Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Areas advised against
France advises against tourist travel throughout the country.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyStrongly advised against by France (update of 12 March 2026): the east (North and South Kivu, with Goma and Bukavu held by M23, the Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega and Garamba parks), Tanganyika province, Kwilu and Kwango provinces, Kwamouth territory (Mai-Ndombe), the Batéké plateaux, Bombo-Lumene park and the RN1 towards Kikwit.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyThe rest of the country is advised against except for essential travel, especially the three Kasai provinces, Mai-Ndombe and parts of Kongo Central.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyThe UK advises against all travel to Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema, Tanganyika, Haut-Lomami, within 50 km of the CAR border and Kwamouth territory; it advises against all but essential travel to the N'Djili and Kimbanseke districts south of the airport road, the N1 in Kinshasa province, Upemba park and Kisangani airport. Your insurance may not cover you.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: warnings and insuranceGOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: regional risks
Terrorism and kidnapping
The terrorist threat is real in Ituri (Mambasa, Irumu) and North Kivu (Beni, Lubero), with attacks on places of worship, markets, bars and convoys. Kidnapping for ransom is a risk throughout the east.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: safety and security
Crime
Insecurity is high in Kinshasa and rising in Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani, Matadi and Lubumbashi: armed robbery, burglary, carjacking, fake police checks. Do not walk alone; if attacked, do not resist.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyBlackmail based on false accusations mainly targets foreigners alone in nightlife venues.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyKidnapping is a risk in parts of Kinshasa, including Limete.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: safety and security
In town
In Kinshasa, robberies are committed by fake taxi drivers or passengers. Use a pre-booked private taxi, by day, with a known driver; do not hail taxis in the street.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: safety and securityIn Kinshasa traffic jams, keep doors locked and windows closed and do not get out; France recommends using Congolese drivers. Two-wheelers are strongly advised against.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyAvoid demonstrations, frequent before commemorations and national holidays; do not photograph them and be ready to observe a curfew.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: safety and security
On the road
Illegal checkpoints are common: be very careful at checks. Avoid night journeys, vary your routes and tell someone your plans.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safetyPublic transport is strongly advised against because of the accident risk; trains are unsafe and river transport has serious accidents.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safety
In an emergency
If attacked, contact your embassy and the national police, and see a doctor if needed.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safety
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Embassy of France in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Passport: FranceFrench embassy in Kinshasa.
1, avenue du Colonel Mondjiba, Kinshasa+33 5 16 44 00 67France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026
Consular agency of France in Lubumbashi
Passport: FranceHonorary consulate of France.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Embassy of Canada in RDC
Passport: CanadaConsular assistance for Canadians (also covers Congo-Brazzaville).
Government of Canada, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, safety · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: warnings and insurance · Source updated: September 16, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: regional risks · Source updated: September 16, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice: safety and security · Source updated: September 16, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.