The Foreign Office today revised its travel advice for the Democratic Republc of Congo in the run-up to the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The travel advice summary now reads:

“We advise against all travel to eastern and north eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This includes entering DRC from Uganda and Rwanda. This is due to continued insecurity and lawlessness in these areas.

“We advise against all but essential travel to the rest of DRC at present, as there is a risk of tension and insecurity in the run up to, and in the period following Presidential and parliamentary elections, which are due to be held on 30 July 2006.

“Following an armed attack on 30 June 2006 on police in Matadi, in the DRC by the ‘Bundu dia Kongo’ (Congolese armed group) in which twelve died, the border between the DRC and Angola is closed until further notice.

“The threat from terrorism is low.

“The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in DRC is for robbery by individuals posing as plain clothes police. You should also beware of gangs promising you cut price gold and diamonds.

“We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.”
——-