From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Zaire Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 11:58:40 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1105 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960725115840_76702.1202_CHN44-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 155 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire ============================================================ Zaire - Consular Information Sheet July 24, 1996 Country Description: Despite plentiful human and natural resources, Zaire is in a deep political and economic crisis which has resulted in the dramatic deterioration of its physical infrastructure, insecurity and increased crime in cities, occasional official hostility to U.S. citizens and other expatriates, periodic shortages of basic items such as gasoline, chronic shortages of medical supplies, high inflation, corruption, and in some areas, serious malnutrition. Tourism facilities are minimal and only essential travel is recommended. Entry Requirements: The government of Zaire has requested all first time visitors to Zaire, including those involved in humanitarian assistance, to schedule their arrivals in Zaire via Kinshasa. First time visitors and those traveling on a passport without a Kinshasa entry stamp should be aware that this measure is being interpreted at some ports of entry as barring first time entry to Zaire other than through Kinshasa, including holders of valid Zairian visas. Visa must be obtained in advance. Under no circumstances should American citizens travel to Zaire without a valid visa. Additional information may be obtained from the Zairian Embassy, 1800 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 at (202) 234-7690 or 234-7691, or Zaire's Permanent Mission to the U.N. at 2 Henry Avenue, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006, telephone (201) 812-1636. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Zairian embassy or consulate. Areas of Instability: North and South Kivu Provinces - Travel to North and South Kivu Provinces is unsafe due to the presence of armed elements in the region, landmines on major thoroughfares, and the possibilities of inter-ethnic violence. Urban Areas - Military mutinies in 1991 and 1993 caused many deaths and major property loss, damage, and destruction in Kinshasa and elsewhere. The underlying causes of these mutinies -- the inability of the Zairian government to pay the military enough to support themselves and their families -- have not been resolved. Civil disturbances, including looting and the possibility of physical harm, can occur without warning in all urban areas. Corrupt Zairian security personnel may seek bribes to perform their duties, or single out foreigners and stop them on the street for proof of immigration status. The U.S. Embassy advises travelers to not be belligerent if confronted with these situations and to contact the U.S. Embassy if taken into custody. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and medicine is in short supply. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment in full for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Travelers should consider supplemental medical insurance, with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage. For additional information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Internet: http://www.cdc.gov. Information on Crime: The deterioration of Zaire's economy has led to an increase in crime. Vehicle thefts, including armed carjackings, occur, as do burglaries and other crimes. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20420. Road Safety and In-Country Travel: Intercity roads are difficult and in the rainy season often impassable. When driving in cities, individuals should keep windows up and doors locked. At roadblocks or checkpoints, documents are shown through closed windows. Visitors to the interior may be required to obtain a "mining permit" in Kinshasa before continuing the trip, regardless of the purpose of the trip. Zaire/Congo Border Crossing - A special exit permit from Zaire's immigration department and a visa from an embassy of the Congo are required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville. Zaire/Central African Republic Border Crossing - Ferry service to the Central African Republic is not reliable. Currency Regulations: The foreign exchange office at N'Djili Airport in Kinshasa remains closed. U.S. dollars and travelers checks can, in theory, be exchanged for local currency (New Zaires) at banks, but there is often insufficient New Zaire cash on hand to make transactions. Visitors may be given an unfavorable rate of exchange, making daily necessities extremely expensive. Credit cards are not widely accepted, with the exception of a few major hotels. Taking Zairian currency out of the country is illegal. With the continued devaluation of the New Zaire currency, U.S. currency has become a popular means for unofficial transactions greater than 100 dollars. Participating in unofficial money exchanges, however, is illegal. Foreigners have been picked up for infractions and had their money confiscated. Large denominations of U.S. currency may not be accepted. Photography Restrictions: Photography of public buildings, military installations, airports, and the banks of the Congo River is forbidden. Offenders can expect to be arrested, held for at least several hours, and fined. Film and cameras may also be confiscated. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Civil Aviation: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 1992, the FAA has found the government of Zaire's Civil Aviation Authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Zaire's air carrier operations. Operations to the U.S. by Zaire's air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have their flights conducted by a carrier from a country meeting international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Zaire. The U.S. Embassy is at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa. The telephone number is (243) (12) 21532 or 21628. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at Avenue d'Isiro, Mobil Building; the telephone number is (243) (12) 21532, extension 2376. Telephone service is often unreliable and cellular phones are becoming increasingly popular. The U.S. Embassy's cellular switchboard phone number is (243) (88) 43608. The Consular Section may be reached by fax at (243) (88) 00228. No. 96-136 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 24, 1996 to update paragraphs on Entry Requirements, Areas of Instability and Registration/Embassy Location. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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