Is Going To The Drc Safe?

Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is advised due to high crime rates, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. The country is also known for its regional risks, including Eastern and terrorism. Terrorists, such as the ADF, carry out regular attacks in North Kivu and Ituri. The CDC advises against non-essential travel due to these risks.

Passport validity is 6 months, with 1 page blank passport pages. Tourist visas are required, and vaccinations are yellow. If your travel plans involve outdoor activities, stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly. There is no general emergency medical number in the DRC, so if you need an ambulance, contact a local medical center.

Crime is a way of life in the DRC, and many people have turned to it due to the collapse of normal facets of life. Travelers should pay close attention when entering the country. The DRC-Central African Republic border advises against all travel within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic. There is an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks in the DRC, particularly in eastern areas.

Violent crime, including armed robbery, burglaries, and carjacking, is a significant issue in the DRC, and the risk increases greatly after dark. The safest and most touristed areas are Goma, Virunga National Park, and Bukavu in the east. The DRC is also a high-risk malaria area, so it is recommended to get preventative medication before travel. Other recommended vaccinations include those against Ebola. Some parts of the DRC are very safe to visit, such as the Eastern Parts where Kahuzi Biega National Park is located for trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Is Pointe Noire, Congo safe?

Traveling at night, alone, or to isolated areas is not recommended in Pointe Noire due to the presence of thieves. Safe transportation options include hired cars, taxis, and shared minibuses. Taxis are fairly priced but may be expensive and speak only French. English, Chinese, or German guides can be obtained at a higher price. Shared minibuses are also available, but passengers must be patient, tolerant, and time-efficient. Government-approved green and white taxis in Brazzaville and blue and white taxis in Pointe-Noire are recommended, and fares should be negotiated before departure.

Is Congo safe for white tourists?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing increased risk due to crime and civil unrest, particularly in North Kivu province, Ituri province, eastern DRC region, and Kasai provinces. These areas are known for terrorism, civil unrest, active volcanoes, armed conflict, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Local police struggle to respond effectively to serious crimes, and attackers may pose as police or security agents.

How many people have been killed in Congo in 2024?

Over 120 people have been killed in an attempted mass breakout from the largest prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the latest in a series of violent attacks on jails in the central African nation. The incident occurred on September 2, 2024, at around 2 a. m. local time in Kinshasa. Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango reported that the provisional human toll stands at 129 dead, including 24 by gunshot after warning, and others died by jostling, suffocation, and some women were raped.

What is the safest city in the DRC?

The Democratic Republic of Congo offers a safe and scenic region for tourists to visit, particularly in Virunga National Park, Goma, and Kinshasa. However, the country faces serious security threats, making it advisable to travel with a tour company. Solo travel is not recommended. Climate also plays a significant role in tourism, with rainy seasons from April to October in the north and November to March in the south, potentially causing flash flooding and landslides that could disrupt essential services.

What to avoid in Congo?

Criminal activity in North and South Kivu, particularly targeting the international community, has increased. Robberies and banditry have been reported in Goma, particularly after dark. It is advised to avoid walking alone, display valuables and cash, use hotel safes, keep copies of documents, use organized transport, and use privately booked taxis. Criminal kidnapping is a risk in Kinshasa, including the Limete area, where criminals pretend to be policemen or security personnel have captured foreign nationals and demanded payment for their release.

Is it safe to travel to the Congo now?

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advising against non-essential travel due to high crime rates, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. The eastern and northeastern areas of the DRC, particularly Maniema, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tanganyika, Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, and Haut-Lomami, should be avoided due to potential entry points to Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda.

What is the current situation in the DRC?

The DRC is facing a severe humanitarian and food insecurity crisis, with 25. 4 million people in food insecurity, 13. 2 million children, and 7. 3 million displaced. The crisis is worsened by the rapid spread of the deadly mpox virus, declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation. With 90 of all mpox cases reported within the DRC, the fragile health system is straining due to past outbreaks of Ebola and COVID-19, as well as a scarcity of staff and medical supplies.

What is going on in Congo in 2024?

The DR Congo crisis has led to the internal displacement of 7. 2 million people, making it the second largest internal displacement crisis on the African continent. Since 2024, over 738, 000 people have been newly displaced, primarily due to armed conflict, local inter-communal tensions, land disputes, and natural disasters. Despite its scale, the crisis remains one of the most neglected in the world, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Neglected Crises report.

Nearly one in four Congolese faces severe food insecurity, with 25. 4 million people, or 23% of the population, facing this issue. Factors such as lack of transport infrastructure, enclaved locations, climatic hazards, and a lack of tools and farming inputs worsen the food insecurity.

What is the main problem in DRC?

The DRC is facing numerous challenges, including violence, lack of healthcare, malnutrition, food insecurity, limited access to education, exploitation, and abuse. Children are directly affected by the conflict, witnessing destruction and loss of lives, and some even being recruited as child soldiers. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted primary healthcare services, limiting access to essential care and immunizations. Outbreaks of Ebola, malaria, and cholera are exacerbating health risks for children.

The ongoing conflict has also limited access to nutritious food, particularly for displaced children. Many children suffer from severe wasting, hampering their physical growth and learning abilities. Limited access to education is another issue, with an estimated 2. 7 million children in need of support.

The greatest needs of the DRC’s people revolve around food security, with 62 of the population living on less than $2. 15 per day. Food prices have tripled in conflict-affected areas, and over 25 million people face acute food insecurity in 2023. The country has the highest number of internally displaced people in Africa, and addressing these needs will require comprehensive efforts to provide food assistance, strengthen healthcare systems, promote education, enhance protection measures, and foster economic development.

Is Congo safe for holiday?

Violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasion, and assault, is prevalent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Local police struggle to respond effectively to serious crimes, and attackers may pose as police or security agents. Demonstrations are common in cities, and the U. S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services outside Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security conditions.

Is DRC a safe country to visit?

Violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasion, and assault, is prevalent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Local police struggle to respond effectively to serious crimes, and attackers may pose as police or security agents. Demonstrations are common in cities, and the U. S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services outside Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security conditions.