Africa

DR Congo Crime Rate & Safety

Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for DR Congo

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US State Department Travel Advisory

Do Not Travel

Updated June 4, 2026

Detailed homicide statistics are not currently available for DR Congo. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates DR Congo at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.

Homicide Rate

N/A

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Safety Rank

N/A

🛡️

Travel Advisory

Level 4 of 4

✈️

Data Year

N/A

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Armed Conflict Context

DR Congo has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.

Battle-Related Deaths

1,138(2024)

Military Spending

1.2% GDP(2024)

Safety for Travelers

Summary of the current US State Department advisory for DR Congo:

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Do Not Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the EbolaBundibugyo Virus Diseaseoutbreakin Ituri Province in the DRC. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to crime , unrest , terrorism, kidnapping, and health. Advisory summary The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to the health situation. Health The U.S.

Level 1

Exercise Normal Precautions

Level 2

Exercise Increased Caution

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Level 4

Do Not Travel

Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov →

Safety Guidance for DR Congo

Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated March 17, 2023).

Terrorism

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime

Crimes of opportunity (mainly for financial gain) are the most reported incidents of crime against U.S. citizens in Kinshasa and throughout the DRC. Most incidents involve theft such as pickpocketing, burglary, and robbery. Petty crime may be more likely in public places and areas of congregation. Criminal elements do not typically single out U.S. citizens, but may view them as targets of opportunity based on perceived affluence or vulnerability.

Roadblocks

Security forces set up spontaneous roadblocks, especially after dark, to conduct vehicle searches and check identity papers. They may also solicit bribes. Remain inside your vehicle with doors locked and open the window slightly to communicate. Remain calm and, if threatened, do not resist.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and gatherings occur with increasing frequency and with little notice. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on significant holidays, and during international events. Police have at times responded to demonstrations with heavy-handed tactics that resulted in civilian casualties and arrests. In the eastern DRC, demonstrations can rapidly become extrajudicial mobs and turn violent, posing a threat to humanitarian aid workers and other personnel operating in the area. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check U.S. Embassy messaging and local media for updates and advisories. Monitor consular Alerts and messages and local and international news from reliable sources. English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.6 FM.

International Financial Scams

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Kidnapping for Ransom

The risk of kidnapping for ransom exists throughout the country, but is more common in eastern DRC. International humanitarian workers have been targeted. Reports of kidnapping of a U.S. citizen should be passed to the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Victims of Crime

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at +243 81-555-5944 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +243 97 261- 6145. Dial 112 to contact the police in an emergency in Kinshasa. Remember local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

Domestic Violence

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism

The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are limited and are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance, especially given the current COVID-19 pandemic. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

About This Data

Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.

Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.