IS VISITING THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO SAFE?
Certain areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are quite safe to visit. The capital city of Kinshasa in the western portion of the nation, Goma, and the Virunga National Park are the safest and most picturesque places for travelers to visit.
Even if the nation is stunning, there are still very real security risks for visitors; for this reason, it is strongly advised that you choose a tour operator that is knowledgeable about how to keep you as secure as possible. It is not advised to go alone.
CONGO'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC AND THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE ON TOURISM
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the rainy season runs from November through March in the south and from April to October in the north. These times are susceptible to landslides and flash flooding, which might seriously impair essential services.
Before visiting these places, tourists should constantly keep an eye on local news reports.
In some regions of the nation, volcanic eruptions occur often. Located in the outskirts of Goma, Mount Nyiragongo has erupted several times in the past and has been exhibiting symptoms of doing so again. Although there isn't any imminent risk, it has been on "yellow" alert, so travelers should still proceed with great caution and keep an eye on the news and any reports that are available before heading in that way.
RESTRICTIONS IN CONGO'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Ebola epidemics have afflicted North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, but there have also recently been terrorist assaults in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
The three Kasai provinces (Kasai, Kasai-Oriental, and Kasai-Central) and the eastern DRC area should be avoided because to the high rates of crime, civil upheaval, armed conflict, and abduction.
Violent crimes including assaults, armed robberies, and house invasions are frequently a possibility. Criminals may even masquerade as police or security personnel, and the local police are ill-equipped to handle major crimes.
various protests, some of which have descended into violence, have been held in various places in recent years and are getting more frequent. These violent protests have led to arrests and innocent fatalities as a result of the police's aggressive measures.
Above all, tourists should be informed that the eastern regions of the country are experiencing an Ebola outbreak. The other places can be impacted as well.
ADVICE FOR SAFETY IN THE DRC
Avoid protests at all costs since even nonviolent ones can degenerate into violent outbursts.
Be extremely careful whether you're driving or walking. Even seemingly peaceful situations might swiftly shift. Avoiding the streets after dark is also advised.
If customers must travel alone, a respectable tour operator would often provide them with an armed guard.
Keep a copy of your DRC visa and passport at all times so you can store the originals in a safe place. When traveling domestically or across provincial boundaries, always have your passport and DRC visa with you.
Visit the CDC Travelers' Health Page for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and make sure you have read the CDC Travel Notice on Ebola in the nation. While in the country, it is a good idea to have a backup plan in case of emergencies.
CHOICES FOR SAFE TRANSPORTATION IN CONGO'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Fortunately, in order to secure a visitor's visa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you must first have a tour reservation with a recognized travel agency. Since internal flights are the only safe route to travel within the nation, the tourist operator should offer the safest possible transportation.
CAPTING IMAGES IN CONGO'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Avoid taking public photos, especially of the airport, government buildings, and river, which are considered to be areas of national security. You might be arrested and held if you break this regulation. When it's safe to snap pictures, a trustworthy tour guide should be able to advise you. Without them, no tourist should go sightseeing.
CUSTOMS AND LOCAL LAWS
At any moment, local officials have the right to request that a tourist show their passport and visa. Remain composed and helpful in any scenario like this. They may banish you from the nation or worse if you don't. Keep your original passport in a secure location and always have a certified copy of your passport and visa with you.
Every day at around 7:30 and 18:00, vehicles and pedestrians are required to stop for the raising and lowering of the national flag. Police officers and military troops keep an eye on individuals and frequently arrest and punish those who don't follow the rules.
Rights of LGBT People in the DRC
Although it is legal in theory for both men and women to engage in same-sex relationships in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, locals are often very secretive because homophobia is pervasive. Tourists cannot access the LGBT life in the nation. While public demonstrations of affection may draw unwarranted unwanted attention, same-sex couples are unlikely to draw any notice in your lodging establishments.
Indicates/DRUGS
The criminal manufacturing and sale of psychotropic chemicals and narcotic drugs, as well as the laundering of money obtained via illicit drug transactions, are neither supported or enabled by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
You run the danger of being employed as a drug mule if you volunteer to carry a package in your luggage from an unknown or dubious source.
CUSTOMS
100 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 227 grams of tobacco, one bottle of alcoholic beverage, and an acceptable quantity of personal perfume are among the duty-free items that can be brought into or taken out of the DRC. Animals, explosives, ammunition, and guns are all prohibited from entering the nation.
Managing the circumstance when a passport is misplaced
Since the DRC does not have embassies for most nations, losing your passport might put you in a difficult situation. Find out if your nation has an embassy there or where the nearest one is before you go. Make sure you go with a trustworthy tour operator, who should be able to help you find things to do. Get a copy of the alleged lost or stolen passport and report it as soon as you can to the local police station.
HEALTH ADVICE
Before departing into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, get medical advice from a physician. Ebola symptoms are similar to those of several other illnesses that are prevalent in the DRC. You may be subject to quarantine, travel delays, and extremely high medical expenses if you think you may have Ebola.
THE DRC'S MEDICAL FACILITIES
In Kinshasa and Goma, there are a few somewhat contemporary private medical facilities. If you are really sick, you should go to one of the big cities. Prior to departing, ensure sure you have sufficient travel medical insurance for your trip because medical care can be very expensive.
Immunizations
Upon arrival in the country, all tourists must obtain a certificate of immunization against yellow fever. While traveling around the nation, you may be requested to provide this certificate at any moment, so it's a good idea to always have a certified duplicate.
Additionally, the DRC is a high-risk location for malaria, so before you go, make sure you receive a prophylactic prescription. In addition to standard vaccines against polio, diphtheria, and tetanus, other recommended immunizations include those against typhoid and hepatitis A.
MALARIA
Globally, the DRC has the second-highest rate of malaria incidence and fatalities. In order to avoid the sickness, you must take your prescription as prescribed. Additionally, make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellent for the trip. Malaria is a potentially fatal illness. The bite of an infected mosquito is how it is spread. Plasmodium parasites are spread by infected mosquitoes. The parasite enters your circulation when you are bitten by this insect.
In addition to the flu-like symptoms or moderate to severe chills and shaking, be on the lookout for a high temperature, excessive perspiration, headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, muscular soreness, and bloody stools.
YELLOW FEVER
Before entering the DRC, visitors must get vaccinated against yellow fever. Mosquitoes that are infected spread yellow fever. Similar to malaria, the symptoms include fever, chills, severe hepatitis, and jaundice. The illness can be fatal if mistreated or not identified in time.
CHOLERA
Cholera is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Outbreaks and cases are rather frequent, especially in the country's eastern provinces. Although it is not one of the cholera-prone areas, Kinshasa has had many outbreaks in recent years.
Cholera is characterized by abrupt, severe diarrhea that can quickly result in serious fluid loss. Cholera-related diarrhea frequently has a milky, pale appearance, like milky water. Vomiting can continue for hours and is particularly common in the early stages of cholera.
Dehydration tiredness, sunken eyes, irritability, dry lips, excessive thirst, dry and wrinkled skin that is slow to recover when pressed into a fold, low blood pressure, little to no urine, and an irregular pulse are all signs of cholera.
EBOLA
The world's second-largest Ebola epidemic is occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since the epidemic was announced on August 1, 2018, there have been over 2200 recorded deaths and 3300 confirmed illnesses. The regions of Ituri and North Kivu are experiencing the outbreak. Fever, bodily pains, diarrhea, and occasionally internal and external bleeding are all symptoms of the virus.
The virus harms organs and the immune system as it circulates throughout the body. In the end, it lowers blood-clotting cell counts. Severe, uncontrolled bleeding results from this.
AIDS/HIV
According to a World Health Organization assessment, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a widespread and expanding HIV/AIDS pandemic, with an estimated 1.19 million individuals living with the virus at the end of 2005 and a national average adult prevalence of 4%.
Heterosexual sexual activity is the primary mechanism of transmission. Ages 20 to 29 for women and 30 to 39 for males are the most severely impacted. Sexual contact, sharing blood, or tainted medical equipment are the ways in which the illness is transmitted.
While on vacation, visitors should steer clear of new sexual experiences to reduce the risk. Condoms might offer some protection if you are unable to abstain.
WATER AND FOOD IN THE DRC
Because the DRC's tap water and ice may be tainted and unsafe to consume, visitors should only drink bottled water or other bottled beverages. Steer clear of food purchased from street sellers. Eating hot foods that have been thoroughly cooked will help prevent the majority of illnesses. Raw fruits must be peeled and have intact skins in order to be consumed. Salads and raw veggies should be avoided since they may be contaminated.
Avoid eating anything that has been out of the refrigerator for more than an hour, especially dairy products, eggs, and chicken.
ARE WOMEN SAFE IN THE DRC?
Women shouldn't go to the DRC by themselves. Avoid traveling alone at all costs. You should also avoid using cabs or going out on the streets by yourself during the day unless you are with someone.
Having a trustworthy tour operator will allow you to have a safe vacation in the DRC.
One of East African top travel companies, Beyond Travel Africa, provides an exceptional range of trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The most respectable tour companies in the DRC that prioritize safety are closely affiliated with us.