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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire
============================================================
Zaire - Consular Information Sheet
 November 9, 1995

Country Description:  Zaire is the largest Sub-Saharan African
country.  Despite plentiful human and natural resources, it 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:  A visa must be obtained in advance.  Travelers
should obtain the latest information from the Zairan Embassy, 1800
New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 at [phone]
or 234-7691, or Zaire's Permanent Mission to the U.N. at 2 Henry
Avenue, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006, telephone [phone].
Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Zarian Embassy or
Consulate.

Areas of Instability:

(North and South Kivu Provinces) - Rwandan refugees near the cities
of Goma and Bukavu still number in the hundreds of thousands.
Foreigners have been the subject of attacks by armed bandits, some
of which have resulted in fatalities.  Explosive incidents in the
Goma region, many involving landmines, have increased dramatically
in recent months.

(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 Zairan 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 Zairan security personnel may seek bribes to perform their
duties, or single out foreigners and stop them on the street for
proof of immigration status.  Travelers are advised not to 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.  In some cases, supplemental
medical insurance, with specific overseas and medical evacuation
coverage, has proven useful.  For additional information, travelers
can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
International Travelers hotline [phone].

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.

In Country Travel:  Intercity roads are difficult at all times and
often impassable in the rainy season.  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 is closed.  U.S. dollars and travelers checks
can, in theory, be exchanged for local currency (New Zaire's) 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 any daily necessities extremely expensive.  Credit
cards are not widely accepted outside of a few major hotels.  Taking
Zairan currency out of the country is illegal.  With the continued
devaluation of the new Zaire currency, U.S. dollar cash 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 widely
accepted.

Photography Restrictions:  Photography of public buildings,
military installations, 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 Oversight:  In November 1992, the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration assessed Zaire's civil aviation authority as
not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight
standards for Zaire's carriers operating to and from the U.S.
Typically, the same level of safety oversight is applied to
operations to other destinations.  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 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 increasing popular.  The
Embassy's cellular switchboard phone number is (243-88) 43608.
American staff left the Consulate General in Lubumbashi in 1991;
the caretaker staff at the Consulate cannot provide consular
assistance.

 No. 95-145

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2,
1994 to update paragraphs on entry requirements, areas of
instability, crime information, in country travel and Embassy phone
numbers.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire
============================================================
Zaire - Public Announcement
 May 11, 1995

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
 Office of the Spokesman
 For Immediate Release

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has updated the information on the
Public Announcement issued May 8, 1995, regarding the possible
outbreak of a hemorrhagic fever in Zaire.  The Embassy reports the
cause of the hemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Kikwit area of
Bandundu Province, Zaire, is a strain of the Ebola virus,  as
confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta.  The Ebola virus is communicable and fatal to a high
percentage of those infected.  No known cure is available at this
time.  In addition, there is an ongoing outbreak of bloody diarrhea,
which is treatable but has also caused several deaths.  Zairian
authorities, assisted by international health organizations, are
working to contain the outbreak.  The area is now reportedly under
quarantine by the Zairian military.  Anyone planning to travel to or
near the affected area should postpone such travel.  The U.S.
Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and report new
developments as necessary.

Individuals requiring additional information on the Ebola virus may
contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta at
[phone] or
[phone].


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories



-----


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire
============================================================
Zaire - Consular Information Sheet
 November 9, 1995

Country Description:  Zaire is the largest Sub-Saharan African
country.  Despite plentiful human and natural resources, it 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:  A visa must be obtained in advance.  Travelers
should obtain the latest information from the Zairan Embassy, 1800
New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 at [phone]
or 234-7691, or Zaire's Permanent Mission to the U.N. at 2 Henry
Avenue, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006, telephone [phone].
Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Zarian Embassy or
Consulate.

Areas of Instability:

(North and South Kivu Provinces) - Rwandan refugees near the cities
of Goma and Bukavu still number in the hundreds of thousands.
Foreigners have been the subject of attacks by armed bandits, some
of which have resulted in fatalities.  Explosive incidents in the
Goma region, many involving landmines, have increased dramatically
in recent months.

(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 Zairan 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 Zairan security personnel may seek bribes to perform their
duties, or single out foreigners and stop them on the street for
proof of immigration status.  Travelers are advised not to 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.  In some cases, supplemental
medical insurance, with specific overseas and medical evacuation
coverage, has proven useful.  For additional information, travelers
can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
International Travelers hotline [phone].

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.

In Country Travel:  Intercity roads are difficult at all times and
often impassable in the rainy season.  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 is closed.  U.S. dollars and travelers checks
can, in theory, be exchanged for local currency (New Zaire's) 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 any daily necessities extremely expensive.  Credit
cards are not widely accepted outside of a few major hotels.  Taking
Zairan currency out of the country is illegal.  With the continued
devaluation of the new Zaire currency, U.S. dollar cash 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 widely
accepted.

Photography Restrictions:  Photography of public buildings,
military installations, 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 Oversight:  In November 1992, the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration assessed Zaire's civil aviation authority as
not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight
standards for Zaire's carriers operating to and from the U.S.
Typically, the same level of safety oversight is applied to
operations to other destinations.  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 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 increasing popular.  The
Embassy's cellular switchboard phone number is (243-88) 43608.
American staff left the Consulate General in Lubumbashi in 1991;
the caretaker staff at the Consulate cannot provide consular
assistance.

 No. 95-145

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2,
1994 to update paragraphs on entry requirements, areas of
instability, crime information, in country travel and Embassy phone
numbers.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.