DR Congo entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, you must apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before travel. The portal accepts passport scans and a digital photo — processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the immigration desk in Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Swiss passport needs at least 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date from 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 ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone ready — they will not accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in DR Congo smooth the entry process. Officers rarely demand it, but having a printed copy avoids secondary questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. ATMs in Kinshasa are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Swiss passport holders
You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Without it, you will be denied entry and sent back. Apply at least a week in advance.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before your trip and carry the card with your passport.
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 with a credit card. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration in Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Keep them in your hand luggage — not checked bags.
4
Go through immigration at the airport
At N'djili Airport (Kinshasa) or Luano Airport (Lubumbashi), join the foreign passport queue. Present your passport, eVisa, and supporting documents. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly and politely.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no separate arrival form to fill out. You're free to leave the airport once you have your bags.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$95 USD (approx. CHF 85)
Apply at DRC embassy; requires passport, photos, and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, max 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$190 USD (approx. CHF 170)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. CHF 135)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. CHF 180) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a DRC company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
For enrolled students at a DRC institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permit.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. CHF 450)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $95 USD (approx. CHF 85) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged at immigration upon departure for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (approx. CHF 9), max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Swiss passport holders transiting through DRC airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid DRC visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
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; recommended for all visitors due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC, including urban areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 DRC. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for CH 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 = 2,250.69 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around $100–$150 depending on the type and duration. 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 or check with immigration in Kinshasa for other options.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Swiss passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
Safety varies by region. Kinshasa and Goma are generally okay for short stays, but check your government's travel advisory. Avoid eastern conflict zones. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
No, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your Swiss license. You can get an IDP from the Swiss automobile club before you go.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.