Democratic Republic of the Congo – Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory Issued May 17, 2026

The Level was changed from a Level 3 to a Level 4. Do Not Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri Province in the DRC. The "Health” risk indicator was added and the “Other” indicator was removed. Advisory summary was updated. 

On May 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

 On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 

 Outbreaks of serious infectious diseases are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel. 

The local health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe. 

Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to crime, civil unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk due to armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory summary

Travel restrictions for government employees

U.S. government employees working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo need special authorization to travel outside of Kinshasa due to safety risks. The U.S. embassy has extremely limited ability to provide routine or emergency consular services outside of Kinshasa.  

Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

Crime

Petty crime is common. This includes crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing and burglary. Violent crimes include armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault. Criminals may pose as police or security agents. 

Local police do not always inform the U.S. embassy when they arrest a U.S. citizen. They may also delay access to detained U.S. citizens or use violence and threats during interrogations. 

Unrest

Demonstrations are common in many cities and can sometimes turn violent. Police may respond with force, resulting in deaths and arrests. Looting, assault, traffic obstruction, property damage, and other violent actions can happen when police don’t respond quickly, or at all. 

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: May 17, 2026