The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the provinces of Kasaï Oriental, Haut-Uele, Haut Lomami, Ituri, North Kivu. South Kivu (except the city of Bukavu - see below), Maniema and Tanganyika in eastern DRC
• within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic and South Sudan

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• the city of Bukavu in South Kivu province
• the districts of N’djili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa, both of which are south of the main access road to N’djili airport (located in Nsele district)
• the provinces of Kasiaï and Kasiaï Central
• the territory of Kwamouth (located in Mai-Ndombe province)
• the city of Goma in North Kivu province

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

At least three political demonstrations have been announced by opposition and ruling political parties for 20 May 2023 in Kinshasa. The authorised routes for the demonstrations are as follows:

• starting at Rondpoint Sakombi, Avenue Kasavubu, Place Victoire and finishing at La Place MK

• starting at Rondpoint Ngaba and ending at the Church Saint Rafael Premier Rue

• taking place at Terrain Municapale de Masina

Travel may be disrupted on or around these routes.

Demonstrations will begin from 8am but routes are liable to change, and you should remain vigilant. We advise all UK nationals in DRC to avoid demonstrations, protests, or disturbances. See Protests and demonstrations

Fighting between local militia and Congolese Armed Forces has been reported (May 2023) on RN1 in the vicinity of Kenge 270km east of Kinshasa. National forces have closed the road meaning road travel between Kinshasa and Kikwit is not currently possible.

After heavy rains on 3 May 2023, flooding and landslides have affected several territories in South Kivu Province, eastern DRC. At least 400 people are known to have died. There is potential for further floods and landslides during the rainy season. See Natural disasters and Safety and security

The security situation in eastern DRC, including around the city of Goma remains unstable and subject to rapid change. See Safety and security.

In eastern DRC there are continued reports of attacks and kidnappings. See Safety and security

Inter-communal violence between ethnic groups over land in Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe province has been ongoing since August 2022. See Inter-communal violence

On 22 May 2021, Mount Nyiragongo volcano, close to the city of Goma, and near the border with Rwanda erupted. Further volcanic activity is possible in future. See Natural disasters

Consular support is severely limited in parts of DRC. The lack of infrastructure throughout the country and insecurity in eastern DRC often prevent the British Embassy in Kinshasa from being able to extend normal levels of consular assistance to British nationals anywhere in the DRC other than Kinshasa. You should not assume that the FCDO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country in the event of serious unrest or crisis.

Street crime and robbery is common. You should avoid using any taxis in DRC. If you must take a taxi, use a privately booked one. Don’t hail taxis in the street. Beware of gangs promising you cut price gold and diamonds. See Crime

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the DRC. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.