Travel Smart
Honest, sourced guidance so you travel confident. Most of any country is calmer than the headlines suggest.
Safety
Countrywide advisory (Government of Canada)
Do not travelAvoid all travel
Source: Government of Canada · Verified 2026-07-26
Kinshasa proper
Exercise increased cautionThe capital is chaotic but navigable for careful travelers. Armed robbery, carjackings, and street crime occur, especially at night. Certain neighborhoods are safer than others.
Avoid: Outer suburbs (Njili, Kongo-Loko), poorly lit streets at night, deserted areas, informal settlements.
Source: US State Department · Verified 2026-07-06
Eastern DRC (Kivu region: North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri)
Do not travelActive armed conflict, militia violence, sexual violence, and banditry are endemic. Dozens of militant groups operate; security is unpredictable. This region is extremely dangerous.
Avoid: All eastern provinces east of Kasai. Specifically: all of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and parts of Kasai and Maniema.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
Western/Central DRC (Kasai, Kasai Central, Katanga south)
Reconsider travelBanditry, militia activity, and occasional violence occur. Kasai region has seen recent conflict. Travel is dangerous; permits required.
Avoid: Unmarked roads at night; remote areas without guides; Kasai-Kasai Central border regions.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
Central rainforest (Kasai region, Congo region)
Exercise increased cautionRemote rainforest with sparse population and limited government control. Poaching occurs. Access is difficult. Travel with guides.
Avoid: Remote forest areas without organization; wildlife boundaries.
Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06
5 zones rated separately against Government of Canada, US State Department, UK FCDO. Oldest check on this page: 6 July 2026.
Emergency Contacts
Police Nationale Congolaise
police · Kinshasa
SAMU
ambulance · Kinshasa
Hopital Kinshasa du Peche (private)
hospital · Kinshasa
Clinique CECLED (private)
hospital · Kinshasa