The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Country Report

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a HIGH RISK country. A high rate of opportunistic and violent crime, poor infrastructure, and uncontrolled infectious disease pose serious risks to travellers in the DRC.

Essential Precautions:

• Avoid all travel outside of Kinshasa, especially to the provinces of Goma, Kasaï, Maniema, South Kivu, and North Kivu.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, as they often turn violent.
• Avoid street food in general and only drink bottled water.
• Do not photograph government buildings, civil infrastructure, military installations, official motorcades, or the Congo River.
• Only use secure transportation.
• Do not display overt forms of wealth.

Insurance becomes a priority if you intend to travel or work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) involves significant risks due to various factors such as political instability, armed conflict, crime, and health hazards. The situation can change rapidly, so it's essential to consult up-to-date travel advisories from your government or reliable sources like the U.S. State Department, UK Foreign Office, or your country's equivalent. Here are some factors to consider:

Political Instability

The DRC has a history of political instability, including armed conflict and civil unrest. Political tensions can escalate into violence, protests, and demonstrations, particularly in urban areas. Travellers should stay informed about the current political situation and avoid areas where unrest or protests are occurring.

Armed Conflict

Certain regions of the DRC, particularly in the eastern provinces, are affected by ongoing armed conflict involving rebel groups, militias, and government forces. Violence, including attacks against civilians, kidnappings, and sexual violence, is a constant risk in these areas. Travellers should avoid travelling to areas with active conflict and consult travel advisories before planning their trip.

Crime and Security

Opportunistic crime is rampant in the DRC and violent civilians can pose risks to travellers. Most crimes are financially motivated, and foreigners are often targeted by criminals for theft, and even violent crimes – including express kidnappings and armed robberies – due to their perceived affluence. Within cities, including Kinshasa, the risk of being targeted is highest in crowded areas, when stopped in traffic, on public transportation, and when using ATMs. Criminals often try to impersonate law enforcement officers and taxi drivers to isolate and rob victims. Carjacking is likewise common and armed bandits regularly patrol intercity roads. Unrest is another prominent security risk for travellers. Political and economic factors drive instability throughout the entire country and many demonstrations turn violent due to efforts by security forces to disperse crowds quickly. While violent protests have become less frequent in recent years, large demonstrations remain unsafe and unpredictable. The threat of terrorism is moderate; however, terrorist attacks do occur in rural areas in the eastern DRC. The government in Kinshasa further lacks the capacity to patrol its borders effectively, particularly those with the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Travel to these areas is extremely dangerous due to transnational crime, poaching, and the presence of multiple armed groups and illicit smuggling networks.

Health Risks

Medical care in the DRC is far below international standards. Medical facilities are extremely limited even in urban areas and non-existent outside of Kinshasa and Goma. Where they do exist, hospitals are underfunded, short-staffed, rely on outdated equipment, and have chronic shortages of supplies and medications. Food and waterborne diseases are endemic and the risk of contracting an infectious disease is high across the country. The deadliest and most common health problems include malaria, tuberculosis, lower respiratory infections, and HIV/AIDS. The DRC has experienced a total of four Ebola outbreaks during the last three years in various parts of the country. The second-largest outbreak in history occurred from 2018 to 2020 and claimed the lives of 66.4% of those infected. Other prevalent non-vaccine-preventable diseases include cholera, polio, trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), yellow fever, tuberculosis, and Marburg. The tap water is not safe to drink.

Transport & Infrastructure Risk

The DRC has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world. Critical infrastructure throughout the country is at best inadequate and at worst nonexistent. Telephone communication is poor, and the DRC government often further restricts internet and mobile communication access for several days or weeks during periods of unrest. All forms of public transportation are unsafe in the DRC due to poor maintenance, aggressive driving habits, crime, and dangerous road conditions. Many roads become impassable during the rainy season and a four-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary even in some parts of Kinshasa. Travel on rivers and lakes is common and represents a major method of transportation but boats are often in poor condition and do not have adequate safety precautions. There have been multiple reported instances of boats capsizing or catching fire resulting in multiple casualties. The electric grid is not always reliable.

Environmental Risk

The DRC is prone to heavy floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Travellers are most likely to encounter overland travel disruptions after heavy rainfall due to inundated roads and landslides. Flooding leads to severe water contamination in cities due to the country's antiquated infrastructure. Earthquakes are infrequent but possible in the Katanga region and the provinces of South and North Kivu, Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, Maniema and Ituri. Meanwhile, Mt. Nyiragongo, an active volcano in North Kivu, threatens the safety and livelihood of approximately 700,000 people in the eastern part of the DRC. Minor eruptions take place every few years and have the potential to be catastrophic due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide in nearby Lake Kivu. The citywide early warning system no longer functions due to insufficient funding and the theft, destruction, and deterioration of scientific monitoring equipment, and there are no emergency disaster relief services.

Civil Unrest and Protests

Civil unrest, protests, and strikes occur sporadically in the DRC and can disrupt travel and essential services. Travellers should avoid participating in political activities or gatherings and monitor local media for updates on the security situation.

Security Risks for Humanitarian Workers and Journalists

The DRC is one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarian workers and journalists due to risks of violence, kidnapping, and harassment. Travellers working in these fields should follow strict security protocols, obtain appropriate permits and clearances, and stay informed about the latest security developments.

Overall, travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo involves significant risks, and travellers should carefully consider the security situation, health risks, and logistical challenges before planning their trip. It's essential to stay informed, take appropriate precautions, and be prepared to adjust travel plans based on the latest developments and advisories.

Choosing the right cover for your trip to the The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Many insurers exclude cover for travel to DRC. It is vital to check that your policy includes journeys to this nation. Confirm if your policy coverage includes medical expenses, repatriation, crisis management, and kidnap for ransom cover. The DRC faces significant health challenges. Healthcare infrastructure is limited, and access to medical services may be inadequate, particularly in rural areas. It is highly likely that it will be necessary to evacuate you for medical and other critical care.

Required Vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Carry a copy of your passport.
• Bring a necessary supply of prescription medication
• Bring a copy of your prescription in case medication is lost or stolen.
• Consider bringing mosquito repellent, long sleeves, and pants.

LGBT travel advice for The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as an LGBTQ+ individual poses significant risks due to the country's social attitudes, legal framework, and security concerns. Overall, travelling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as an LGBTQ+ individual is extremely risky and is strongly discouraged. LGBTQ+ travellers should prioritise their safety and well-being and consider alternative travel destinations where they can travel more freely and safely. It's essential to research and understand the risks thoroughly before considering travel to the DRC and to take necessary precautions to protect oneself from harm.