Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of:
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to Upemba National Park. If you choose to travel to Upemba National Park against FCDO advise, notify the park authorities about your travel plans.
\n\nFCDO 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.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bangoka International Airport, Kisangani due to multiple drone attacks in the area of Kisangani airport.
\n\nSee details about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nIf you are in North or South Kivu and judge it safe to do so, and if routes are available, you should leave.
\n\nM23 rebels and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu and the surrounding areas in North and South Kivu. M23 rebels and RDF captured the city of Uvira in December 2025, and then withdrew from the city in January 2026, though clashes continue in the surrounding areas. The situation remains highly unstable and unpredictable. Routes to depart Uvira, Goma and Bukavu are limited and may change at short notice.
\n\nThe border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi-Goma and Ruzizi-Bukavu could close at short notice.
\n\nGoma and Bukavu airports have been attacked and commercial flights are no longer operating from the airports.
\n\nSupport from the UK government is severely limited outside Kinshasa. You should not assume that FCDO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country in the event of serious unrest or crisis.
\n\nOn 23 May, there were multiple drone attacks in the area of Kisangani airport. These incidents have led to disruption to flights. The security situation remains unpredictable, and further disruption is possible.
\nRead FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
\n\nContact your travel provider and insurer
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor help in an emergency from the British government, telephone: +243815566200
\n\nRead ‘Getting help’ for more information on other ways to get help in DRC.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nThe 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 DRC Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in DRC.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit DRC.
\n\nApply for a visa through the DRC Embassy in the UK.
\n\nAllow at least 2 to 3 weeks for application processing.
\n\nSome 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.
\n\nConsider 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 certificate’ as part of the application. The British Embassy in DRC can issue a consular certificate for you.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf you’re crossing regularly between Rwanda and DRC you may have immigration difficulties if you have not regularised your residency status.
\n\nYou may encounter health screening measures, such as being required to fill in a passenger locator form on arrival and departure and temperature checks, including at airports.
\n\nSome countries have heightened health screening for travellers from DRC. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nRwanda and Uganda have announced restrictions which impact travellers to DRC.
\n\nThe UK’s Returning Workers Scheme has been activated, due to the outbreak of Ebola disease. Returning health and humanitarian workers should check the latest at UK’s Returning Workers Scheme before returning to the UK.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nTo enter DRC, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s DRC guide.
\n\nYou may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in DRC.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nYou may have difficulties when entering DRC if you are travelling with:
\n\nThis guide also has safety advice for regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in DRC.
\nADF, 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.
\n\nAttacks 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.
\n\nA 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. There 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.
\n\nOn 28 January 2025, there were large and violent protests outside multiple embassies in Kinshasa, in response to the fighting in eastern DRC. This resulted in an increased security presence and there is an ongoing risk of sporadic protests, which can involve gun fire.
\n\nPublic gatherings and demonstrations can occur with little or no notice and can quickly turn violent.
\n\nProtests may result in:
\n\nIn the event of serious unrest:
\n\nTo minimise your personal risk:
\n\nStay away from areas where protests are planned, particularly in Kinshasa, Goma and other large cities. This may include:
\n\nDo not assume FCDO will be able to help you leave the country in the event of serious unrest.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nBe 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.
\n\nForeign 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.
\n\nIn Kinshasa, robberies can be carried out by people posing as taxi drivers or taxi passengers, and are often accompanied by a threat of violence.
\n\nIn 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.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk:
\n\nKidnapping is a risk in parts of Kinshasa, including the Limete area.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nCriminals may also carry out ‘express kidnaps’, where they capture victims, take them to ATMs to withdraw money, and then release them.
\n\nForeign nationals can be perceived as being wealthier than locals and may be at particular risk.
\n\nTo reduce risk:
\n\nCarjackings 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.
\n\nThe 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 the British Embassy in Kinshasa immediately if you are arrested in DRC.
\n\nTaking 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.
\n\nSame-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 life’.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nFCDO advises against adopting from DRC. The 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nIf you wear any military-style clothing you could be misidentified as military personnel and be vulnerable to attack or detention.
\n\nCredit cards are only accepted in a limited number of places in Kinshasa and other cities. US 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.
\n\nMake 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.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Democratic Republic of Congo, see information on driving abroad. You’ll need a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in DRC. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nCar 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.
\n\nDriving standards are well below those in the UK and accidents are very common. Roads in the DRC are poorly maintained, largely unpaved and often not drivable with a standard vehicle, especially during the rainy season from September to May. Inside the cities, including Kinshasa, main roads are often paved but they can be narrow with cars parked on either side. Consider the technical capability of your vehicle and be confident in your ability to operate it. Travel after dark brings increased risk.
\n\nPublic buses and taxis are often not well-maintained, and there is a risk of assault.
\n\nSecurity 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.
\n\nThe 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 the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. FCDO advises against all travel by air into and out of Goma airport. See why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThe ferry service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville stops running in the late afternoon and there is no service on Sundays.
\n\nBoats 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.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nDuring the wet season (approximately September to May), heavy rainfall often causes severe flooding in parts of DRC. Check for news of flooding before travelling.
\n\nEarthquakes are a risk in DRC, but they are infrequent. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nMount 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.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"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.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of:
\n\nThe security situation in eastern DRC remains 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.
\n\nThere are continued reports of towns in eastern DRC being 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.
\n\nForeign nationals travelling in eastern DRC have been left vulnerable, without escorted transport. The risk of kidnap or injury remains high.
\n\nWhile British government staff do visit areas of eastern DRC, the British Embassy’s ability to offer support is severely limited.
\n\nA United Nations peacekeeping presence is deployed in eastern DRC. 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 eastern DRC.
\n\nFCDO 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nOn 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThere is an ongoing risk of protests in the east, particularly in Goma, North Kivu province. These could be directed at foreign nationals.
\n\nA ‘state of siege’ 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).
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThe security situation in and around Bangoka International Airport, Kisangani, remains unpredictable following recent drone attacks against DRC military assets at the airport. These attacks have been claimed by the M23. Commercial flights are operating as usual, but availability can change at short notice. These border crossings are controlled by RDF and M23.
\n\nThe border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu may close at short notice. These border crossings are controlled by RDF and M23.
\n\nFollowing the Ebola outbreak, transit from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Rwanda is only permitted in exceptional circumstances related to humanitarian missions and essential travel, and is subject to health risk assessment, destination-country, transport operator, and public health requirements, and approval by the Rwandan authorities.
\n\nFCDO 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nDue to the risk of violent crime, FCDO advises against all but essential travel in the districts of:
\n\nFCDO 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.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in DRC including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of DRC. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are occasional Ebola outbreaks in DRC. On 15 May the DRC Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. TravelHealthPro has information on Ebola Disease in DRC and general information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nSome countries have heightened health screening for travellers from DRC. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nUK Health Security Agency has Ebola information for humanitarian or healthcare workers.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in DRC where some staff will speak English.
\n\nMedical 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.
\n\nIf you take medication regularly, make sure you bring enough for your time in the DRC, and that it is in properly marked packaging.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nThere is no general emergency medical number in Kinshasa or elsewhere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
\n\nSome major cities have emergency services, but their level of assistance is limited.
\n\nIf you have a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, contact a hospital to make this request. If you are in Kinshasa, you can contact the fire service on 118, and the police on 112.
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n