by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:25 AM ET, Thu January 30, 2025
The US Department of State upgraded its travel advisory warning from Level 3 to a Level 4 for the Democractic Republic of the Congo this week, ordering the departures of all non-emergency government employees and their family members.
According to the advisory notice, Americans should avoid traveling to the DRC due to armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism. The advisory level was increased on January 28, 2025.
The advisory reads, “The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security conditions,” noting that crimes are frequent, police may be assailants in disguise and that civilians are often targeted.
“Terrorists and other armed groups have attacked military and civilian targets and represent an ongoing threat to humanitarian aid workers and other NGO personnel operating in DRC.”
What might have precipitated this new Level 4 advisory?
This week, M23 rebels, which are supported by Rwandan troops, took over eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, causing major conflict, violence and looting. The Congolese president has vowed to defend against the rebels. There are an estimated 6 million displaced persons living in or near Goma. The rebels continue advancing towards other cities.
As the country is gripped by war, rebellion and violence, travelers are urged to leave and stay out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
