Location: Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Event: Gombe, Kinshasa Confinement Order April 6 to 20
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. There are a number of exceptions to the confinement order and approved Gombe access points. We will send further details but advise U.S. citizens in Gombe to prepare to remain in their residences for the duration of the confinement period.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the Gombe area and remains open for emergency U.S. citizen services by appointment only. Please email us at KinshasaUSCitizen@state.gov. If you require an emergency passport before the April 9 flight, contact us immediately.
The U.S. Embassy supported flight on April 9 will continue as planned. Please visit our website on COVID-19 for more information on the flight and transportation support to the airport during the confinement period.
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 and to follow all confinement orders issued.
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.
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 getting COVID-19.
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: KinshasaUSCitizen@state.gov.
Note: This information will continue to be sent regularly for the benefit of new registrants in STEP.
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).
ACSKinshasa@state.gov
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.
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