20 Dec 2021 | 09:53 AM UTC
DRC: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Dec. 20 /update 36
Authorities in DRC maintaining COVID-19-related international travel and domestic restrictions nationwide as of Dec. 20.
Event
As of Dec. 20, authorities are maintaining COVID-19 restrictions.
Domestic Measures
Local measures remain in place in Kinshasa and Haut-Katanga, Lualaba, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces.
The 23:00-04:00 curfew remains in place.
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are open with a capacity not exceeding 50 percent.
Nightclubs and discotheques must close at 23:00.
Gatherings or demonstrations of more than 20 people in public and private enclosed areas are prohibited.
The organization of indoor mourning and funeral services is prohibited, and the number of people accompanying the remains to the cemetery must not exceed 50.
Public transport is limited to a 50-percent capacity. Taxi-motos are only allowed to carry one passenger.
Public and private companies and the public administration must operate at 50-percent capacity.
Churches may hold services at 50-percent capacity while with social distancing measures in place.
Facemasks are mandatory in public spaces.
In areas under a curfew, special authorization for travel may be required, except for medical emergencies.
To travel between provinces, when departing from Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, Goma, and Kisangani, travelers will be required to have a medical certificate confirming a negative PCR COVID-19 test result administered by the Institut National de la Recherche Biomedicale (INRB) or a medical facility approved by the Ministry of Health no more than 72 hours before departure.
International Travel Restrictions
All international land, maritime, and air borders are open.
Travelers above 11 years of age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or be in possession of proof of vaccination.
All individuals will take a second COVID-19 test upon arrival in the DRC at their own cost and self-quarantine for up to 24 hours until a negative result is received.
Health controls, including temperature checks, will be enforced at all points of entry. Travelers must register trips before arrival in the DRC.
To exit the DRC, travelers above 11 years of age must submit a negative COVID-19 test administered by the INRB or a medical facility approved by the Ministry of Health; this test must have been administered within three days before departure.
Security forces have been deployed to ensure compliance; they may use force. Violations of COVID-19 regulations are punishable by fines. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Reconfirm all planned travel arrangements. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
