Travel Safety in Democratic Republic of Congo

There are several security concerns in the DRC. The central and eastern provinces of the country exhibit the highest risk profile. In these areas - which include the Kasai provinces, North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri - there is a significant risk of conflict between various armed rebel/militia groups and government forces. High levels of insecurity in these provinces have resulted in elevated crime, kidnapping, civil unrest and even terrorism risk ratings. The cities of Goma (North Kivu) and Bukavu (South Kivu), while generally safer, are currently facing an elevated risk of conflict and protests due to the occupation of these localities by rebels of the Rwanda-backed M23 movement. A ceasefire between M23 and the Congolese state remains tenatative and has been breached on multiple occassions. 

Elsewhere in the country, crime is the most significant issue. In major cities such as Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, petty crime is more common than violent crime, but the latter does occur. Banditry is a problem in rural areas. The DRC has a history of political instability and violent civil unrest can occur with very little warning. This is particularly the case in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Goma and Bukavu, where anti-government sentiment is elevated. Although most acute in the eastern provinces mentioned above, the possibility of kidnapping, conflict and terrorism cannot be ruled out in any part of the country. Medical facilities are generally inadequate, especially outside of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Travellers should further note the prevalence of an ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the provinces of Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Sud-Ubangi and Tshopo.