VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKI #1765/01 3511022
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 171022Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0086
RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS
INFO RUDKA/ATO EUROPE
RUEHKI/AMEMBASSY KINSHASA

UNCLAS KINSHASA 01765 
 
SIPDIS 
 
ACTION: NONE INFO: AF/COMMO, AF/INT, AF/LGL, AF/MAMBA, AF/SEC, AF/SG, 
C/SAD, CAC/TIS, CE/RPCI, CIC/AF, CIC/ISE, CIC/TCG, CIRAS, CMS/ICCIO, 
CNC/CNOG, CNC/LNCHPN, CNC/SEC, CNCITGARC, CTC/FINO, CTC/OPSCTR, 
CTC/SEC, CTC/WMD, CTCARCHIVE, CTCTERR, DC/SAD, DCI/CSE, DONOVA, 
F/ZAIRE, GCS/IPD, GCS/FOD, GDC/OCB, IOC/AG, IOC/COG, IOC/EDG, 
IOC/IOTF, IOC/LIA, IOC/PAG, IOC/REQ, IOC/RR, IOC/SKWS, IOC/VWI, 
NCI/SPB, NCS/OTO, NHTC/AF, NR/INTEL, ODPD, PCAS/IAG, PCAS/INT, 
PCAS/PG, SAD/CIG, SAD/DMC, SAD/ST, SANCTUM, FILE, STATDICT, IRL 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OTRA CG
SUBJECT:  COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TUNIS ITO, TIMOTHY POWELL 
 
REF:  SECSTATE 100399 
 
¶1. POST GRANTS COUNTRY CLEARANCE AND WELCOMES THE ARRIVAL OF TIMOTHY 
POWELL TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) FROM DEC 21, 2006 TO 
JAN 23, 2007 FOR TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO POST. 
 
¶2. POINT OF CONTACT 
 
BARRY GREENE WILL BE THE CONTROL OFFICER FOR THE VISIT AND CAN BE 
REACHED AT: 
 
  OFFICE PHONE:     011-243-81-225-5872 X2218 
  CELL PHONE:       011-243-81-884-0914 
  IVG:              8-934-2218 
 
¶3. VISA REQUIREMENTS 
 
A VALID CONGOLESE VISA IS REQUIRED OF ALL AMERICAN PASSPORT HOLDERS, 
WHETHER DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL OR TOURIST. 
 
¶4. FISCAL DATA REQUIREMENTS 
 
FISCAL DATA OR CREDIT CARD INFO MUST BE PROVIDED IN ADVANCE TO THE 
CONTROL OFFICER LISTED ABOVE FOR ANY ASSISTANCE REQUIRED, INCLUDING 
MEET AND ASSIST AT THE AIRPORT, HOTEL 
RESERVATIONS, CELL PHONES, AIRPORT EXPEDITORS, 
TRANSLATORS/INTERPRETERS, ETC.  THE EMBASSY IS UNABLE TO MAKE HOTEL 
RESERVATIONS OR RENTAL ARRANGEMENTS WITHOUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION. 
 
¶5. ALL VISITS MUST COMMENCE IN KINSHASA 
 
AT THE AMBASSADOR'S REQUEST, ALL VISITS TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF 
CONGO, WHICH REQUIRE COUNTRY CLEARANCE, ARE TO COMMENCE IN KINSHASA, 
THE COUNTRY'S CAPITAL.  TRAVEL TO 
OTHER REGIONS OF THE COUNTRY INCLUDING THE KIVUS, ORIENTALE AND 
MANIEMA PROVINCES, IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN FROM KINSHASA.  EMBASSY 
KINSHASA WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH THESE TRAVEL 
ARRANGEMENTS.  AS TRAVEL IN THE CONGO CAN BE COMPLICATED, VISITORS 
SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR EMBASSY CONTROL OFFICER EARLY IN THE 
PLANNING PROCESS. 
 
¶6. AIRPORT ADVICE FOR ARRIVING PASSENGERS 
 
PROCEDURES AT NDJILI AIRPORT ARE CHANGING AS AIRPORT OFFICIALS TRY TO 
STRENGTHEN SECURITY PROCEDURES.  AT THIS TIME, EMBASSY EXPEDITORS ARE 
NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE ARRIVALS HALL AND CAN PROVIDE ASSISTANCE 
ONLY AFTER TRAVELERS PASS THROUGH IMMIGRATION CONTROL.  AFTER 
DEPLANING AND ENTERING THE ARRIVALS HALL, TRAVELERS SHOULD PROCEED TO 
THE "OFFICIAL VIP/DIPLOMAT" LINE, WITH PASSPORTS AND HEALTH 
CERTIFICATES READY FOR PRESENTATION TO THE IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS. 
AFTER CLEARING IMMIGRATION, TRAVELERS WILL BE MET ON THE OTHER SIDE 
OF THE BOOTH BY THE EMBASSY EXPEDITOR, HOLDING A PLACARD WITH THE 
NAMES OF TRAVELERS BEING MET.  THE EXPEDITOR WILL THEN COLLECT 
BAGGAGE CLAIM TICKETS AND PASSPORTS, COLLECT THE BAGS, AND THEN TAKE 
TRAVELERS OUTSIDE TO THE EMBASSY VEHICLES.  ONCE OUTSIDE THE 
TERMINAL, LOCAL PORTERS WILL CARRY YOUR BAGS TO THE EMBASSY VEHICLE. 
PLEASE BE PREPARED TO GIVE THE EXPEDITOR ONE USD PER BAG TO PAY THE 
PORTERS.  WHILE AT THE AIRPORT, TRAVELERS ARE WARNED TO NOT, REPEAT 
NOT, PAY MONEY OR GIVE THEIR DOCUMENTS TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE 
EMBASSY EXPEDITOR.  THIS ALSO APPLIES TO INDIVIDUALS IN UNIFORM, WHO 
MAY OFFER THEIR SERVICES.  BE POLITE BUT DO NOT ACCEPT THEIR 
ASSISTANCE. 
 
¶7. CUSTOMS AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT 
 
IF YOU WILL BE CARRYING TOOLS, HEAVY CASES, OR ANY ELECTRONIC 
EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN PERSONAL DEVICES, CONTACT YOUR CONTROL OFFICER 
WITH SPECIFIC INFORMATION THAT CAN BE 
PASSED TO THE EXPEDITOR FOR ASSISTANCE WITH CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. 
 
¶8. ACCOMMODATION 
 
ONE SINGLE ROOM HAS BEEN BOOKED AT GRAND HOTEL, TEL: 
011-243-89-46-660. THE ROOM PRICE IS WITHIN PER DIEM AND INCLUDES 
BREAKFAST. 
 
¶9. SECURITY 
 
KINSHASA IS A CRITICAL THREAT CRIME POST.  ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO 
SPECIFIC THREAT TARGETING AMERICANS, ALL VISITORS SHOULD REMAIN 
 
VIGILANT AND CAUTIOUS DURING THEIR STAY IN  KINSHASA.  BECAUSE OF 
POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, ALL TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF 
KINSHASA MUST BE APPROVED BY THE RSO.  YOUR CONTROL OFFICER WILL MAKE 
RESERVATIONS FOR YOU AT ONE OF THE HOTELS THE REGIONAL SECURITY 
OFFICE HAS APPROVED FOR VISITORS.  THE RSO ADVISES THAT YOU EXERCISE 
CAUTION IN THE AREAS AROUND THESE HOTELS, AND THAT YOU NOT TRAVEL 
AFTER NIGHTFALL UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY SOMEONE FAMILIAR WITH THE 
SECURITY SITUATION IN KINSHASA.  TDY PERSONNEL SHOULD NOT USE ANY 
FORM OF LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AND SHOULD REFRAIN FROM DISPLAYING/USING 
CAMERAS IN PUBLIC.  A RECENT SCAM INVOLVES INDIVIDUALS IN CIVILIAN 
CLOTHES CLAIMING TO BE CONGOLESE POLICE/SECURITY OFFICIALS WHO 
APPROACH UNSUSPECTING EXPATRIATES ON THE STREET AND DEMAND TO SEE 
THEIR PASSPORT OR OTHER IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS.  THEY TRY AND 
CONVINCE THE WOULD-BE VICTIM TO GET IN THEIR 
UNMARKED VEHICLE AND ACCOMPANY THEM TO THE LOCAL POLICE PRECINCT.  IF 
YOU ARE ON THE STREET AND APPROACHED BY SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE A 
POLICE OR SECURITY OFFICIAL, IDENTIFY YOURSELF AS A DIPLOMAT WORKING 
AT THE U.S. EMBASSY, WALK BRISKLY AWAY, AND MAKE SURE TO REPORT THE 
INCIDENT TO THE RSO OR POST ONE AS SOON AS YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A 
PHONE.  DO NOT APPROACH OR GET IN THEIR VEHICLE. 
 
¶10. CURRENCY 
 
THE USE OF DOLLARS IN THE DRC IS LEGAL AND ACCEPTABLE FOR MOST 
TRANSACTIONS.  TRAVELERS ARRIVING IN THE DRC WITH MORE THAN USD 
10,000 MUST FILL OUT A CURRENCY DECLARATION. 
TRAVELERS DEPARTING THE DRC ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE OUT MORE THAN USD 
10,000 IN CASH.  PLEASE NOTE THAT ATMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN CONGO. 
HOWEVER, USG PERSONNEL ARE AUTHORIZED USD AND FRANC CONGOLAIS 
ACCOMMODATION EXCHANGE AT THE EMBASSY AND/OR USAID CASHIER; 
PERSONAL OR TRAVELERS' CHECKS ARE ACCEPTABLE.  MOST PERSONNEL USE 
FRANC CONGOLAIS ONLY FOR SMALL PURCHASES AND TIPS.  AMERICAN EXPRESS, 
VISA, MASTER CARD, AND DINER'S CLUB ARE 
ACCEPTED IN PAYMENT OF BILLS AT KINSHASA'S TWO MAJOR HOTELS. HOWEVER, 
VERY FEW OTHER BUSINESSES IN THE CONGO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS AND THEIR 
USE OUTSIDE OF THE MAJOR HOTELS IS 
DISCOURAGED.  CASHING TRAVELERS CHECKS OUTSIDE THE EMBASSY IS 
GENERALLY NOT ADVISED BECAUSE BANKS CHARGE SUBSTANTIAL FEES FOR 
CASHING THEM; TRAVELERS CHECKS ARE RARELY ACCEPTED AT ALL OUTSIDE OF 
KINSHASA. 
 
¶11. MEDICAL 
 
ACCESS TO THE EMBASSY HEALTH UNIT IS AVAILABLE FOR US CITIZEN, 
DIRECT-HIRE USG EMPLOYEES AND THEIR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS.  IF YOU 
HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE POSTED MORE THAN 60 
DAYS OVERSEAS IN A CALENDAR YEAR (NOT NECESSARILY CONSECUTIVE), YOU 
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF A DEPARTMENT OF STATE MEDICAL CLEARANCE FROM 
M/MED TO QUALIFY FOR ACCESS TO THE HEALTH UNIT.  OFFICIAL VISITORS 
WHO ARE OVERSEAS LESS THAN 60 DAYS IN A CALENDAR YEAR ARE NOT 
REQUIRED TO HAVE MEDICAL CLEARANCE AND ARE AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY, BUT 
NOT ROUTINE, USE OF THE HEALTH UNIT.  OTHER OFFICIAL VISITORS MAY 
RECEIVE HEALTH UNIT SERVICES IF THEY MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: 1) 
AN INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE USG, 2) A MED 
WASHINGTON CLEARANCE, AND 3) A USG AGENCY THAT GUARANTEES PAYMENT FOR 
MEDICAL EXPENSES AND/OR PERSONAL OVERSEAS HEALTH AND MEDEVAC 
INSURANCE.  VISITORS WITHOUT HEALTH UNIT ACCESS WILL BE REFERRED TO A 
LOCAL MEDICAL CLINIC, WHICH PROVIDES ALL EMERGENCY AND NON-ROUTINE 
MEDICAL CARE FOR EMBASSY EMPLOYEES AND FAMILY MEMBERS. 
 
MALARIA: CONGO IS A MALARIA-AFFECTED AREA.  ALL TRAVELERS SHOULD 
CONSULT WITH MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND TAKE MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS AS 
APPROPRIATE, BEFORE ARRIVING IN KINSHASA. 
 
YELLOW FEVER: YOU MUST HAVE A VALID YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION AND YOUR 
YELLOW VACCINATION CARD WHEN YOU ARRIVE.  YOU MAY BE CHARGED A FINE 
OF $50-$100 WITHOUT PROOF OF VACCINATION. 
 
¶12. ACCESS TO CONTROLLED ACCESS AREAS 
 
EACH VISITOR TO KINSHASA REQUIRING UNESCORTED ACCESS TO CONTROLLED 
ACCESS AREAS (CAA) MUST ARRANGE FOR THEIR SPONSORING AGENCY OR 
SENDING POST TO FORWARD THEIR SECURITY CLEARANCE TO THE RSO BY 
TELEGRAM IN ADVANCE OF THE VISIT.  IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS, A 
DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT OR DEPARTMENT OF STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD IS NOT 
SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW UNESCORTED ACCESS TO CAA'S.  KINSHASA DOES NOT 
HAVE THE RESOURCES TO ESCORT VISITORS WHO ARRIVE WITHOUT PROPER 
ADVANCE SECURITY CLEARANCE. 
 
¶13.  GOVERNMENT-OWNED THUMB/FLASH DRIVES 
 
DRIVES WITH PROPER CLASSIFICATION LABEL CAN BE USED AT POST, BUT ONLY 
ON OPEN NET COMPUTERS OUTSIDE OF THE CONTROLLED ACCESS AREA (CAA). 
THESE DEVICES CANNOT BE USED ON ANY CLASSIFIED COMPUTERS AT POST. 
THUMB/FLASH DRIVES MUST BE HAND CARRIED AND PROTECTED THE SAME AS A 
LAPTOP.  THE DRIVE(S) COULD BE POUCHED IN ADVANCE TO THE CONTROL 
OFFICER OR THE IMO. UPON ARRIVAL AT POST, THE CONTROL OFFICER WILL 
PROVIDE A THUMB/FLASH DRIVE REQUEST FORM THAT SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND 
TAKEN TO THE IPC OR ISC ALONG WITH THE FLASH DRIVE BEFORE USE. 
QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO INFORMATION MANAGEMENT OFFICER (IMO) 
MBENNAVG@STATE.GOV OR INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY OFFICER (ISSO) 
BAKKENCA@STATE.GOV. 
 
¶14. YOU MAY VISIT THE EMBASSY'S INTRANET WEBSITE AT 
 
HTTP://KINSHASA.STATE.GOV.  WHILE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, 
INFORMATION IS BEING ADDED DAILY THAT YOU MAY FIND USEFUL. 
 
¶15. HAVE A GOOD TRIP.  POST LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN KINSHASA. 
 
MEECE