Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, DRC (May 20, 2020)
Location: Goma
Event: Goma Confinement for 14 Days (Effective May 20) (Flight Options Remain Available)
Goma Confinement Order: 14 Days, Effective May 20
The city of Goma will be under confinement for 14 days, effective May 20. Travel in and out of Goma at city limits will be restricted and a curfew will be enforced within the city between 8 pm and 5 am. Movements within the city of Goma between 5 am and 8 pm appear to be permitted, but restrictions could change with little or no advance notice. The use of face masks continues to be required in public in Goma. U.S. citizens in Goma should ensure they have sufficient food, medicine, and supplies at their residence in the event they need to remain at home for an extended period of time.
There are reports that movement restrictions will also apply to Kiwanja and Rutshuru city areas.
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.
Upcoming Flights Departing DRC
U.S. Embassy Kinshasa is aware of two upcoming flights departing DRC that can accommodate U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
May 26: Goma and Kinshasa to Addis Ababa (organized by Jeffery Travel and Miles Travel)
May 30: Goma, Kinshasa, and (tentatively) Lubumbashi to Addis Ababa (organized by Satguru Travel)
Update: Satguru Travel may add a stop in Lubumbashi on May 30th if there is enough interest. Contact the travel agency directly to book.
For both flights, connections are available in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Washington, D.C. See note on transiting in Addis below.
Please book directly with the travel agency to secure seats. Tickets are first come, first served. These flights are NOT organized by U.S. Embassy Kinshasa.
If you wish to return to the United States, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa strongly urges you to book tickets now. There is no guarantee that additional flights will be available in the near future. We strongly encourage U.S. citizens and LPRs considering departing to book their tickets immediately.
To book your ticket, please call a travel agency:
Miles Travel (May 26)
+243 818 555 009 (Kinshasa)
+243 818 555 505 (Kinshasa)
kinshasa@milestravelworld.com
lubumbashi@milestravelworld.com
ricky.fih@milestravelworld.com
1547 Immueble Taba Congo, Blvd du 30 Juin, Gombe, Kinshasa
Jeffery Travels (May 26)
+243 816 546 523
+243 817 860 222
+243 817 860 888
+243 812 156 149
salman@jefferytravels.com
mack@jefferytravels.com
aliraza@jefferytravels.com
fatima@jefferytravels.com
Satguru Travel (May 30)
+243 976 807 310
+243 852 610 000
punjabi.jakey@satgurutravel.com
Reservation.fih1@satgurutravel.com
Transiting in Addis
All air passengers planning to transit through Addis Ababa must have onward tickets in hand upon arrival at Bole International Airport or they risk being placed in extended quarantine in a designated hotel at their own expense. Transit passengers are also strongly advised to have their onward ticket be for a same-day connecting flight. Bole International Airport authorities are not allowing passengers to stay overnight in the airport. Transit passengers who do not have same-day connecting flights will be required to spend the night in a designated hotel at their own expense.
Repatriation Loans
Under limited circumstances, the Department of State may offer loans to destitute U.S. citizens to facilitate repatriation. If you feel you might qualify for such a loan, please email KinshasaUSCitizen@state.gov. Please note that this loan will require repayment, and loan recipients will not be allowed to renew their passport until the loan is repaid.
Check your U.S. Passport Validity
U.S. citizens should verify that their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of travel. For emergency American Citizen Services, including emergency passports, please contact ACSKinshasa@state.gov immediately.
Actions to Take
- Respect the confinement order in Goma for 14 days, effective May 20.
- Wear a mask when in public.
- Call travel agency to book your tickets on upcoming flight immediately.
- Verify your U.S. passport is unexpired and valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Contact ACSKinshasa@state.gov if you need an emergency passport.
- 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 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
- S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa/Gombe, +243 81-556-0151/0152.
- ACSKinshasa@state.govfor American Citizen Services (i.e. emergency passport)
- KinshasaUSCitizen@state.gov for repatriation options and departure flight information
- 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.
