Foreign travel advice

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Regional risks

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.

Eastern DRC

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 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. 

There 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.

Foreign nationals travelling in eastern DRC have 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 to DRC.

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

Peacekeeping forces

A 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.

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.  

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. 

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.  

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 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). 

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

FCDO advises 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.    

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.