Information for Travelers

Consular Information Program

Information is available from the Consular Section of the Embassy in the following ways:

• Travel Warnings are issued when the Department of State decides based on all relevant information, to recommend that all Americans avoid travel to a certain country. 
• Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions that would pose significant risks to the security of American travelers.
• Consular Information Sheets are available for every country in the world. They include such information as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, crime and security information, road safety, unusual currency and entry regulations, and drug penalties. Consular Information Sheets present information so travelers can make knowledgeable decisions concerning travel to a particular country.
• Warden Messages provide information and emergency messages to American citizens who have registered with the US Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

How to Access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements and How to Register

Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are available at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.  They are also available on the Department’s Web site at http://travel.state.gov.  In addition, on this site you can find information on passports and visas, international adoption, international child abduction services, and legal assistance abroad. 

Up to date information on travel and security can also be obtained online at http://www.travel.state.gov.

American citizens are strongly advised to register their travel or residence in DRC in order to receive emergency and other assistance from the U.S. Embassy. Registration can be done in person at the Embassy or online at: http://registration.state.gov, using the above-referenced links.

How to Contact the Consular Section in Kinshasa: 

During normal business hours (Monday-Thursday 8-5, Friday 8-12), calls for American Citizen Services may be made to: 243 (0) 81 884-4609. 
 
After hours, emergency only, calls may be made to 243 (0) 81-225-5872.  Please program this number in your cell phone!
 
E-mail contact may be made by writing to: AEKinshasa.consular@state.gov.

How the Consular Section Contacts You: 

Both informational and emergency messages are sent to Americans living in DRC through the warden cascade system. Messages are sent via email, radio and as needed by text messaging (SMS).  You will not receive messages if you are not registered.