Avoid all travel to the following provinces due to frequent clashes between security forces and armed militias:

If you are currently in these areas, you should regularly review the situation to determine whether your continued presence in the area is warranted.

Avoid all travel to the eastern and northeastern areas of the DRC, in particular:

Avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the current political and security situation.

This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.

Safety and security

Safety and security

COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and may vary depending on the municipality. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing

Avoid crowded areas

You must wear a face covering in public

The security situation in the DRC is unpredictable and could deteriorate suddenly.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent suddenly.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Don’t attempt to cross road blockades, even if they appear unattended

Plan to have adequate water and food supplies in the event that main supply points are temporarily inaccessible

Monitor local media for the latest information

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

government buildings, including schools

places of worship

airports and other transportation hubs and networks

public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Curfews

Curfews can be imposed without notice. Always comply with the directives issued by local authorities.

Eastern DRC

In the eastern part of the country—including Maniema, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika and the provinces of Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele and Ituri—the situation remains challenging. This is because of the continued presence of armed groups and their regular clashes with the Congolese armed forces (FARCD), whether or not they are backed by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

The DRC government has difficulty imposing order throughout the territory, and crime is rampant.

Provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu

Situation in the Kivus

The situation in the Kivus remains unstable. Armed conflicts continue in some areas outside provincial capitals, despite the signing of peace accords and the presence of UN forces.

Members of various armed groups continue to plunder and commit violent crimes against civilians, including murder, kidnapping, armed assault and rape. The FARCD, sometimes with the assistance of MONUSCO, has been fighting armed groups in order to eradicate them. The resulting humanitarian crisis has led to significant population movements.

Caution is advised in Goma (the capital of North Kivu) and Bukavu (capital of South Kivu), although the situation in those cities is more stable. It is very important that you take into account the information provided by Congolese authorities and MONUSCO, to help avoid dangerous situations.

The use of public transportation here is not advised, as is the case throughout the country.

The North Kivu territories of Beni, Masisi, Rutshuru and Walikale and South Kivu’s Kabare and Shabunda are particularly dangerous. In the Kivus, military operations to eradicate elements of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) could lead to a deterioration of safety in different areas outside the two capitals.

Local businesses and services, including airports, are often disrupted in these provinces.

If you are in North Kivu or South Kivu, you must continually reassess the situation to determine whether your continued presence in the area is warranted.

Tanganyika province

The province of Tanganyika, and especially Manono Territory in the northeastern part of the former province of Katanga, is the theatre of an ethnic conflict between the Pygmies and the Luba. The Mai-Mai militia periodically re-engage.

Ituri province

Despite initial progress on the disarmament of militia groups in the province of Ituri, armed confrontation continues in the northeastern part of the former province of Orientale. Outside Ituri’s main city, Bunia, public safety measures are inadequate.

Garamba National Park and border areas with South Sudan and Uganda

Despite the intensified operations by the Ugandan, Congolese and South Sudanese armed forces and the UN, the Lord’s Resistance Army continues to commit acts of violence against the civilian population. Many people have been killed and thousands have fled the region.

Points of entry from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda

Points of entry from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda should be avoided at all times because of continuing insecurity and lawlessness in those areas. The DRC borders with Burundi and Rwanda can be closed on short notice.

The border crossings between the DRC and Rwanda at Bukavu and Goma are closed from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Kasaï provinces

Since 2017, clashes have resulted in hundreds of deaths in the provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï‑Central and Kasaï‑Oriental. There is also a risk of kidnapping.

Kinshasa

You should choose a hotel in the country’s capital that is located in the municipality of Gombe, which is both the seat of government and the business sector.

Be extremely cautious outside Gombe and use only reliable means of transportation (see Public transportation).

Avoid any travel after dark.

Crime

Crime is rampant in the DRC as a result of the extreme poverty and the prevailing climate of impunity.

Violent crime and pickpocketing occur in both urban and rural areas, especially after nightfall in crowded public areas and on public transportation.

Some police, or individuals posing as police personnel, stop motorists or pedestrians to extort money.

Avoid walking alone and displaying signs of wealth. Avoid getting into vehicles with strangers, even if they identify themselves as police officers. Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Do not leave the main highways and do not park in unsupervised areas. Do not stop at the scene of an accident or near a crowd.

Individuals offering discounted precious metals and diamonds have robbed foreign nationals.

ATMs

ATM fees are very high, so people often withdraw significant amounts of cash in one transaction. Thieves target foreigners who withdraw cash from an ATM. Therefore, be very cautious when withdrawing cash, even in hotels.

Checkpoints

Local authorities may increase the number of checkpoints at night, especially:

in Gombe

in Kintambo, Limete, Mont Ngafula, N’Djili, Ngaba and Ngaliema

around Camp Kokolo

Carry government-issued identification (carte rose, carte grise and driver’s licence) at all times and comply with local authorities’ instructions.

If approached by an officer, ask to see his/her credentials. Criminals could try to impersonate law enforcement officers in an attempt to rob you.

Kidnappings

There is an increase in cases of kidnappings-for-ransom in the provinces of Maniema, South Kivu and North Kivu, including in Goma. Foreigners are increasingly targeted.

Be vigilant at all times and have varied and unpredictable routes and schedules.

Road safety

In general, roads in the DRC are not well maintained and are poorly lit.

Some roads may become impassable during the rainy season. You should use a four-wheel-drive vehicle, even in some parts of the capital, Kinshasa.

The road between Kinshasa and Matadi is paved, but the risk of being in an accident is very high because vehicles are poorly maintained, overcrowded and often abandoned on the poorly lit road.

Drivers are aggressive.

Local authorities may try to confiscate your identity documents in an attempt to extract a bribe. To reduce this risk, if you are stopped for an identity check, show your documents through the raised window of the vehicle.

You should also check with local authorities to see if you need to obtain prior authorization for in-country travel.

Public transportation

You should not use the public transportation system in the DRC. Routes are not clearly posted, bus stops are poorly located and vehicles are often overcrowded. A large number of old vans in very poor condition are still in circulation.

Not all taxis are marked and they generally do not meet safety or roadworthiness standards. Use only officially recognized taxis.

Private transportation services can be hired at some hotels.

It is possible to rent a car with or without a driver through rental companies or travel agencies.

Rail service is unsafe and you should not travel by train. There are frequent delays because of the poor state of the rail lines and mechanical breakdowns. Trains are overcrowded and are often frequented by thieves .

A ferry links Kinshasa and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The service is mainly used by the local population and you should not use it. Smaller motor boats also provide service. These vessels are often overcrowded and you must line up early to secure a spot.

Official motorcades

Presidential and other official motorcades pose hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

Motorists must pull over when sirens or security forces indicate a motorcade.

Do not take photographs of motorcades using communication devices that were not acquired or registered in the DRC, including cell phones and hand-held radios.

Proceed on your way only when security forces permit you to do so.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Airport access

In a crisis, N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa may close.

The parliament building is located on the road to the airport. When demonstrations are at the site, the airport is difficult to access.

General security information

Tourism facilities are very limited in Kinshasa and virtually non-existent outside the capital. Plan your trip in advance to reduce the risk to your safety.

If you are going to Kinshasa, ensure that there is someone to meet you when you arrive at the airport.

Telephone communication is poor, including with a cell phone.