DR Congo entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply at visa.gouv.cd at least 7 days before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and costs around $100 USD — pay online with a credit card.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask for it during the entry interview. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers occasionally ask to see proof you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for entry | You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. | Required |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
eVisa is the only option for Emiratis
There is no visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must get the eVisa before you travel. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print two copies — one to hand to immigration, one as backup. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
Standard eVisa for tourism, non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 734 AED)
Allows multiple entries, suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 551 AED)
Requires invitation letter from Congolese company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,835 AED)
For those with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 734 AED)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in DR Congo. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 3,670 AED)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for up to 90 days from issue. | $100 USD (approx. 367 AED) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstay, no maximum cap reported. | $10 USD per day (approx. 37 AED) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through DR Congo
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through DR Congo airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH), Kinshasa · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) · Goma International Airport (GOM)
Health & vaccines for DR Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water, especially in rural areas.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kinshasa
Direction Générale de Migration (DGM)
Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern DR Congo. Limited services.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalKinshasa
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCongolese franc (CDF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,290.66 CDF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,ETypes C, D, and E plugs are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around $100–$150 depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Check the visa portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
No. Even for transit, you need a visa unless you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. Check with your airline.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You'll get a refund minus a processing fee. Reapply with corrected documents.
Safety varies by region. Kinshasa and Goma are generally fine for short stays, but avoid eastern provinces near the border. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.