News About Congo

Health Alert - U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 28, 2020)

Health Alert U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 28, 2020)

 
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
 
Event: Kinshasa Confinement Restrictions Postponed; Caution Urged
 
The City of Kinshasa has reportedly postponed the period of intermittent total confinement of all residents that was to start Saturday March 28. There are no known checkpoints and traffic appears to be circulating. Conditions and restrictions may change quickly and without much advance notice. All U.S. citizens are urged to prepare for long periods of confinement to their residences.    
 
Be aware that other parts of the country are considering similar measures and monitor local media for updates on your area. Nyakunde in Ituri Province is currently under quarantine.
 
The government of the DRC has declared a State of Emergency effective March 24 to limit the spread of COVID-19. All domestic passenger flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended. The suspension of international passenger flights remains in effect. All road and river transport between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended for passenger traffic. Goods transport will continue with control checkpoints at Kinshasa city limits. DRC National Police and military will patrol to ensure the new rules are followed. Schools and universities remain closed, sporting events and gatherings larger than 20 people are banned, bars and restaurants are closed until further notice and non-food stores in Kinshasa were ordered closed.
 
Visit the DRC Ministry of Health COVID-19 website for updated information on the situation in the DRC. Visit the CDC website for information on symptoms and how to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
 
 
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms (fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing):

Avoid contact with people.
Contact your health care provider or the DRC Ministry of Health at 101, 109, 110.
Notify the U.S. Embassy if a U.S. citizen is hospitalized with COVID-19 by emailing [email protected].

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in DRC. We are compiling a list of persons seeking to leave DRC. If you would be interested in options to leave, please visit our website on COVID-19 and send the requested information to our email address: [email protected]. If you have already sent us your information, you do not need to resend. 
 
Note: This information will continue to be sent regularly for the benefit of new registrants in STEP. We will be sure to highlight any new information from previous emails.
 
Actions to Take

Prepare for long periods of confinement. Maintain stocks of food, supplies, and medicine.
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Visit the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page to find medical provider information in the DRC.
Check with your airlines or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the DRC.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe, +243 81-556-0151/0152 or +243-972-616-193 (after hours and weekends). 
[email protected]

https://cd.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Democratic Republic of Congo Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 
 
 
 

Health Alert - U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 25, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 25, 2020)
 
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
 
Event: DRC Presidential Decree of State of Emergency
 
The government of the DRC has declared a State of Emergency effective March 24 to limit the spread of COVID-19. All domestic passenger flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended. The suspension of international passenger flights remains in effect. All road and river transport between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended for passenger traffic. Goods transport will continue with control checkpoints at Kinshasa city limits. DRC National Police and military will patrol to ensure the new rules are followed. Schools and universities remain closed, sporting events and gatherings larger than 20 people are banned, bars and restaurants are closed until further notice and non-food stores in Kinshasa were ordered closed. 
 
Visit the DRC Ministry of Health COVID-19 website for updated information on the situation in the DRC. Visit the CDC website for information on symptoms and how to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
 
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms (fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing):  

Avoid contact with people.   
Contact your regular health care provider or the DRC Ministry of Health at 101, 109, 110.
Notify the U.S. Embassy if a U.S. citizen is hospitalized with COVID-19 by emailing [email protected].

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in DRC. We are compiling a list of persons seeking to leave DRC. If you would be interested in options to leave, please visit our website on COVID-19 and send the requested information to our email address: [email protected]. 
 
Effective March 17, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.
 
Actions to Take 

Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. 
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. 
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. 
Visit the U.S. Embassy’s Medical Assistance page to find medical provider information in the DRC. 
Check with your airlines or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. 
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the DRC. 
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. 

Assistance 

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe, +243 81-556-0151/0152. 
[email protected]

https://cd.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Democratic Republic of Congo Country Information 
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. 
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Health Alert - U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 24, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 24, 2020)

 
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
 
Event: DRC Presidential Decree of State of Emergency
 
The government of the DRC has declared a State of Emergency effective March 24 to limit the spread of COVID-19. All domestic passenger flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended. The suspension of international passenger flights remains in effect. All road and river transport between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended for passenger traffic. Goods transport will continue with control checkpoints at Kinshasa city limits. DRC National Police and military will patrol to ensure the new rules are followed. Schools and universities remain closed, sporting events and gatherings larger than 20 people are banned, bars and restaurants are closed until further notice and non-food stores in Kinshasa were ordered closed. 
 
Visit the DRC Ministry of Health COVID-19 website for updated information on the situation in the DRC. Visit the CDC website for information on symptoms and how to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
 
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms (fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing):  

Avoid contact with people.   
Contact your regular health care provider or the DRC Ministry of Health at 101, 109, 110.
Notify the U.S. Embassy if a U.S. citizen is hospitalized with COVID-19 by emailing [email protected].

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in DRC. We are compiling a list of persons seeking to leave DRC. If you would be interested in options to leave, please visit our website on COVID-19 and send the requested information to our email address: [email protected]. 
 
Effective March 17, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.
 
Actions to Take 

Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. 
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. 
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. 
Visit the U.S. Embassy’s Medical Assistance page to find medical provider information in the DRC. 
Check with your airlines or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. 
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the DRC. 
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. 

Assistance 

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe, +243 81-556-0151/0152. 
[email protected]

https://cd.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Democratic Republic of Congo Country Information 
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. 
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

 

Health Alert - U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 23, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 23, 2020)

 
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
 
Event: U.S. Citizens Requesting Assistance to Depart the DRC
 
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in DRC. All international passenger flights are suspended until at least April 3. Domestic DRC flights are still going at this time but may be stopped with little or no advance notice. 
The U.S. Embassy is working to make seats available for U.S. citizens on a commercial flight from Kinshasa N’Djili airport to Washington Dulles Airport on the evening of Wednesday March 25 or Thursday, March 26 at a time to be determined. Please follow instructions below to express interest in this flight. U.S. citizens are responsible for their own cost of tickets which may range from $1500 to $2700 depending on the number of passengers. All passengers must have valid passports and documentation to enter the United States. Currently, this is the only way the Embassy can assist U.S. citizens to exit the DRC as international flights are suspended and borders are closed. There are no plans for future flights at this time.     

We are compiling a list of persons seeking to leave DRC. If you would be interested in options to leave, including the flight on March 25/26, please send the following information for each member of your group to our email address: [email protected]. 

Your full name as spelled in your passport
Nationality
Current phone number and WhatsApp number
Email address
Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
Passport number, date of issuance, date of expiration. If not a U.S. passport, please note country of issuance.
Current location (city, country, hotel name if not in residence)
Health condition and special considerations
Number of U.S. citizens in your party. Please note any non-U.S. citizen immediate family members seeking to travel with you. 
DRC visa status (i.e. valid until MM/DD/YYYY)
Employer or affiliation within DRC

You will receive a response if and when travel options become available. In the meantime, please enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and updates from the U.S. Embassy Kinshasa. 
  
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
 
Effective March 17, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.
 
Actions to Take 

Visit the U.S. Embassy’s Medical Assistance page to find medical provider information in the DRC. 
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. 
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. 
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. 
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. 
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the DRC. 
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. 

Assistance 

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe, +243 81-556-0151/0152 
[email protected]

https://cd.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Democratic Republic of Congo Country Information 
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. 
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

 

Health Alert - U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 21, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kinshasa (March 21, 2020) 
 
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
 
Event: The DRC Ministry of Health confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the DRC.  
 
The government of DRC has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. All international passenger flights are suspended until at least April 3. Domestic DRC flights are still going at this time but may be impacted with little or no advance notice. Schools and universities are closed until April 17, sporting events, festivals, gatherings larger than 20 people have been banned, and bars and restaurants are closed until further notice. Markets and non-food stores in Kinshasa are ordered closed. 
 
We are considering all options to assist U.S. citizens in DRC. Continue to monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website for updates. Email [email protected] if you have an urgent need to depart and would be interested in options to leave if they become available. For each member of your group, please include: (1) name as it appears on passport, (2) date of birth, (3) U.S. passport number, (4) telephone number and WhatsApp number, (5) current location, and (6) special medical or other considerations.  
 
All U.S. citizens in DRC should continue to prepare by ensuring they have sufficient food, medicine, and supplies should they need to remain at home in DRC for an extended period of time. 
 
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19. 
 
Effective March 17, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information: https://cd.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ .
 
Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline. 
 
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. 
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice. For more information, visit the CDC’s website. 
 
Actions to Take:  

Email [email protected] if you would be interested in departing DRC if an option becomes available.   
Visit the U.S. Embassy’s Medical Assistance page to find medical provider information in the DRC. 
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. 
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. 
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. 
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. 
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the DRC. 
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. 

Assistance 

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe, +243 81-556-0151 / 0152 
[email protected] 

https://cd.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444 
Democratic Republic of Congo Country Information 
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. 
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Health Alert - U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 19, 2020)

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (March 19, 2020)

 
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 
 
Event: The DRC Ministry of Health confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the DRC.
The government of the DRC has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Schools and universities are closed until April 17, sporting events in stadiums and gyms are suspended, gatherings and celebrations larger than 20 people are banned, and bars and restaurants are closed until further notice. 
The government of the DRC has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. Effective March 20, the DRC has barred all flights arriving from unspecified “high-risk countries.” Only cargo flights and boats will be permitted entry. 
U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.  
All travelers entering the DRC who have a fever will be tested, and any persons positive for COVID-19 will be hospitalized at DRC government expense. Both categories will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. All persons traveling domestically from Kinshasa to other provinces will be subject to preventative screening.
 
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
Effective March 17, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.
Actions to Take 
· Visit the U.S. Embassy’s Medical Assistance page to find medical provider information in the DRC. 
· Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. 
· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. 
· Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. 
· Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. 
· Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the DRC. 
· Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. 

Assistance 
· U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 
310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe 
+243 81-556-0151/0152 
· [email protected]
· https://cd.usembassy.gov/ 
· State Department – Consular Affairs +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444 
· Democratic Republic of Congo Country Information 
· Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. 
· Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Meeting with DRC President Tshisekedi

Last April, they met. And again today!

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Meeting with DRC President Tshisekedi

03/03/2020 12:02 PM EST

Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi today in Washington, DC. Secretary Pompeo and President Tshisekedi discussed strengthened ties between the United States and the DRC in the year since the country’s historic peaceful transfer of power. They pledged to work together to advance the U.S.-DRC Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity which launched after President Tshisekedi visited Washington D.C. last April.
Secretary Pompeo expressed support for President Tshisekedi’s reform agenda to tackle corruption, strengthen democratic institutions, improve human rights, end impunity, combat trafficking in persons, and promote peace in eastern DRC. The Secretary also reiterated our steadfast support for Congolese efforts to end the ongoing Ebola outbreak and to enhance partnership on the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA).
Both leaders expressed hope that the DRC can continue a positive trajectory and realize its vast potential
 




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