Reconsider Visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The U.S. Department of State today updated its travel advisory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Level 3 status.

As of August 12, 2025, this U.S. government Reconsider Travel advisory also includes Level 4 status for various areas in North and South Kivu of this African country.

Additionally, the U.S. government cannot provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security risks. Due to the risks, personnel have limited mobility, and minor dependents cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in the DRC.

Suppose you decide to travel to the DRC in late 2025. In that case, the State Department recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive digital alerts from the U.S Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Separately, the U.S. CDC has included the DRC in two recent Travel Health Advisories targeting polio and measles outbreaks.

The CDC suggests international travelers speak with a vaccine advisor regarding routine and additional immunization options (chikungunya, cholera, and yellow fever) at least one month before departure.

Various retailers in the United States offer travel vaccine services.