The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of security threats to U.S. citizens in North Kivu. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid travel to areas north and northeast of Goma, North Kivu, particularly along the route from Goma to Rutshuru. A new landmine has been found on the Goma-Rutshuru axis, an area frequently used by UN workers, including U.S. citizens. Other instability may be generated by ongoing Congolese Army operations against the rebel group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The kidnapping of three UN workers 20 miles to the North of Goma on April 23 further demonstrates the potential threat U.S. citizens may be exposed to in North Kivu.
We strongly recommend U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for the DRC. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, tel. +243-081-556-0151(Do not dial the zero when calling from abroad). The Consular Section of the Embassy may be reached at tel. +243-097-261-6144 or +243-097-261-6145 and is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For after-hours emergencies, U.S. citizens should call 081-556-0151 and ask to speak with the duty officer.
