Is it safe to travel to Democratic Republic of Congo?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo was the site of Africa's great war, which decimated the country. Despite the fact that the war ended in 2003, the UN and the Peace Corps continue to monitor security due to the insecurity and turbulent situation. The UN was able to secure a deal to halt the uprising in the country's east in early 2013.
Despite this, the security situation throughout the country is extremely precarious due to armed troop skirmishes that risk not only visitors but also civilians, the difference being knowledge and knowing how to navigate the country. On the other side, many embassies from many nations warn against visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Due to the insecurity and poor state of public transportation and road travel, extreme caution is advised. Extortion at border checkpoints by migration agents, on the other hand, is frequent, particularly at the Ndjili airport, the Ngobila river port for individuals entering the Democratic Republic of the Congo from Brazzaville, and the land border with Angola, Rwanda, and Zambia.
Keep in mind that traveling north and east as a tourist is not encouraged. Travelers should not enter or exit by land since there are an increasing number of "express kidnappings" and attacks, of which foreigners who drive or walk through Kinshasa's downtown without taking the appropriate measures are victims. Most of these kidnappings are carried out by impersonating police officers. The goal is to steal the cash that is carried and then proceed to ATMs to obtain the maximum amount permissibly. Injuries and blows are frequently associated with theft. There has also been a rise in youth gang activity in the capital and other cities across the country, including Lubumbashi. As a result, strolling alone in Congo Kinshasa and other cities is legally forbidden, particularly at night, and it is recommended to drive in vehicles with the windows closed and the door lock activated, as the dangers of visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be considered seriously.
