DR Congo entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. You must apply online before you travel. From 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required for all UK passport holders | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd before travel. The application asks for a digital photo, passport scan, and travel itinerary. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you receive the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months 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 in Kinshasa routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may not accept a phone screen. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in DR Congo can speed up immigration. Officers sometimes ask where you are staying — having a printed confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash in US dollars (the most widely accepted currency) or a debit/credit card that works internationally. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — having $200–$300 in cash per week is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Yellow fever card is mandatory
You will not be allowed through immigration without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel — it takes that long to become effective.
eVisa processing times vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The official site (visa.gouv.cd) can be slow — don't leave it to the last minute.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa and pack supporting documents
Once approved, print the eVisa confirmation. Also print or save on your phone: your return flight ticket, first night hotel booking, and yellow fever certificate. Keep them all together in a folder.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (Kinshasa)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, yellow fever card, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp — check it's dated correctly before leaving the counter.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. £80)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. £160)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. £120)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400)
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. £160)
For enrolled students at a DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. £800)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy. | $100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $200 USD (approx. £160) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap, but may lead to deportation. | $10 USD per day (approx. £8) |
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
UK passport holders transiting through DRC airports (e.g., N'djili) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH) · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM)
Health & vaccines for DR Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are 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) Headquarters
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.
Practical information for GB 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
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no official expedited option, but paying a higher fee (around $100) sometimes speeds things up.
No. The eVisa is mandatory for British passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival facility. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application is incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the 6-month validity rule. You'll be notified by email. You can reapply with corrected information — no refund of the first fee.
Yes. It's a legal entry requirement. You must show the yellow card at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be denied entry or forced to get a vaccination at the airport (which is not always available).
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new eVisa. Plan your trip accordingly.
The local currency is the Congolese franc (CDF). US dollars are widely accepted in Kinshasa, especially for hotels and larger purchases. Bring crisp, new $100 bills — old or damaged notes are often refused. ATMs are unreliable.
DR Congo has security risks, especially outside Kinshasa. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. In Kinshasa, stay in well-known hotels, avoid walking at night, and use trusted taxis. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
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.