Is the Democratic Republic of Congo Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Assessment

The Safety Reality in DRC: My Personal Journey

The question of safety in the Democratic Republic of Congo has followed me since my first visit in 2018. I’ll never forget stepping off the plane at N’djili Airport in Kinshasa, sweating through my shirt while a customs official scrutinized my visa with suspicious eyes. “Why do you come to Congo?” he asked sternly. When I explained I was there for wildlife photography, his face transformed with a proud smile. “Ah! You must see our gorillas! The best in the world!” That moment taught me my first lesson about the DRC: the gap between perception and reality here is vast.

Having returned five times since then, including my most recent three-month stay in early 2024, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of safety across this massive, complex country. The Democratic Republic of Congo is not a single entity but rather a collection of regions with dramatically different safety profiles. The truth about traveling here safely requires specifics, not generalizations.

Current Security Situation in 2025

The DRC’s security landscape continues to evolve in 2025. While some regions remain challenging, others have shown significant improvement. Understanding the current situation is essential before planning your trip.

Regional Safety Assessment

Region	Safety Level	Main Concerns	Notes for Travelers
Kinshasa	Moderate	Petty theft, scams	Generally safe with normal precautions
Virunga National Park	Moderate to High Risk	Armed groups, kidnapping risks	Only visit with official tours, check current conditions
Eastern provinces (North/South Kivu)	High Risk	Active conflict, armed groups	Not recommended for tourism in 2025
Goma	Moderate to High Risk	Proximity to conflict zones	Possible with proper planning, but situation changes rapidly
Lubumbashi	Moderate	Petty crime	Relatively stable for business and tourism
Western DRC	Moderate	Infrastructure challenges	Less security concerns, more logistical challenges

After the conclusion of UN peacekeeping operations in late 2024, the security situation has evolved. The Congolese government has increased its military presence in key tourist areas, but the eastern regions continue to face significant challenges with armed groups.

“Safety in Congo is rarely about random violence, but rather being in the wrong place at the wrong time. With proper planning and local guidance, many regions can be visited safely.” – My field notes, February 2024

Recent Improvements and Developments

Several positive developments have emerged in 2025 that are worth noting:

New tourist police units in Kinshasa, Goma and Lubumbashi specifically trained to assist international visitors
Improved road conditions between major cities, reducing travel risks
Enhanced security protocols at popular tourist sites like Virunga National Park
Better cellular coverage enabling emergency communication in previously isolated areas
New international flights to Kinshasa (FIH) improving accessibility without risky overland travel

Safer Regions Worth Visiting

Despite the concerning headlines, several regions in the DRC offer rewarding experiences with manageable risk levels in 2025:

Kinshasa: The Vibrant Capital

Kinshasa remains the most accessible entry point for visitors. During my last visit, I found the city’s security significantly improved compared to five years ago. The bustling markets, vibrant nightlife of Gombe district, and the magnificent Congo River offer authentic experiences with relatively low risk.

When in Kinshasa, I recommend staying in the Gombe district where most international organizations and embassies are located. Local phrase to know: “Mbote” (Hello in Lingala) will earn you warm smiles from locals.

Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Just outside Kinshasa, this sanctuary offers one of the safest wildlife experiences in the country. My visit here in 2024 was a highlight – watching orphaned bonobos in a protected environment while contributing to conservation efforts. The sanctuary has enhanced security and is accessible as a day trip from Kinshasa.

Entry costs 50,000 Congolese Francs (approximately $25 USD), and I recommend arranging transportation through your hotel for safety.

Virunga National Park: Calculated Risk

Seeing mountain gorillas in Virunga was perhaps the most profound wildlife experience of my life, but it comes with real security considerations. In 2025, park authorities have implemented enhanced safety protocols following security incidents in previous years. Currently, the park operates with armed rangers accompanying all tourist groups.

My mistake on my first visit was booking independently. Now I strongly recommend using only the official Virunga tourism services, which include security assessments before each trek. The park sometimes closes sections temporarily based on security evaluations – respect these closures absolutely.

Practical Safety Tips from My Experience

After multiple extended stays in the DRC, I’ve developed practical safety strategies that have served me well:

Documentation and Legal Considerations

Visa process: Apply well in advance through the official DRC embassy. The 2025 tourist visa costs $160 USD and requires proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Travel permits: Internal travel permits (particularly for eastern regions) are required and must be obtained in Kinshasa.
Photocopies: Keep multiple copies of your passport and visas separate from originals. I keep digital copies in an encrypted cloud folder I can access offline.
Registration: Register with your country’s embassy upon arrival. The US Embassy in Kinshasa offers an online registration system.

Transportation Safety

Transportation presents significant risks in DRC, but there are ways to mitigate them:

Air Travel

After a harrowing experience on a questionable domestic carrier in 2019, I now exclusively fly with internationally certified airlines when traveling internally:

Congo Airways – Meets international safety standards and connects major cities
Ethiopian Airlines – Offers reliable service between Kinshasa (FIH) and Lubumbashi

Insider Tip #1: Book domestic flights at the airline office in Kinshasa rather than online for savings of 15-20%. Bring USD cash for the best rates.

Road Travel

Road conditions vary dramatically and security checkpoints are common. In 2024, I made the mistake of attempting independent road travel between Goma and Bukavu – an experience I won’t repeat. Instead:

Use recommended drivers from established hotels or tour operators
Travel only during daylight hours
Consider UN or NGO transportation when possible (through established connections)
Avoid roadblocks or suspicious checkpoints if possible

Communication and Money

Staying connected and handling money safely is crucial:

Connectivity

Purchase a local SIM card from Vodacom or Airtel upon arrival (requires passport)
Download offline maps of areas you’ll visit
Consider a satellite communicator for remote areas (I use a Garmin inReach)
Learn basic Lingala or French phrases – “Pardon, je ne comprends pas” (Sorry, I don’t understand) has gotten me out of confusing situations multiple times

Money Handling

Insider Tip #2: Bring new, unmarked USD bills printed after 2013. Many places won’t accept older or marked bills. In 2022, I was stuck with $200 in rejected notes with minor folds.

Use money belts and distribute cash in multiple secure locations
Major hotels in Kinshasa accept credit cards, but prepare for cash-only elsewhere
Exchange money only at reputable hotels or official banks
Current exchange rate (as of January, 2025): approximately $1 USD = 2,950 Congolese Francs

Health and Medical Preparedness

The smell of DEET mosquito repellent now instantly transports me back to evenings in Kinshasa. Health preparation is non-negotiable:

Vaccinations: Yellow fever (required), typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and meningitis
Malaria prophylaxis: Essential and should be started before arrival
First aid kit: Include prescription antibiotics, antimalarials, and diarrhea medication
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential; I use World Nomads with their highest coverage tier

Insider Tip #3: Centre Medical de Kinshasa in the Gombe district is the most reliable medical facility for travelers and accepts direct billing with some international insurance providers. Save their number: +243 81 700 5271.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

During my cumulative eight months in DRC, I’ve encountered or heard of these common scams:

Official Impersonators

One of my worst experiences happened at N’djili Airport when a man in an unofficial “uniform” demanded $100 for a “tourism tax.” I nearly paid before a legitimate official intervened.

How to avoid it: Request official ID and receipts for any payments. If uncertain, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or contact your hotel/embassy.

Unofficial Guides

In tourist areas, especially around Virunga, unauthorized “guides” may approach offering discounted gorilla treks or special access.

How to avoid it: Book only through official channels like the Virunga National Park website or established tour companies like Congo Travel and Tours.

Checkpoint “Fees”

Informal checkpoints may request payments for passage, especially in eastern regions.

How to avoid it: Travel with reputable drivers who understand how to navigate these situations legally, and carry only small denominations easily accessible for legitimate fees.

Special Considerations for Solo Travelers

As someone who has traveled both solo and with groups in DRC, I can offer specific advice for those going alone:

Solo Female Travelers

While I traveled as a male, I’ve gathered insights from female colleagues who have worked and traveled in DRC:

Dress modestly, particularly outside major cities
Consider hiring female guides when available (organizations like Women for Women International can sometimes provide contacts)
Be firm but respectful in declining unwanted attention
Stay in established accommodations with security

Building a Safety Network

For all solo travelers, building connections is crucial:

Connect with expatriate communities through platforms like InterNations
Attend events at cultural centers like the French Institute in Kinshasa
Consider volunteering with established NGOs as a way to gain local knowledge and connections

Environmental and Ethical Travel in DRC

Responsible travel in Congo isn’t just safer—it’s more rewarding and benefits local communities.

Sustainable Tourism Options

Some of my most meaningful experiences came through supporting conservation efforts:

Gorilla Organization – Offers community-based tourism that protects wildlife while supporting local villages
Bonobo Conservation Initiative – Provides ethical wildlife viewing opportunities
Local craft cooperatives in Kinshasa’s Matonge district that support sustainable livelihoods

Sustainability Tip that Saves Money: Bring a high-quality water filter bottle like the LifeStraw. You’ll avoid buying plastic bottles and reduce the risk of waterborne illness. This saved me roughly $300 over three months while preventing hundreds of plastic bottles from entering Congo’s waste stream.

Cultural Sensitivity

The sound of thunderous traditional drumming during a welcome ceremony in a village outside Mbandaka remains one of my most treasured memories. Such experiences come through respect:

Ask permission before photographing people
Learn basic greetings in local languages (beyond French)
Respect religious practices, particularly in rural areas
Dress modestly when visiting communities

“Motema malamu” (Lingala for “good heart”) is both a greeting and a philosophy in Congo. Approaching interactions with genuine goodwill opens doors no amount of money can.

Conclusion: My 5-Step Action Plan for Safe Travel to DRC in 2025

Is the Democratic Republic of Congo safe for travelers in 2025? The answer is nuanced: with proper preparation, realistic expectations, and the right approach, certain regions can be visited safely, offering extraordinary experiences found nowhere else on Earth.

After years of traveling throughout the country, here’s my concrete action plan for those considering a visit:

Research and risk assessment: Begin with country-specific advisories from your government and cross-reference with recent firsthand accounts from travelers. Join Facebook groups like “Expats in DRC” for current conditions.
Build a support network: Connect with reliable local contacts before arrival through established tour companies, conservation organizations, or business connections. Having someone meet you at the airport makes an enormous difference.
Create a detailed itinerary: Focus on safer regions like Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and specific secure zones within Virunga National Park. Share this with trusted contacts at home and in Congo.
Prepare comprehensive documentation: Beyond standard travel documents, secure proper permissions for photography, internal travel, and any specialized activities. Redundant copies are essential.
Establish emergency protocols: Register with your embassy, purchase comprehensive evacuation insurance, carry multiple communication devices, and establish regular check-in procedures with contacts at home.

My most important advice? Approach Congo with respect, patience, and humility. The challenges are real, but the rewards—from witnessing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat to experiencing the vibrant art scene in Kinshasa—are incomparable and life-changing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit Virunga National Park in 2025?

Virunga operates with enhanced security protocols in 2025, with trained rangers accompanying all tourist groups. Safety conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to book through official channels only and follow their security assessments. Some sections may close temporarily based on security evaluations.

What vaccines do I need for traveling to DRC?

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into DRC. Other highly recommended vaccinations include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and routine immunizations like MMR and tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all visitors.

Can I use credit cards in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Credit card acceptance is limited primarily to upscale hotels and restaurants in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Prepare to operate mostly in cash, specifically clean, unmarked US dollars printed after 2013 and local Congolese Francs for smaller purchases.

Is it safe to travel solo in DRC?

Solo travel increases risks but is possible with proper preparation. I recommend solo travelers initially connect with established tour operators or organizations and build local connections before attempting independent travel, particularly outside Kinshasa.

How reliable is internet access in the DRC?

Internet access has improved significantly in major cities, with 4G available in Kinshasa, Goma, and Lubumbashi. However, connections remain unpredictable and slow outside urban areas. Download essential information and maps for offline use, and consider a satellite communicator for remote regions.

What’s the best time of year to visit DRC?

The dry season from June to September offers the most comfortable conditions for travel, with better road access and optimal wildlife viewing. December to February provides another shorter dry period. The heaviest rains typically fall in April, October, and November, making travel more challenging.

How much should I budget for a trip to DRC?

DRC is surprisingly expensive for travelers. Budget travelers should expect minimum costs of $100-150 USD daily for basic accommodations, food, and transportation. Gorilla trekking permits cost $400 USD per person (2025 rate), and reliable transportation between cities is costly due to safety considerations. A 10-day trip including Virunga typically costs $3,000-5,000 USD excluding international flights.