The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa informs U.S. citizens that numerous checkpoints have been observed throughout Kinshasa since the Makala Prison break. The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the following guidance when approaching these checkpoints:
- Slow down when approaching checkpoints. Turn on your interior vehicle light at night.
- Stop your vehicle at the checkpoint as directed by an officer/soldier. Comply with the officers’ requests and remain courteous and calm.
- Tell the officer you are a U.S. citizen and display color photocopies of your passport and other identity documents through the window. If possible, do not hand over originals; ask the police if they will accept the copies.
- Ask for permission to pull aside if the police officer or soldier insists on searching the vehicle.
- Only leave the checkpoint once instructed to do so by the officer.
- If you are arrested, request that authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
- Report any harassment to the U.S. Embassy.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel websitefor 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 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 Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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