Democratic Republic of the Congo Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) requires most international visitors to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Entry requirements are strictly enforced, and travelers should ensure all documentation is in order before departure. The DRC immigration system has been modernizing, with an e-visa system available for many nationalities, though processing times can vary significantly. All visitors must have a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay and at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Upon arrival at major ports of entry including N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa and other international airports, travelers will undergo immigration and customs checks. The process can be time-consuming, and officials may be thorough in their examination of documents. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry, and proof must be presented at immigration. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays and ensure they have all required documentation readily accessible. The security situation in the DRC requires careful consideration, and travelers should register with their embassy upon arrival. It is essential to stay informed about current conditions in areas you plan to visit, as some regions may have travel restrictions. The DRC uses French as its official language, so having documents translated or a French-speaking contact can be beneficial during the entry process.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo requires visas for nearly all foreign nationals. Very few countries enjoy visa-free access. Most travelers can apply through the e-visa system, though some nationalities must apply at an embassy or consulate.

Visa-Free Entry

Varies by agreement

Extremely limited visa-free access to the DRC

Includes

Very limited - primarily diplomatic passport holders from select African nations

Standard passport holders from virtually all countries require a visa. Some SADC member states may have special arrangements, but travelers should verify current status before travel.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Typically 30 days for tourist visas, with options for single or multiple entry

Most nationalities can apply for an e-visa online prior to travel

Includes

How to Apply: Apply online through the official DRC e-visa portal (evisa.gouv.cd) at least 7-10 business days before travel. Upload required documents including passport copy, photo, yellow fever certificate, and proof of accommodation. Processing typically takes 3-10 business days but can be longer.
Cost: Approximately USD $100-$200 depending on visa type and duration. Single entry tourist visas typically cost around USD $100-$150.

Print the approved e-visa and present it upon arrival. Some travelers report inconsistent processing times. Payment is usually made online via credit card. Keep copies of all application documents.

Embassy Visa Required

Typically 30-90 days depending on visa type

Some nationalities or visa types require application at a DRC embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at the nearest DRC embassy or consulate. Required documents typically include passport (valid 6+ months), application form, passport photos, yellow fever certificate, invitation letter or proof of accommodation, and visa fee. Processing can take 5-15 business days or longer.

Work visas, business visas for certain purposes, and journalist visas typically require embassy application. Some nationalities not eligible for e-visa must apply through embassy. Requirements vary by embassy, so contact them directly before applying.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, travelers will proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection. The process can be lengthy, particularly at N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa. Officials may be thorough in document checks, and patience is essential.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, visa (printed e-visa or visa stamp), yellow fever vaccination certificate, and completed arrival card. Immigration officers will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with entry permission. Ensure you receive the correct stamp and duration of stay.

Health Screening

Yellow fever vaccination certificates are checked, sometimes at a separate health desk before or after immigration. Temperature checks and health questionnaires may be required depending on current health protocols. Keep your vaccination certificate easily accessible.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Baggage handling can be slow, and porters may offer assistance (tipping expected if used). Verify all bags are accounted for before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if required. Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances, large amounts of currency, or restricted items. Proceed through the appropriate customs channel (goods to declare or nothing to declare).

Customs Inspection

Customs officers may inspect luggage, either randomly or based on declaration. Be cooperative and honest about contents. Electronic devices, particularly cameras and video equipment, may receive special attention. Keep receipts for expensive items.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals hall. Arrange pre-booked transportation or use official taxi services. Be cautious with personal belongings and avoid unofficial 'helpers' or money changers.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Damaged passports may be rejected.

Visa

Printed e-visa approval or visa stamp in passport. Ensure visa type matches purpose of visit and dates are correct.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory for all travelers over 9 months old. Must be the official International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) with valid yellow fever stamp administered at least 10 days before travel.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from DRC, either return ticket or onward travel to another country. May be checked at immigration.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you will stay in DRC. Required for visa application and may be requested at entry.

Sufficient Funds

Proof of adequate financial means for your stay (cash, credit cards, bank statements). Immigration may request evidence you can support yourself.

Invitation Letter (if applicable)

If visiting for business or staying with friends/family, a formal invitation letter from the DRC host may be required, sometimes notarized.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with multiple copies of all important documents (passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, hotel confirmations) in case originals are temporarily retained or additional copies requested.

Have small denomination US dollars available for any unexpected fees or tips. Ensure bills are new and in good condition (no tears or excessive wear) as damaged bills may be rejected.

Learn basic French phrases or have a translator app ready, as most immigration and customs officials speak French rather than English.

Be patient and courteous with officials. The entry process can be slow, and maintaining a respectful demeanor will facilitate smoother processing.

Keep your yellow fever vaccination certificate in your passport at all times during your stay, as it may be checked at internal checkpoints or when departing.

Photograph or scan all important documents and store them in cloud storage or email them to yourself for emergency access.

Arrange airport pickup in advance with your hotel or a reputable company. Avoid unofficial taxi drivers and money changers at the airport.

Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival in Kinshasa or other major cities for safety and to receive important updates.

Ensure your visa validity covers your entire intended stay with a buffer period. Overstaying can result in significant fines and complications.

Customs & Duty-Free

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has specific customs regulations regarding what can be brought into the country. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form and may be subject to baggage inspection. It is important to declare all items that exceed duty-free allowances or fall into restricted categories.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol for commercial purposes requires special permits.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Tobacco products exceeding this amount are subject to duty.

Currency

Amounts over USD $10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Declare all currency on arrival and departure. Keep declaration forms for exit. Both foreign currency and Congolese Francs must be declared if exceeding limits. Undeclared amounts may be confiscated.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to approximately USD $200-300 value

Items clearly for personal use during stay are generally permitted. New items in commercial quantities will be questioned. Professional equipment may require documentation.

Perfume

Reasonable quantity for personal use (typically 50ml perfume and 250ml eau de toilette)

Larger quantities may be considered commercial and subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - unless proper permits obtained in advance
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - subject to confiscation
Pornographic materials - prohibited under DRC law
Items depicting or insulting the DRC flag or national symbols
Endangered species products - ivory, certain animal skins, protected wildlife products without CITES permits
Hazardous materials and explosives - except with special authorization

Restricted Items

Professional photography and video equipment - may require special permits, especially for journalism. Declare all professional equipment and be prepared to explain its purpose.
Drones and UAVs - require special authorization from aviation and security authorities. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated.
Satellite phones and certain communication equipment - may require permits from telecommunications authorities
Prescription medications - must be accompanied by doctor's prescription and should be in original packaging with labels. Carry only reasonable quantities for personal use.
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products - require phytosanitary certificates and inspection
Pets and animals - require health certificates, rabies vaccination proof, and import permits (see special situations)
Precious metals and gems - may require documentation, particularly if in commercial quantities
Cultural artifacts and antiquities - export of Congolese cultural items is strictly controlled; importing foreign antiquities may require documentation

Health Requirements

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has mandatory health requirements for entry, most notably the yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should also take precautions against other diseases prevalent in the region.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older. Must have valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. This is strictly enforced at entry.

Recommended Vaccinations

Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers with specific risk factors
Malaria prophylaxis - The DRC is a high-risk malaria zone; antimalarial medication is strongly recommended
Polio - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccinations are current
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended, particularly during dry season
Cholera - Consider for travelers to areas with active outbreaks
Tetanus-Diphtheria - Ensure boosters are current

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in the DRC are limited, and serious conditions may require evacuation to South Africa or Europe. Ensure your policy covers the DRC specifically, as some insurers exclude high-risk countries. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers readily accessible.

Current Health Requirements: Check current health requirements before travel, as they may change based on disease outbreaks or global health situations. COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements may still be in effect - verify current protocols with your airline and the DRC embassy. Monitor updates from WHO and CDC regarding disease outbreaks in the DRC. Consider consulting a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized health advice and necessary vaccinations.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Kinshasa

Register with your embassy upon arrival. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure. Most embassies are located in the Gombe district of Kinshasa.

Immigration Authority - Direction Générale de Migration (DGM)

Official DRC immigration authority for visa extensions and immigration matters

For e-visa applications, visit evisa.gouv.cd. For visa extensions or immigration issues in country, contact local DGM offices.

Emergency Services

Police: 112 or 113 (though response may be limited)

Emergency services infrastructure is limited. Contact your embassy immediately in case of serious emergency. Consider having local contacts or hotel assistance for emergencies.

N'djili International Airport (Kinshasa)

Main international airport - FIH

Limited English spoken; French is primary language. Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For official inquiries regarding visas and diplomatic matters

Contact through DRC embassy in your country for most inquiries.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. Yellow fever vaccination is required for children over 9 months old. If traveling with only one parent or with non-parents, carry notarized consent letters from absent parent(s) authorizing travel, in both English and French if possible. Birth certificates should be carried. Unaccompanied minors require special documentation and advance arrangements with airlines. Some airlines do not permit unaccompanied minors to the DRC.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit from DRC veterinary authorities, obtained in advance. Required documents include: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of other vaccinations, and microchip information. Some airlines have restrictions on pet travel to the DRC. Quarantine may be required upon arrival. Contact the DRC embassy for current requirements and to obtain import permits well in advance of travel.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days. Extensions can be requested through the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) offices in major cities before visa expiration. Extension requests require passport, current visa, proof of accommodation, reason for extension, and fees (approximately USD $50-100). Processing can take several days to weeks. For stays longer than 90 days, consider applying for a long-stay visa or temporary residence permit. Work in the DRC requires a work permit and appropriate visa category obtained before arrival. Overstaying your visa results in fines (approximately USD $25-50 per day) and potential deportation.

Business Travelers

Business visas require an invitation letter from a DRC-based company or organization, often notarized. The letter should detail the purpose and duration of visit. Business travelers may need to provide company registration documents and proof of business activities. Multiple-entry business visas are available for frequent travelers. Some business activities may require additional permits from relevant ministries. Journalists and media professionals require special accreditation from the Ministry of Information and must obtain journalist visas.

Dual Nationals

Travelers with dual nationality including DRC citizenship must enter and exit the DRC using their Congolese passport. Other nationalities' passports will not be accepted for DRC citizens. Contact the DRC embassy for guidance on documentation requirements for dual nationals.

Overland Entry

Entry by land is possible at official border crossings with neighboring countries (Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, Central African Republic). Ensure your visa is valid for the intended entry point. Some borders have limited hours of operation. Security situations at borders can be unpredictable; check current conditions before attempting overland travel. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required at all entry points.