Health Alert U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Health Alert U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (April 13, 2020)

Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Event: Departure Options & Reduced ACS Service During 14-Day Confinement Order

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa will regularly update its COVID-19 Information webpage with information about flights departing DRC. Please check regularly for information and updates: https://cd.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

If you are interested in options to depart DRC,  please visit our website on COVID-19 and send the requested information to our email address: KinshasaUSCitizen@state.gov.  We will continue to send out flight options we learn of from DRC, including Kinshasa, Goma, and Lubumbashi.

KINSHASA: The government of Kinshasa has ordered that the Gombe neighborhood of Kinshasa be under a 14-day confinement from April 6 to April 20 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  It is possible the confinement order will be extended to other Kinshasa neighborhoods in the coming days or weeks.

The U.S. Embassy is located in the Gombe neighborhood. All ACS appointments will be conducted after April 20. Please email us at ACSKinshasa@state.gov if you require an ACS service, such as an emergency passport.

GOMA: The government also ordered that Goma be under a 14-day confinement period starting Monday April 6 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  U.S. citizens should prepare to remain in residences with proper supplies and continue to work with the Consular team to seek departure options from Goma.

Be aware that other parts of the country may institute similar measures with little or no advance notice.  Monitor local media for updates on your area.  Please inform us at KinshasaUSCitizen@state.gov if you learn of lockdowns or confinement orders in your area that may affect other U.S. citizens.  Please remain in contact with us as you seek options to depart.

The government of the DRC has declared a State of Emergency effective March 24 to limit the spread of COVID-19.  All international passenger flights are suspended except for limited special commercial flights organized by embassies.  All domestic passenger flights between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended.  All road and river transport between Kinshasa and the provinces are suspended for passenger traffic.  Goods transport continues 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.

Note: This information will continue to be sent regularly for the benefit of new registrants in STEP.

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