U.S. issues new Level 3 travel warning

The U.S. Department of State has added a new “Level 3” warning to its travel advisories database. This designation concerning overseas travel is the second-highest alert the agency issues.

‘Reconsider’ travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The new “Level 3” advisory applies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The State Department wants Americans to “reconsider” travel to the African nation due to crime and civil unrest. In addition, “Some areas have increased risk due to armed conflict,” the travel advisory reads. “Violent crime is common” in the DRC, according to the State Department. “This includes armed robbery, armed home invasion and assault.” That’s even more concerning since “local police lack the resources to respond to serious crime in a timely and adequate manner” and “assailants may pose as police or security agents,” the State Department warns. Officials also want travelers to know that “DRC law enforcement does not always inform the U.S. embassy when they arrest a U.S. citizen. They may also delay access to detained or charged U.S. citizens,” the alert explains. “DRC law enforcement has used violence and threats during interrogations.”

More reasons travel to the DRC is a bad idea

The State Department further warns that demonstrations are common in many cities in the African nation. “Police may respond with force, resulting in deaths and arrests. Looting, assault, traffic obstruction, property damage and other violent actions occur when police don’t respond in a timely manner, or at all,” the travel advisory adds. In some areas, Americans won’t be able to get help from U.S. officials. “The U.S. government cannot provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security risks,” the State Department explains.

There are “Level 4” warnings there, too

Within the DRC, there are also areas where travel warnings have been escalated to an even higher level, which means Americans are advised not to travel to those regions at all. Regions under “Level 4” warnings include North and South Kivu provinces and Ituri province “due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict and kidnapping,” the State Department warns. Tanganyika, Haut Lomami and the three Kasai provinces are at “Level 4” for the same reasons, minus terrorism as a concern. Travelers should also avoid the Mai-Ndombe province “due to ethnic/communal violence,” the State Department advises.

When travel can’t be avoided

The State Department encourages citizens whose travel to the African nation can’t be avoided to always have a photocopy of their U.S. passport and DRC visa on them, to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the U.S. embassy, and to, if arrested, immediately ask authorities to notify the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa. Further, travelers should always avoid demonstrations and crowds and use caution when walking or driving.

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