Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to health, crime, unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping. Due to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, the Department of Homeland Security has implemented new restrictions under Title 49 of the U.S. Code which prevent U.S. citizens and nationals who have been in the DRC within a 21-day period from boarding commercial flights into the United States. Travelers who have been in the DRC within 21 days of their flight will not be allowed to board flights with U.S. destinations. All U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been in the DRC must remain outside the DRC for 21 days before boarding flights to the United States. Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s Information for Travelers Returning from Ebola-affected Areas for more information.
Advisory summary
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide in-person emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially those outside of Kinshasa, due to the health and security situation.
Health
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Outbreaks of serious infectious diseases are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
The local health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.
