Democratic Republic of the Congo
Warnings and insurance
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Security situation in North Kivu
M23 have expressed their intent to occupy Goma. We advise against all travel to Goma. If you are in Goma, you should leave while commercial routes remain available. Fighting in Sake, 23km to the West of Goma, and the surrounding region has intensified and M23 are now in control of the town. The border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi/Goma could close at short notice. Support 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.
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
DRC-Central African Republic border
FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic.
Eastern DRC
FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of:
- Haut-Uélé and Ituri, including the entire DRC-South Sudan border
- The city of Goma
- South Kivu, except the city of Bukavu, where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
- Maniema
- Tanganyika
- Haut-Lomami
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the city of Bukavu
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.
Areas in Kinshasa Province
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the districts of N’djili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa city, south of the main access road to N’djili airport, in Nsele commune
- 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
- the district of Kasa Vubu in Kinshasa City bordered by the N1 Triumphal Road (Stadium), Barumbu District, Lingwala District and South of the botanical garden.
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.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety 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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