From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Zaire
Date: 7 Jan 93 23:20:10 GMT
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire
============================================================
Zaire - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs 
in the capital city of Kinshasa.  The mailing address is APO AE 
09828 and the telephone number is (243-12) 21-532 or 21-628.  The 
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at Avenue d'Isiro, 
Mobil Building, telephone 21-532, extension 2376.  The Embassy is 
operating with a much reduced staff.  Dependents are prohibited from 
residing at post.  Operation of the U.S. Consulate in Lubumbashi has 
been suspended; consular assistance cannot be provided.  

Country Description:  Zaire is the largest sub-Saharan African 
country.  Its largely underdeveloped economy has undergone declining 
output for several years.  Its tourism facilities are minimal.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required for entry 
into Zaire.  For entry information, the traveler can contact the 
Embassy of the Republic of Zaire, 1800 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20009.  The telephone number is (202) 234-7690 or 
234-7691.  Travelers can also contact Zaire's Permanent Mission to 
the U.N. at 747 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 
754-1966.

Areas of Instability:  Continued deterioration of Zaire's economy 
has led to an increase in violent street crime, especially in 
Kinshasa.  Civil disturbances, including looting, occurred in late 
December 1992.  Renewed civil unrest can occur elsewhere without 
warning.  All American staff and their dependents were evacuated 
from the Consulate General in Lubumbashi in 1991, and have not been 
permitted to return.  The caretaker staff at the U.S. Consulate in 
Lubumbashi cannot provide consular assistance.  

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are severely limited.  
Medicine is in short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health services.  Not all U.S. medical 
insurance is valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found 
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage to be 
of use.  Specific information on health matters can be obtained from 
the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, 
telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Violent crime is commonplace, especially in 
Kinshasa.  Several expatriates have been assaulted by armed robbers. 
 In May 1992, one died of gunshot wounds.  Vehicle thefts are 
prevalent.  Burglaries and other crimes occur frequently.  Useful 
information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of 
State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

In-country Travel:  Most inter-city roads are difficult or 
impassable in the rainy season.  When driving in cities, individuals 
often keep windows rolled up and doors locked.  At roadblocks, 
passports are displayed through windows only partially open.  A 
special exit permit from the immigration department and a visa from 
the Embassy of the Congo are required to cross the Congo River from 
Kinshasa to Brazzaville.

Currency Regulations:  The foreign exchange office at Njili 
International Airport in Kinshasa closed in September 1991.  U.S. 
dollars and travelers checks can be exchanged for local currency 
(zaires) at banks in Kinshasa.  Credit cards are accepted at the 
major hotels and restaurants.  It is illegal to take zaires out of 
the country.

Photography Restrictions:  Photography of public buildings and/or 
military installations is forbidden.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines. 

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  Further information on travel in the area is 
provided in the Department of State pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to 
Sub-Saharan Africa".  It is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.  

Registration: U.S. citizens can register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Kinshasa and obtain updated information on travel and security.

 No. 92-172


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