Africa
Is DR Congo safe?
L4Do not travel
Is DR Congo safe?
The UK advises against all travel to the eastern provinces, the CAR border and Kwamouth. In Kinshasa, avoid N'djili and Kimbanseke and take care at night.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-07-14.
- Road deaths: 34.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Solo women: Sexual violence and harassment are widespread, especially in the east. Solo women should not travel outside Kinshasa.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Armed conflict in North and South Kivu, Ituri and elsewhere
- Kidnapping and banditry on roads
- Violent crime and police extortion in Kinshasa
- Ebola, cholera and mpox outbreaks
Common scams
- Fake officials and police demanding fines
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing officials, bridges, military sites or government buildings leads to detention.
- Same-sex relations are not criminalised but face social hostility.
Quick answers
Is DR Congo safe for tourists?
The UK advises against all travel to the eastern provinces, the CAR border and Kwamouth. In Kinshasa, avoid N'djili and Kimbanseke and take care at night.
Is DR Congo safe for solo female travelers?
Sexual violence and harassment are widespread, especially in the east. Solo women should not travel outside Kinshasa.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.