Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice
A summary of the UK government’s (FCDO) travel advice for Democratic Republic of the Congo, last updated by the FCDO on 8 October 2026. The full advice on GOV.UK is the authoritative version.
FCDO status
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of the country FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Latest FCDO update (8 October 2026): New information and guidance about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in DRC (see 'Warnings and insurance' and 'Health' pages).
FCDO notice
Security situation in DRC
North and South Kivu
If you are in North or South Kivu and judge it safe to do so, and if routes are available, you should leave.
M23 rebels and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu and the surrounding areas in North and South Kivu. M23 rebels and RDF captured the city of Uvira in December 2025, and then withdrew from the city in January 2026, though clashes continue in the surrounding areas. The situation remains highly unstable and unpredictable. Routes to depart Uvira, Goma and Bukavu are limited and may change at short notice.
The border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi-Goma and Ruzizi-Bukavu could close at short notice.
Goma and Bukavu airports have been attacked and commercial flights are no longer operating from the airports.
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.
Tshopo Province
On 23 May, there were multiple drone attacks in the area of Kisangani airport. These incidents have led to disruption to flights. The security situation remains unpredictable, and further disruption is possible.
Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
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
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
- North Kivu
- South Kivu
- Maniema
- Tanganyika
- Haut-Lomami
South-East DRC
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Upemba National Park. If you choose to travel to Upemba National Park against FCDO advise, notify the park authorities about your travel plans.
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.
Kisangani airport
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bangoka International Airport, Kisangani due to multiple drone attacks in the area of Kisangani airport.
See details about why FCDO advises against travel.
Ebola
On 17 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease) outbreak in DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak is highly active, evolving and geographically widespread.
Before you travel to DRC read Ebola Disease in DRC and general information on Ebola and similar diseases.
If you are in DRC read how to reduce your risk from Ebola.
Some countries have additional health screening requirements or entry restrictions for travellers arriving from, or who have recently visited the DRC. Check entry requirements for any destination or transit country before travelling.
Help and support in DRC
Read FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Getting help in DRC
For help in an emergency from the British government, telephone: +243815566200
Read ‘Getting help’ for more information on other ways to get help in DRC.
Contact FCDO in London
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Passport validity
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in DRC.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.
Recent FCDO updates
- 8 October 2026: New information and guidance about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in DRC (see 'Warnings and insurance' and 'Health' pages).
- 16 September 2026: Removal of information about protests planned in Kinshasa on 15 September 2026 ('Safety and security' page).
- 26 August 2026: Addition of information that protests are planned in Kinshasa on 15 September 2026 ('Safety and security' page).
Plan your trip
This page shows the FCDO’s headline status and quotes its text word for word; we don’t reword safety advice. It refreshes automatically, so it can lag GOV.UK by up to a day. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: FCDO foreign travel advice on GOV.UK. FCDO advice is written for British nationals; other nationalities should also check their own government’s advice.