Country Risk Report
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kinshasa
French (official), Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, Tshiluba
Congolese franc (CDF)
Executive Summary
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is classified as a HIGH risk destination, driven by a devastating war in the east. The Rwandan-backed M23 armed group, part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo, captured Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu in February 2025, and later Uvira, and now functions as an occupation force across much of North and South Kivu, where it has committed widespread abuses. Fighting between the M23, the Congolese army, allied Wazalendo militias and other groups continues despite mediation. Two parallel peace tracks, the Qatari-led Doha process and the US-brokered Washington Accords between the DRC and Rwanda, have produced a fragile framework and some M23 withdrawals in 2026, but the ceasefire is repeatedly violated, drone strikes have hit airports including Kisangani, and talks continue in Switzerland. Separately, the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attack civilians across the north-east, spreading into new areas, and an Ebola outbreak declared a public health emergency in May 2026 adds a severe health dimension. The east is one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with mass displacement, sexual violence and mineral-driven conflict. Kinshasa and the west function but saw political violence after the 2023 elections, and the former president was sentenced to death in absentia over alleged M23 links. Cover for the DRC is available on request only. Kinshasa and parts of the west may be feasible with support, but the east is an active war zone.
Risk Matrix
| Category | Risk Rating | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Conflict | High | Active war in the east with M23 occupation, army and militia fighting, and ADF attacks. |
| Terrorism | High | The ISIS-linked ADF attacks civilians across the north-east and is spreading. |
| Kidnapping | High | Armed groups abduct civilians, aid workers and others, especially in the east and mining areas. |
| Crime | High | Violent and opportunistic crime in Kinshasa and mining regions amid weak policing. |
| Civil Unrest | High | Political violence and unrest, including in Kinshasa after the 2023 elections. |
| Health & Medical | High | An Ebola emergency and a collapsed eastern health system. Serious cases require evacuation. |
| Internal Travel | High | War in the east, airport drone strikes, vast distances and poor infrastructure constrain movement. |
| Digital / Cyber | Moderate | Surveillance, media restrictions and monitoring, worse regarding the conflict. |
Essential Precautions
Security Situation
The DRC is dominated by war in its eastern provinces, where the M23 occupies major cities and the ADF attacks civilians, one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. Kinshasa and the west function but face crime and political tension, and the state has limited reach in much of the country.
Kinshasa and the West
North Kivu (Goma, Rutshuru, Masisi)
South Kivu (Bukavu, Uvira, Fizi)
Ituri and the North-east
Detailed Risk Assessment
Armed Conflict
The east is an active war zone, with the Rwandan-backed M23 occupying much of North and South Kivu, fighting the Congolese army, Wazalendo militias and others, and the ISIS-linked ADF attacking across the north-east. Fragile ceasefires are repeatedly violated and drone strikes occur.
Terrorism
The ISIS-linked ADF conducts massacres, abductions and attacks on civilians across the north-east, and has expanded into new areas including gold-mining zones, with effects amounting to a terrorist campaign.
Kidnapping and Detention
Armed groups abduct civilians, aid workers, journalists and others, particularly in the east and mining areas, and both state and M23 authorities have arbitrarily detained critics and journalists. Aid and mining personnel are at particular risk.
Crime and Lawlessness
Violent and opportunistic crime affects Kinshasa and mining regions, including armed robbery and carjacking, amid weak policing and impunity. Criminal and armed networks control parts of the mineral economy.
Internal Travel
The east is extremely dangerous, with war, occupation and drone strikes on airports, and the country's vast size and poor infrastructure make overland travel difficult and hazardous. Air travel is affected by conflict and safety concerns.
Health and Disease
An Ebola outbreak declared a public health emergency in May 2026 compounds a health system that has collapsed in the conflict-affected east, with damaged facilities and severe shortages. Malaria and other diseases are endemic, and serious cases require international evacuation.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
The DRC is vast and diverse, predominantly Christian with many ethnic groups, and travellers are generally received warmly. Ethnic and political sensitivities are acute in the east, and discussion of the conflict, the M23 and Rwanda is dangerous.
LGBT Travellers
Same-sex relationships are not explicitly criminalised but face strong social hostility, and public morality laws can be used against them. LGBT travellers should exercise discretion, particularly outside Kinshasa.
Diplomatic and Government Situation
President Tshisekedi's government controls the west but not the occupied east, and pursues the Doha and Washington peace tracks while accusing Rwanda of backing the M23. The former president was sentenced to death in absentia over alleged M23 links, and consular support is limited, especially in the east.
Digital and Cyber Threats
The authorities monitor communications and have restricted media coverage of the conflict, and the M23 also targets journalists and critics. Connectivity is poor in the east and much of the interior, and sensitive content can create risk.
Vaccinations & Health Hazards
Strongly Recommended
- Yellow Fever
Required for entry; carry certification.
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
- Poliomyelitis and Measles (MMR)
Recommended given circulation and outbreaks.
- Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended given limited safe medical care.
- Cholera
Consider given outbreak risk.
Other Health Hazards
- Ebola: An outbreak has been declared a public health emergency; follow all protocols strictly.
- Malaria: High risk year round. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
- Trauma capacity: Trauma care is minimal outside Kinshasa. Carry a kit and pre-arrange evacuation.
- Food and water hygiene: Practise strict hygiene; waterborne illness is common.
- Routine vaccines: Ensure all primary courses and boosters are up to date on the UK schedule.
Choosing the Right Insurance
Standard travel insurance is invalid for the DRC. Cover is available on request only and must be specialist war-risk insurance covering emergency medical evacuation, security extraction, repatriation and kidnap-for-ransom response. The eastern provinces are typically excluded, and policies require pre-travel approval.
Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics
Checkpoints and Detention Triggers
State forces, M23 and militias operate checkpoints with different rules; conduct is unpredictable. Carry original documents and a verifiable purpose. Do not photograph military, M23, mines or installations. The occupied east involves M23 controls and detention risk.Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics
Armed groups abduct civilians, aid workers and others, especially in the east. The ADF abducts and forcibly recruits in the north-east. Most abductions occur in transit and in the east and mining areas. Locally hired staff may be coerced or complicit.High-Risk Travellers
Eastern-province travellers face extreme war and abduction risk. Aid workers face abduction and attack risk. Mining personnel are targeted around mineral sites. First-time hostile-environment travellers are unlikely to manage war, ADF and Ebola conditions.Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists
Essential Preparation and Medical
Avoid the east and travel there only for critical purposes with specialist support and cover. Follow all Ebola protocols given the declared emergency. Establish extraction and evacuation plans and carry a trauma kit. Take malaria prophylaxis and carry bite-avoidance measures.Digital Security and Checkpoints
Travel with clean devices and enable remote wipe. Be cautious reporting on the M23 or Rwanda. Turn off geolocation and cloud sync. Plan for connectivity failures in the east and interior.Movement and Operational Security
Avoid North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, which are an active war zone. Note drone-strike risk at eastern airports. Expect state, M23 and militia checkpoints. Use reputable carriers and expect conflict-related disruption.Conduct and Legal Compliance
Respect ethnic and cultural sensitivities, acute in the east. Avoid discussion of the conflict, M23 and Rwanda. Never photograph military, M23 or mines.This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.
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