurance policy, travelers checks and credit card numbers. Taking copies of such documents with you, while leaving another collection copies with someone at home, is also good practice for travelers. Taking copies of one's passport photograph is also recommended, as well as leaving a copy of one's passport photograph and details at home is also recommended.
3. Take time to learn about one's destination country and culture. Read and learn about the place one is traveling. Also check political, economic and socio-cultural developments at the destination by reading country-specific travel reports and fact sheets. Always have the contact information for the embassy or consulate of your home country.
4. Keep in regular contact with friends and relatives back at home by phone or email, and be sure to leave a travel itinerary. As well, keep a list of your emergency contacts handy and create a communication plan for reaching family and friends in the event of a crisis.
5. While it may be appealing to travel "off the grid" and without attention to current events, it is inadvisable to travel internationally without paying attention to the news and current events taking place "in country." Monitor local radio, television, and other sources for news and updates. Make contacts with staff at hotels and/or in the community so you are able to stay informed.
6. Phone lines are usually affected during a crisis. Think about other ways to communicate. For example, update your social media status often and send messages as regularly as possible to let friends and family know how you are doing.
7. Know the laws of one's destination country and culture; be sure to understand the repercussions of breaking those laws and regulations. Often the transparency and freedoms of the juridical system at home is not consistent with that of one's destination country. Become aware of these complexities and subtleties before you travel.
8. For longer stays in a country, or where the security situation is volatile, one should register one's self and traveling companions at the local embassy or consulate of one's country of citizenship. Be prepared for crisis situations and have an exit strategy to ensure you can easily evacuate from a volatile situation. Have more than one way to get towards safety as a crisis event may make some roads unpassable or unsafe.
9. Stay healthy by taking all possible precautions against illness. Also, be sure to take extra supplies of prescription drugs along for the trip, while also taking time to pack general pharmaceutical supplies, such as aspirin and other such painkillers, bandages, stomach ailment medication, anti-inflammatory medication and anti-bacterial medication.
10. Do not carry illicit drugs. Understand that the punishment for possession or use of illegal drugs in some countries may be capital punishment. Make sure your prescription drugs are legal in the countries you plan to visit.
11. Women should take care to be prepared both culturally and practically for traveling in a different country and culture. One should be sure to take sufficient supplies of personal feminine products and prescription drugs. One should also learn about local cultural standards for women, including norms of dressing. Be aware that it is simply inappropriate and unsafe for women to travel alone in some countries, and take the necessary precautions to avoid risk-filled situations.
12. If one is traveling with small children, one should pack extra supplies, make arrangements with the travel carrier for proper seating that would adequately accommodate children, infants or toddlers. Note also that whether one is male of female, traveling with children means that one's hands are thus not free to carry luggage and bags. Be especially aware that this makes one vulnerable to pickpockets, thieves and other sorts of crime.
13. Make proper arrangements for accommodations, well in advance of one's arrival at a destination. Some countries have limited accommodation, while others may have culturally distinctive facilities. Learning about these practicalities before one travels will greatly aid the enjoyment of one's trip.
14. Travel with different forms of currency and money (cash, traveler's checks and credit cards) in anticipation that venues may not accept one or another form of money. Also, ensuring that one's financial resources are not contained in one location, or by one person (if one is traveling with others) can be a useful measure, in the event that one loses a wallet or purse. Contact your credit card companies ahead of departure to notify them of your travel plans and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
15. Find out about transportation in the destination country. In some places, it might be advisable to hire a local driver or taxi guide for safety reasons, while in other countries, enjoying one's travel experience may well be enhanced by renting a vehicle and seeing the local sights and culture independently. Costs may also be prohibitive for either of these choices, so again, prior planning is suggested. If you plan to drive "in country," as indicated above, ensure you have proper international driving permits.
16. Be aware that other countries use different voltage. Travel with a voltage adaptor pack if you will need to power up a laptop, phone, or medical device. It is also advisable to think in terms of power supply, and be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
Tips for Travelers
English-speaking individuals of other nationalities and travelers who appear to be members of military or missionary groups have sometimes been specifically targeted for arrest, detention, deportation, increased scrutiny and difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry, or other forms of harassment. Travelers entering the DRC with visas and/or entry/exit stamps from Uganda, Rwanda or Burundi may experience difficulties at the airport or other ports of entry, including being detained for questioning or refused entry into the country. Anyone who wishes to travel outside of Kinshasa must obtain advance written permission from the Ministry of the Interior.
Extremist groups continue to make threats of violence against foreign citizens and interests in the Great Lakes region. While operating out of northeastern DRC in March 1999, a rebel group specifically targeted and killed U.S. citizens and other English-speaking people in southwestern Uganda.
Unofficial armed groups operate in parts of the country and are responsible for pillaging, vehicle thefts, carjackings, extrajudicial settling of differences, ethnic tensions, and continued military/paramilitary operations. Travelers run the risk of attack or detention. Travelers should avoid any area where demonstrations are occurring or where crowds have gathered.
Consular access to arrested/detained foreign citizens cannot be guaranteed.
Ferry services between Kinshasa and Brazzaville are subject to interruption with little or no notice.
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to be faced with a deep political and economic crisis, partially inherited from the previous regime which was deposed in the spring of 1997, and an ongoing war in the north and east involving national armies from Central and Southern Africa and rebel groups from neighboring countries that affects approximately half the country. There has been a dramatic deterioration of the country's physical infrastructure and basic security environment. Urban crime remains a problem. There is occasional official hostility to expatriates, periodic shortages of basic items such as gasoline, a chronic shortage of medical supplies, high inflation, and in some areas, corruption and serious malnutrition.
Visas should be obtained from an Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo prior to arrival. Travelers entering the DRC with visas and/or entry/exit stamps from Rwanda, Uganda or Burundi may experience difficulties at the airport or other ports of entry. Some travelers with those visas or exit/entry stamps have been detained for questioning.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
The security situation in the Congo is unstable. DRC is at war with its three eastern neighbors, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, several thousand of whose troops are present in the country. Rwanda and Uganda are supporting different Congolese rebel troops against the Kinshasa government. Their forces have fought against DRC government troops and, on occasion, against each other. Congolese rebels or foreign armies occupy about half of the DRC's territory, and the Kinshasa government exercises only nominal control over many areas in those parts of the country under its authority. Although armed soldiers and police are common in urban areas, including Kinshasa, the multiple and competing security forces are unable to maintain order. Ill-trained, ill-paid, well-armed, operating in a system with little effective command-and-control, the security forces often act arbitrarily and may, themselves, pose a threat to the population instead of protecting them.
DRC government-imposed curfews are often in effect and may be imposed or lifted with minimal warning. Foreign citizens who travel to DRC in spite of this warning should adhere to any curfew in place to reduce the possibility of questioning and detention by military authorities and police. Security personnel have been known to enforce DRC government-imposed curfews with gunfire. Large numbers of security forces remain stationed in all urban areas, notably the capital, Kinshasa, where government-imposed curfews are often in effect. The DRC government has imposed curfews in the past with minimal warning; please check locally before traveling to DRC to confirm current curfew status. Entry by car or boat after 6 p.m. is prohibited. Travel in the downtown parts of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi is generally safe. The outlying areas, including Kisangani, are less secure due to the ongoing war, lack of adequate training/supervision of the security/rebel forces present and high levels of criminal activity. Tension in the capital is further heightened by the influx of refugees from the civil conflict in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), across the Congo River. Civil disturbances may occur without warning in all urban areas and have the potential to turn violent.
There are numerous, often poorly marked, military roadblocks, especially after dark. Vehicles are often searched for weapons, and travelers checked for identity papers. Troops regularly seek bribes and transportation. If confronted with such a situation, it is suggested that foreign citizens not question the individual's authority, remain as courteous as possible and report the incident to their Embassy in Kinshasa as soon as possible.
One of the many extremist rebel factions in the Great Lakes region has committed, and continues to threaten, violence against American citizens and interests. This rebel faction was responsible for the March 1999 kidnapping and murder of several Western tourists in Uganda. An extremist rebel faction was responsible for the kidnapping of four foreign nationals in August 1998 in the DRC. Rebel factions are known to operate in northern and northeastern DRC and the surrounding areas, including sections of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, low levels of economic prosperity continue to promote crime, vehicle thefts, burglaries, armed robbery and carjackings throughout the country.
The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to local police and to your nearest appropriate embassy or consulate.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), medical facilities are limited, and medicine is in short supply.
While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions which differ significantly from those in you home country. The information below concerning the DRC is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstances.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor/Non-Existent
Inter-city roads are poor and often impassable in the rainy season. When driving in cities, keep windows up and doors locked. At roadblocks or checkpoints, documents should be shown through closed windows. In the event of a traffic incident involving bodily injury to a third party or pedestrian, do not stop to offer assistance under any circumstances. Proceed directly to the nearest police station or gendarmerie to report the incident and request official government intervention. Attempting to provide assistance may further aggravate the incident, resulting in a hostile mob reaction or stoning.
Presidential and other official motorcades pose serious risks to drivers and pedestrians in Kinshasa. When you hear the sirens or see security forces announcing the motorcade's approach, pull as far off the road as possible and stop your vehicle. Do not take pictures. Do not use your cellular telephone, radio or any other communication devices. Do not restart your vehicle or move until the entire motorcade has passed by (the security forces will physically indicate when this has occurred). Failure to comply may result in arrest.
Visitors who wish to travel anywhere outside of Kinshasa must obtain advance, written permission from the Ministry of Interior, regardless of the purpose of the trip. Failure to comply may result in arrest.
Ferry service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville may be closed with minimal notice due to the security situation. If ferry service is functioning, a special exit permit from the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (Kinshasa) Immigration Service and a visa from an Embassy of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) are required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville.
Ferry and riverboat service to the Central African Republic is suspended due to rebel control of the Ubangui River.
Foreign citizens should be aware that there are currency laws in effect which require that all transactions be exclusively made in Congolese francs. Regulations issued Sept. 22, 1999, prohibit the possession of foreign currency (including U.S. dollars) by anyone in DRC. All other persons traveling to or from DRC are required to declare all foreign currency in their possession. Upon arrival in DRC, travelers are allowed three business days to deposit their foreign currency in a bank-run Exchange House or convert the foreign currency (at the official, government-controlled rate) at a bank or bank-run Exchange House. It remains unclear whether these facilities will sell foreign currency to travelers upon their departure. Currency transactions that are not done at a bank or bank-run Exchange house are illegal. The regulations reiterate that local currency must be used for all commercial transactions in DRC and that there are criminal sanctions for non-compliance.
American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diner's Club are accepted for payment of bills at Kinshasa's two major hotels. No other businesses in DRC accept credit cards. Credit cards may not be used at banks to obtain cash advances. Traveler's checks are accepted only if accompanied with a letter from a bank confirming the issuance of the Traveler's checks to the individual cashing the Traveler's checks. However, the use of Traveler's checks is generally not advised in DRC because banks charge substantial fees for cashing them. Traveler's checks are rarely accepted outside Kinshasa.
Photographing public buildings, military installations, airports and the banks of the Congo River is forbidden. Offenders can expect to be arrested, held for at least several hours and fined. Film and cameras may also be confiscated. Due to the threat of harassment and the lack of signs designating sites prohibited for photography, photography is best practiced in private homes and among friends.
While in a foreign country, you are subject to that country's laws and regulations. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in your country for similar offenses. Persons violating DRC, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
Note: This information is directly quoted from the United States Department of State Consular Information Sheet.
Sources: United States Department of State Consular Information Sheet
Business Culture: Information for Business Travelers
Protocol : there are no special protocol considerations in dealing with non-Muslims. Congolese are generally open and accommodating in both personal and business dealings. Most are less formal than francophone Europeans or West Africans, although on first meetings it is better to err on the side of formality. Commonsense courtesy and European traditions of social etiquette apply. Hands are shaken with men and women on first meeting and on leave-taking. Do not use the first name until invited to do so. Since the end of the second republic in 1990, "monsieur," "madame," and "mademoiselle" are the usual forms of address.
Time: it is the rare business trip to Congo that goes like clockwork, most involve more time, more people, and more meetings than in Western countries. In scheduling appointments, allow extra time and resources to get them set up, and for delays in their starting and completion times. Private sector meetings tend to be on-time. Anticipate longer delays in government meetings the higher up one goes. Lunches generally run two hours, dinners begin at eight or nine, nightclubs operate from midnight to dawn. Reconfirm appointments ahead of time.
Attire: for business meetings with private sector or government officials, appropriate attire for men is a suit or coat and tie; women should choose business attire (not to include trousers). Such attire is also recommended for most dinner engagements, unless a more casual ambiance is explicitly indicated. Bring casual wear for club or sporting functions, and a folding umbrella during the rainy season. Given the heat and humidity, natural fibers provide the most comfort. Laundry and dry cleaning is available at major hotels.
Sources: United States Department of State Commercial Guides
Online Resources Regarding Entry Requirements and Visas
Foreign Entry Requirements for Americans from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
Visa Services for Non-Americans from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Visa Bulletins from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html
Visa Waivers from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html - new
Passport and Visa Information from the Government of the United Kingdom
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/
Visa Information from the Government of Australia
http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/index.html
Passport Information from the Government of Australia
https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/index.aspx
Passport Information from the Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/passport_passeport-eng.asp
Visa Information from the Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/visas-eng.asp
Online Visa Processing by Immigration Experts by VisaPro
http://www.visapro.com
Sources: United States Department of State, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Canada Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Useful Online Resources for Travelers
Country-Specific Travel Information from United States
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
Travel Advice by Country from Government of United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
General Travel Advice from Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/General
Travel Bulletins from the Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/
Travel Tips from Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/index.html
Travel Checklist by Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/checklist_sommaire-eng.asp
Travel Checklist from Government of United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/checklist
Your trip abroad from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1225.html
A safe trip abroad from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
Tips for expatriates abroad from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/residing/residing_1235.html
Tips for students from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1219.html
Medical information for travelers from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html
US Customs Travel information
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/
Sources: United States Department of State; United States Customs Department, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Australia; Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Other Practical Online Resources for Travelers
Foreign Language Phrases for Travelers
http://www.travlang.com/languages/
http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/index.htm
World Weather Forecasts
http://www.intellicast.com/
http://www.wunderground.com/
http://www.worldweather.org/
Worldwide Time Zones, Map, World Clock
http://www.timeanddate.com/
http://www.worldtimezone.com/
International Airport Codes
http://www.world-airport-codes.com/
International Dialing Codes
http://www.kropla.com/dialcode.htm
http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/
International Phone Guide
http://www.kropla.com/phones.htm
International Mobile Phone Guide
http://www.kropla.com/mobilephones.htm
International Internet Café Search Engine
http://cybercaptive.com/
Global Internet Roaming
http://www.kropla.com/roaming.htm
World Electric Power Guide
http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm
http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
World Television Standards and Codes
http://www.kropla.com/tv.htm
International Currency Exchange Rates
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Banking and Financial Institutions Across the World
http://www.123world.com/banks/index.html
International Credit Card or Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Locator
http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/
http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/atmlocations/index.html
International Chambers of Commerce
http://www.123world.com/chambers/index.html
World Tourism Websites
http://123world.com/tourism/
Diplomatic and Consular Information
United States Diplomatic Posts Around the World
http://www.usembassy.gov/
United Kingdom Diplomatic Posts Around the World
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/embassies-and-posts/find-an-embassy-overseas/
Australia's Diplomatic Posts Around the World
http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/
http://www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html
Canada's Embassies and High Commissions
http://www.international.gc.ca/ciw-cdm/embassies-ambassades.aspx
Resources for Finding Embassies and other Diplomatic Posts Across the World
http://www.escapeartist.com/embassy1/embassy1.htm
Safety and Security
Travel Warnings by Country from Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/
Travel Warnings and Alerts from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html
Travel Reports and Warnings by Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/updates_mise-a-jour-eng.asp
Travel Warnings from Government of United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/?action=noTravelAll#noTravelAll
Sources: United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the United States Department of State, the Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Other Safety and Security Online Resources for Travelers
United States Department of State Information on Terrorism
http://www.state.gov/s/ct/
Government of the United Kingdom Resource on the Risk of Terrorism
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1044011304926
Government of Canada Terrorism Guide
http://www.international.gc.ca/crime/terrorism-terrorisme.aspx?lang=eng
Information on Terrorism by Government of Australia
http://www.dfat.gov.au/icat/index.html
FAA Resource on Aviation Safety
http://www.faasafety.gov/
In-Flight Safety Information for Air Travel (by British Airways crew trainer, Anna Warman)
http://www.warman.demon.co.uk/anna/inflight.html
Hot Spots: Travel Safety and Risk Information
http://www.airsecurity.com/hotspots/HotSpots.asp
Information on Human Rights
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/hr/
Sources: The United States Department of State, the United States Customs Department, the Government of Canada, the Government of United Kingdom, the Government of Australia, the Federal Aviation Authority, Anna Warman's In-flight Website, Hot Spots Travel and Risk Information
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