The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa informs U.S. citizens of the potential for large-scale demonstrations and civil unrest on/around December 19, the date on which President Kabila’s term in office was due to end before his government delayed elections. The Embassy reviews its security posture periodically and is considering changing its posture in response to the ongoing and uncertain security situation in Kinshasa, and we will keep U.S. citizens informed of our decisions.
All U.S. citizens in DRC should have personal evacuation plans that do not rely solely on U.S. government assistance. Keep in mind that during the deadly clashes between security forces and demonstrators on September 19 and 20, roads to the airport were impassable and all international flights were cancelled.
Please ensure your travel documents (passports and visas) are valid and up-to-date. Encourage your fellow citizens to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so they too may receive security messages. Review the Travel Warning for the DRC and remain alert for potentially dangerous situations.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for the DRC.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, at +243-081-225-5872 (Do not dial the zero when calling from abroad); the Consular Section at tel. +243-081-884-6859 or +243-081-884-4609 from Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 081-556-0151.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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