Congo, Democratic Republic of the

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa (DRC), and recommends against non-essential travel to eastern and northeastern Congo. This notice replaces the Travel Warning dated April 21, 2010 to reflect continued instability in North and South Kivu provinces and the surrounding area, the ongoing risk of possible unexpected flare-ups of violence in other parts of the country, the critical crime threat in Kinshasaand transportation and health concerns.? Government soldiers, as well as rebel fighters, remain a security concern in eastern and northeastern DRC. These armed groups - located especially in North Kivu, South Kivu and Orientale provinces, as well as the northern part of Katanga province, parts of Ecuador province, and the eastern part of Maniema province-are known to pillage, steal vehicles, kidnap, rape, kill, and carry out military or paramilitary operations in which civilians are indiscriminately targeted. Armed conflicts continued despite the signing of peace agreements in 2008 and 2009 and the presence of A forces (MONUSCO).? In January 2009, Rwandan government troops and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) launched large-scale joint military operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels in North Kivu.? The DRC-Rwandan operations have been followed by joint operations by the FARDC and MONUSCO, which remain on-going. In two separate incidents in early April 2010, one in Ecuador province in the western DRC and one in South Kivu province in the east, foreigners were kidnapped by armed militia groups.? In South Kivu province, eight International Red Cross workers were kidnapped by a group called the may may Yakutumba, a group that controls its own territory in the region and was formed to resist Rwandan Hutu forces that fled into the DRC after the 1994 genocide.? The region has been the scene of violent clashes that have resulted in the displacement of more than 1.9 million civilians since the start of the conflict. Travelers are frequently detained and questioned by poorly disciplined security forces at numerous official and unofficial roadblocks and border crossings throughout the country.? Requests for snippets in such instances are extremely common, and security forces have occasionally injured or killed people who refuse to pay.? In the last six months, the Embassy has recorded several instances in which U.S. citizens were detained illegally by government forces.? The isolation of North and South Kivu from Kinshasa makes the provision of consular services difficult. Kinshasa remains a critical crime threat area, and U.S. citizens continue to be the victims of serious crime, including armed robbery by groups posing as law enforcement in both urban and rural areas, especially after nightfall.? Avoid walking alone and displaying cash and other personal property of value.? Avoid taking pictures in public, especially of the river, government buildings and the airport, which are viewed as places of national security, since doing such may lead to arrest. Lock vehicle doors and windows closed when driving keep.? You are advised to not stop at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people have gathered, as mobs can develop quickly.? In areas where the roads are in poor condition and the speed limit is minimum, be wary of gangs of street kids who may approach your because, open your door, and steal your belongings.? Roadblocks are often found throughout the country and especially near government buildings and installations in Kinshasa and should be avoided if possible.? If stopped at a roadblock, keep doors locked and crack the window in order to communicate.? Official Congolese motorcades poses hazards to motorist and pedestrians.? Drivers should pull to the far side of the road when sirens or security forces announce their presence.? You should not take photographs of motorcades.? Proceed only when security forces allowed you to do so. There is no reliable public transportation system in the DRC.? Overcrowded vans, which often do not meet western safety standards serve as public transportation in Kinshasa.? Few independent taxis are available, operating largely out of the big hotels, and most do not meet safety standards.? You should avoid all travel by public transportation.? Public health concerns pose a hazard to U.S. citizen travelers due to outbreaks of deadly viruses and other diseases, which can occur without warning and often are not rapidly reported by local health authorities.? Information on personal protection for international travelers, including children, can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx.? Travelers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination in order to enter the DRC.? Due to the recent outbreak of Wild Polio Virus in neighboring countries, you should up-date your Polio vaccinations, if necessary, and refer to the Centers for Disease Control for additional guidance. Domestic air travel on Congolese gold local airlines in the DRC is not recommended.? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has assessed the government of the DRC as not being in compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.? There have been several recent incidents causing deaths and injuries, including one on August 25, 2010 that killed all but one passenger.? The U.S. Embassy has prohibited official travel by U.S. government employees and contractors on all DRC-owned and - operated commercial airlines due to safety and maintenance concerns.? International flights on foreign-owned and operated carriers are not affected by this prohibition. You should avoid all public demonstrations and areas where crowds have gathered because even those that are peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent.? You should exercise caution at all times, and closely monitor local and international news from reliable sources. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200, and 1800 and provides updates throughout the day.? English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.6 FM. In times of emergency, the Belgian Embassy operates a French-language radio broadcast system at FM 98.8. Changes in security conditions may occasionally restrict the travel of U.S. Mission staff.? The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa also strongly encourages U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in the DRC despite this Travel Warning to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP - https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/) so you can receive the most up-to-date security information.? You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date.? It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.? The U.S. Embassy is located at 310 Avenue of Airmen; the Consular Section entrance is located on Avenue Dumi, opposite Saint Anne's church. The Embassy's telephone number, including for after hours emergencies, is 243-81-556-0151. callers within the DRC should dial 081-556-0151.? All Embassy telephone numbers are cellular phones as landlines are unreliable.? The Embassy web site is http://kinshasa.usembassy.gov. U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information Sheet for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Worldwide Caution, both located on the Department of State's web site.? Up-to-date information on safety and security is available toll free at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or at regular toll rates at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries, from 8: 00 a.m. to 8: 00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)

The State Department warned American citizens against entering the Korea North (Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or Korea of North), without first receiving express official permission and a visa for entry to the Government of North Korea.? The North Korean Government will pursue and sentence those who enter the DPRK without appropriate documentation.? Sentences of the Korea of the North for knowingly or without North Korean laws are much more severe than those of the United States for similar offences.? The Government of the North Korea imposes heavy fines and long prison sentences with hard labour on persons entering the country without a valid passport and a visa of North Korea.? The United States and the Korea of the North are not diplomatic and consular relations.? Travel by citizens of the United States to the North Korea is not systematic, and U.S. citizens crossing North Korea without proper documentation, even accidentally, were subjected to arrest and long-term detention.? Since January 2009, four US citizens were arrested for entering the North Korea without the necessary documents.? Three were charged with illegal entry and "crimes against the State".? Three were sentenced to long terms of imprisonment with hard labour in dangerous conditions, and a also received a substantial fine. Given that the United States maintains no diplomatic relations or consular with North Korea, the Government of the United States may not provide normal consular services to its citizens in North Korea.? The Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang is the protecting power in Northern Korea United States.? It provides consular services limited to us citizens travelling North Korea who are ill, injured, order, or who have died during their stay.? As with the other host nations, consular officers can obtain the release of American citizens of the host Government judicial system, that is, free from foreign citizens prisons, influence the outcome of the trial or pay criminal fines. Even if you are a U.S. citizen entering the North Korea with a passport valid and a visa valid for the North Korea, you can be expelled, arrested or imprisoned for having knowingly or unwittingly violate the laws of North Korea.? Visitors to the Korea of the North can be arrested, detained or expelled for activities that would not be considered criminal of the United States, including participation in non-authorized political and religious activities, engage in travel not authorized, or interaction with the local population.? If you are travelling without an escort in the North without official authorization Korea Express, North Korean security staff can see your spying actions.? Security personnel can also display any attempt not authorized only to talk to a citizen of North Korea such as espionage.? North Korean authorities can fine or you stop the unauthorized currency transactions or for making purchases in stores not designated for foreigners. North Korean authorities detained foreign nationals who have questioned the policies, public statements or actions taken by the leaders present or elders of the Korea of the North.? North Korean authorities may also display takes unauthorized photos: confiscation of espionage, cameras and film, or hold the photographer.? North Korean border officers systematically confiscate mobile phones of visitors upon their arrival, the phone only after the departure of return.? The Department strongly encourages American citizens travelling to the North Korea to register the site of the Department of State registration the http://travel.state.gov Web travel.? U.S. citizens should consult specific information on the countries of the Department of State for the Korea of the North and the warning, in today's world that are on the Web site travel Internet Ministry.? American citizens may also obtain updated information on travel and security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 without charge to the United States and the Canada, or outside the United States and Canada, + 1-202-501-4444.

Warning-Central African Republic

The State Department warns against the risks of travel to the Central African Republic (car), American citizens and recommends against travel but essentially outside the capital, Bangui.? Passenger in the car should exercise extreme caution.? This replaces the warning on December 6, 2010, in view of the increase in tensions due to presidential and parliamentary elections to come, and instability in the East.? Armed militia groups, bandits and poachers present real dangers, and the Central African Government cannot guarantee the safety of visitors in most regions of the country.? There has been repeated attacks on Central Africa and travellers expatriate in the countryside. Poachers and gunmen also a threaten to drive game hunting in Northern and Eastern. Resistance Army (LRA of the Lord) is a threat similar to the hunters in the East of the automobile. The country has presidential and legislative elections on January 23 and the proclamation of the results of the first round is scheduled for February 7.? If necessary, a second round of the election campaign will begin March 8 and vote will take place on March 20.? Publication of final results is scheduled for April 5.? Throughout the election campaign period, American citizens in the car should expect an increase in the level of activity, including rallies, marches and other activities of the campaign.? While there was no specific threat of violence, the Embassy encourages American citizens to remain especially vigilant during the election period.? Bangui suffers rate high, mean-spirited, violent crime and particularly limited transport and medical options.? CAR military and civilian security forces (and people posing as such) staff checkpoints throughout the city, frequently harassing travellers of and expatriates of bribes. American citizens should avoid public demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Staff of the Embassy of the United States in Bangui can provide only limited services to U.S. citizens at this time.? Following the evacuation of U.S. personnel in 2002, the United States in Bangui Embassy resumed operations in January 2005.? However, the Embassy currently operates with an extremely limited staffing.? American citizens should be aware that only very basic and limited services are currently available.? Additional information on the website of the Embassy of Bangui can be found. The United States in Bangui Embassy encourages American citizens residing in, or planning to go to the car to register or update their information at the website of the Department of State registration travel Smart program (STEP).? Please note that it is important the registration or the update of the information, to include your current telephone and e-mail number where to reach you in an emergency.? U.S. citizens without internet access may register directly with the Embassy of the United States in Bangui.? By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in an emergency.? While the ability of the Embassy to provide emergency consular services is limited, registration will enable electronic receipt of warden messages. Bangui Embassy of the United States.
Avenue David Dacko,
P.O. BOX 924
Bangui
Tel: (236) 2161-0200
Fax: (236) 2161-4494
Phone after hours of emergency:
(236) 7554-2276 And citizens of the United States 7550-1293 (236) may also obtain the updated information of the Embassy of the United States to do N'Djamena, Chad, on the telephone (235) 51 - 70 - 09, 51-92-33 or 51-90-52; Fax (235) 51-56-54; Travellers can obtain the updated information on security conditions by calling the toll free in the United States and the Canada or outside the United States and the Canada on a regular 1-202-501-4444 toll-free 1-888-407-4747. For more information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State Country specific Information of the Central African Republic and worldwide caution, located on the Office of Consular Affairs Web site.