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Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Areas in Kinshasa Province

FCDOÌýadvises against all but essential travel to:

• Kinshasa city
• the N1 road in Kinshasa Province, between and including Menkao to the west, Kenge to the east, the border of Mai-Ndombe province to the north, and 10km to the south

DRC-Central African Republic border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic.

Eastern DRC Ìý

FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of:

• Haut-Uélé and Ituri, including the entire DRC-South Sudan border
• North Kivu, including the city of Goma
• South Kivu, including the city of Bukavu
• Maniema
• Tanganyika
• Haut-Lomami

Territory in Mai-Ndombe Province

FCDO advises against all travel to the Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province. This is between, and including, the towns of Kwamouth, Bandundu and the southern border of Mai-Ndombe province.

Kasaï Oriental, Kasaï, Kasaï Central

FCDO advises against all travel to the province of Kasaï Oriental.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the provinces of Kasaï and Kasaï Central.

See details about why FCDO advises against travel.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Help and support in DRC

Read FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Getting help in DRC

For help in an emergency from the British government, telephone: +243815566200

Read ‘Getting help� for more information on other ways to get help in DRC.

°ä´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³ÙÌýFCDOÌýin London

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date� at least 6 months after the date you arrive in DRC.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

YouÌýmust have a visa to visit DRC.

Applying for a visa

Apply for a visa through the .

Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for application processing.

Some types of visa applications are referred to Kinshasa for a decision. In these cases, if you submit a letter of invitation from the person or organisation you’re visiting, stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa, you may speed up the process.

Consider getting a long-term visa if you are planning to stay in DRC for a considerable period. When you apply for or renew a long-term visa, DRC authorities need a ‘consular certificateâ€� as part of the application. The British Embassy in DRC can issue a consular certificate for you.ÌýÌý

Checks at border control

If you have a Rwandan or Ugandan immigration stamp in your passport you may have some difficulties on arrival, but it should not prevent you from entering DRC.

If you’re crossing regularly between Rwanda andÌýDRCÌýyou may have immigration difficulties if you have not regularised your residency status.

Departure tax

You need to pay a departure tax of 55 US dollars on international flights and 10 US dollars on domestic flights. You pay these fees when you check in for your departure. Get an official receipt and a copy for each fee. Hand the originals on request to immigration and at boarding and keep the copies.

Vaccine requirements

To enter DRC, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:ÌýÌý

• a yellow fever vaccination
• a polio vaccine, in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in DRC.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of DRC. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You may have difficulties when entering DRC if you are travelling with:

• satellite phones
• GPS receivers
• military clothing

This guide also has safety advice for regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Terrorism Ìý

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in DRC

ADF, a militant group with links to Daesh, carry out regular attacks in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, eastern DRC. The majority of its attacks target villages in rural areas, but it has attacked military targets � primarily Ugandan and Congolese armed forces personnel. Attacks have also targeted bars, places of worship, markets and vehicle convoys.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Protests and demonstrations

On 28 January 2025, there were large and violent protests outside multiple embassies in Kinshasa, in response to the fighting in eastern DRC.Ìý

Due to ongoing and sporadic protests, which can involve gun fire, there is an increased security presence.ÌýPolice checkpoints have been introduced in locations around Kinshasa.

A range of military and peacekeeping forces are deployed in eastern DRC. Tensions about the presence of these forces and the role of international actors can cause protests in Goma and Kinshasa.ÌýThere have been large protests against the UN peacekeeping mission known as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO). In February 2024 there were protests outside the British Embassy and other western embassies. Similar protests cannot be ruled out in future. These could be directed at foreign nationals or target UN vehicles and premises.

Public gatherings and demonstrations can occur with little or no notice and can quickly turn violent.

Protests may result in:

• the closure of shops and public services
• restrictions on movement

In the event of serious unrest:

• commercial flights may be suspended
• roads may be blocked
• international borders may be closed at short notice, particularly those with Rwanda, at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu
• internet connections and mobile phone networks may have reduced services or be cut off
• military and police presence in Kinshasa and other major cities may increase - this may include stop-and-search checkpoints, especially after dark

To minimise your personal risk:

• follow local media for news of any planned protests
• leave quickly and do not attempt to watch or photograph any demonstration or disturbance
• consider making contingency plans
• keep a stock of essential supplies
• keep your travel documents up-to-date, including appropriate visas
• be prepared to move or go into curfew at short notice if told to by the authorities
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýhow to prepare for a crisis overseas

Stay away from areas where protests are planned, particularly in Kinshasa, Goma and other large cities. This may include:

• N’Djili airport, Kinshasa
• Churches and other religious buildings and institutions
• large sporting stadiums or music venues
• universities
• political party headquarters
• foreign embassies
• government and parliament buildings
• offices of the Electoral Commission

Do not assumeÌýFCDOÌýwill be able to help you leave the country in the event of serious unrest.

Traveling around DRCÌý

There is widespread poverty, social exclusion and health risks in many parts of the DRC. You may be at greater risk of being robbed or attacked in rural areas. Transport and accommodation are extremely limited outside Kinshasa and the major towns, so make travel arrangements in advance. Travel in the company of experienced people or organisations.

Be respectful of local customs and land rights, including the necessary permissions for activities. Recent incidents have occurred with local communities when foreign nationals have wild camped without permission.

Crime

Street crime and scamming

Foreign nationals are at particular risk of street robbery in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and other urban centres, especially near hotels and supermarkets in the centre of town. Organised gangs lure people into traps through techniques including the use of children, promising cut-price gold and diamonds, or posing as police or security personnel. Robberies by gangs of street children are common and can be aggressive.

In Kinshasa, robberies can be carried out by people posing as taxi drivers or taxi passengers, and are often accompanied by a threat of violence.

In North and South Kivu, reports of criminal activity have increased, particularly those targeting the international community. There have been many reports of robberies and banditry in Goma, especially after dark.

To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid walking in the streets alone at any time, especially at night
• do not display valuables and cash
• use a hotel safe if possible and keep copies of documents, including your passport, separately
• use transport organised by a hotel or tour operator
• if you must take a taxi, use a privately booked one and do not hail taxis in the street

Criminal kidnap

Kidnapping is a risk in parts of Kinshasa, including the Limete area.

There have been several recent incidents where criminals pretending to be policemen or security personnel have captured foreign nationals and then demanded payment for their release.

Criminals may also carry out ‘express kidnapsâ€�, where they capture victims, take them to ATMs to withdraw money, and then release them. Ìý

Foreign nationals can be perceived as being wealthier than locals and may be at particular risk.

To reduce risk:

• avoid walking in the streets alone at any time, especially at night
• Do not display valuables and cash
• If you must use a taxi, use a privately booked one
• do not hail taxis in the street.

Vehicle crime

Carjackings are rare, but lock vehicle doors and keep windows closed when driving. Watch out for armed gangs who may target your car or try to enter it to rob you. Do not drive off the main roads or park in unsupervised areas.

Laws and cultural differences

ÌýJustice process

The DRC authorities rarely meet their international obligations to notify embassies when foreign nationals have been detained. Even if requested, adequate consular access is not always granted. Keep in close touch with family or friends and ask them to notify theÌýBritish Embassy in KinshasaÌýimmediately if you are arrested inÌýDRC.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photographs of some government and military buildings is illegal, particularly borders or military installations. You risk being arrested and detained. Journalists should not conduct interviews or film without the necessary local permits.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in DRC but is frowned upon by many. There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples or same-sex marriage, and there are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LBGT+ people. Members of the LGBT+ community are known to be harassed. Individuals may be charged under DRC’s Penal Code for ‘crimes against family lifeâ€�. ÌýÌý

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Adopting children from DRC

FCDOÌýadvises against adopting from DRC.ÌýThe UK does not recognise adoptions made in DRC as DRC is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.

The DRC government has not issued exit permits for children adopted by foreign nationals in DRC since 2013 and many are still unable to leave the country. It is illegal for same-sex or trans-sexual couples to adopt Congolese children.

Camouflage clothing

If you wear any military-style clothing you could be misidentified as military personnel and be vulnerable to attack or detention.

Money

Credit cards are only accepted in a limited number of places in Kinshasa and other cities.ÌýUS dollars are widely used alongside the local currency and a number of ATMs dispense US dollars in Kinshasa. Notes should be in good condition and issued after 2001. Elsewhere in DRC, cash is needed for transactions.

Make sure you have access to money, or have arrangements in place for it to be sent to you in an emergency, before leaving the UK.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Democratic Republic of Congo, see information on driving abroad. You’ll need a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP)Ìýto drive in DRC. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Car hire is possible in Kinshasa although self-drive options are limited. Most car hire companies will only let you hire a car with a driver.

Road conditions

Driving standards are well below those in the UK and accidents are very common. Roads in Kinshasa are poorly maintained. Outside Kinshasa and other large cities, most roads are barely drivable even with a 4x4, especially during the rainy season from September to May. Consider the technical capability of your vehicle and be confident in your ability to operate it. Travel after dark brings increased risk.

Public buses and taxis are often not well-maintained, and there is a risk of assault.

Security forces operate roadblocks, particularly after dark. If you are asked to produce documents for inspection at a checkpoint, stay inside your vehicle and show them through closed windows.

Air travel

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in DRC that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by theÌýDepartment for Transport, based on advice from the . FCDO advises against all travel by air into and out of Goma airport. See why FCDO advises against travel.

Rail travel

The railways are in a poor state and you should be aware of the increased risk of travel by train. A refurbished route opened between Kinshasa and Matadi in 2015, although services are infrequent and unreliable.

River travel

The ferry service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville stops running in the late afternoon and there is no service on Sundays.

Boats and ferries on the rivers and lakes are poorly maintained and often overloaded. As a result of the low safety standards, high river traffic levels, strong currents, shifting sandbanks and poor maintenance there have been many accidents.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

During the wet season (approximately September to May), heavy rainfall often causes severe flooding in parts of DRC. Check for news of flooding before travelling.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a risk in DRC, but they are infrequent. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about .

Volcanic eruptions

Mount Nyiragongo volcano, close to the city of Goma and near the border with Rwanda, erupted in 2002 and 2021, resulting in loss of lives and damage to infrastructure in and around Goma. Further volcanic activity is possible at any time.Ìý

This section has safety advice for regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

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FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of:

• North Kivu, including the city of Goma
• South Kivu, including the city of Bukavu
• Haut-Uélé and Ituri, including the entire DRC-South Sudan border
• Maniema
• Tanganyika
• Haut Lomami

The security situation in easternÌýDRCÌýremains unstable. Armed groups are active and intercommunal violence can affect the political, security and humanitarian situation. Large numbers of civilians remain displaced as a result of the conflict. Acts of violence, including killing, rape and looting continue against civilians.Ìý

There are continued reports of towns in easternÌýDRCÌýbeing attacked by or falling under temporary control of armed groups. There are continued reports of attacks and kidnappings, including against staff from NGOs and international organisations. Be prepared to leave at short notice via available routes. If you are in an area against FCDO advice, you should be vigilant at all times and keep your security situation under constant review.

Foreign nationals travelling in easternÌýDRCÌýhave been left vulnerable, without escorted transport. The risk of kidnap or injury remains high.

On 22 February 2021, there was a fatal attack by an armed group on a UN World Food Programme convoy, approximately 26km north east of Goma on the RN2 road. The attack killed 3 people, including the Italian Ambassador toÌýDRC.

While British government staff do visit areas of easternÌýDRC, the British Embassy’s ability to offer support is severely limited.

Peacekeeping forces

A United Nations peacekeeping presence is deployed in easternÌýDRC. The Congolese army is carrying out operations against foreign and domestic armed groups operating in North and South Kivu and Ituri provinces. Foreign, regional forces are also present in easternÌýDRC.

Goma and Bukavu

FCDO advises against all travel to Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu in eastern DRC. The situation in eastern DRC is unpredictable, and there is a high risk of ongoing instability, particularly in Goma and Bukavu.ÌýÌý

The armed group M23 and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have captured and taken control of Goma. Fighting in Goma and the surrounding areas has intensified. Goma airport is currently not operational and is under the control of RDF and M23.

The Goma-Gisenye border crossing into Rwanda is controlled by RDF and M23. The border appears open however the situation is highly unstable and there have been incidents of people being temporarily detained and denied entry to Rwanda.Ìý

On 16 February, RDF and M23 forces captured and took control of Bukavu, the main city in south Kivu. This follows advances south from Goma. On Friday 14 February, M23 and RDF forces captured Kavuma airport, approximately 30km north of the city. Commercial flights are not operating from the airport.ÌýÌý

The Ruzizi border crossing in Bukavu is under RDF and M23 control and appears open, but the situation remain highly unpredictable and may change at short notice.

There is an ongoing risk of protests in the east, particularly in Goma, North Kivu province. These could be directed at foreign nationals.

A ‘state of siegeâ€� is in place in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Military administrations with extended security powers have replaced the civilian administrations. On 20 February 2024, the Governor of North Kivu banned vehicles from driving in the province with tinted windows (this includes the city of Goma).Ìý

The situation in Goma, Bukavu, and the surrounding areas remains uncertain, unstable and can change quickly. British nationals should be prepared to leave at short notice and have adequate supplies of food, water, medicine etc in case of the need to lock down.

Border crossings with Rwanda

The border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu may close at short notice. On the 27 January 2025, there were reports of gunfire and artillery fire crossing the border into Rwanda near the Gisenyi/Goma border crossing.

Territory in Mai-Ndombe Province

FCDO advises against all travel to the Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province. This is between, and including, the towns of Kwamouth, Bandundu and the southern border of Mai-Ndombe Province.

There is ongoing intercommunal violence between ethnic groups over land. The government has deployed a military force to the area. We are not aware of any direct threat against the international community or British nationals. Be aware of the increased violence and potential threat.

Areas in Kinshasa Province

FCDOÌýadvises against all but essential travel to Kinshasa city.

Due to the risk of violent crime, FCDO advises against all but essential travel in the districts of:

• N’djili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa city, south of the main access road to N’djili airport, in Nsele commune
• Kasa Vubu in Kinshasa City, bordered by the N1 Triumphal Road (Stadium), Barumbu District, Lingwala District and the south of the botanical garden

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the N1 road in Kinshasa Province, between and including Menkao to the west, Kenge to the east, the border of Mai-Ndombe province to the north, and 10km to the south. There has been fighting between local militia and Congolese Armed Forces on this section of the N1 road. There are checkpoints on the road and reports of access being blocked. The authorities advise to travel during daylight hours.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Kasaï Oriental, Kasaï, Kasaï Central

FCDO advises against all travel to the province of Kasaï Oriental.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the provinces of Kasaï and Kasaï Central.ÌýÌý

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

There is no general emergency medical number in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). If you have a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, contact a hospital to make this request.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See including:

• malaria
• cholera
• yellow fever
• mpox

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of DRC. Read more about .ÌýÌý

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read .

Healthcare in DRC

FCDO has a list of medical providers in DRC where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in DRC.

Medical care is extremely limited. The Centre Prive d’Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after most serious accidents. Outside Kinshasa, Western-standard medical facilities are almost non-existent. Medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) could be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you take medication regularly, make sure you bring enough for your time in the DRC, and that it is in properly marked packaging.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in DRC Ìý

There is no general emergency medical number in Kinshasa or elsewhere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Some major cities have emergency services, but their level of assistance is limited.

If you have a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, contact a hospital to make this request.ÌýIf you are in Kinshasa, you can contact the fire service on 118, and the police on 112.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speakingÌý,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý
• dealing with aÌýdeath in DRC
• ²ú±ð¾±²Ô²µÌýarrested or imprisoned in DRC
• getting help if you’re aÌývictim of crime
• what to do if you’reÌýin hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

°ä´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

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