DR Congo entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply online before you travel; as of 2026, there are no visa-on-arrival options for Italian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd at least 7 days before departure. The application requires a passport scan, a passport-style photo, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and the eVisa is valid for a single entry up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Italian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into DR Congo. Airlines at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they will not let you through without it. | Required |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Mandatory for all travellers | You must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. This is checked at immigration and also required for the eVisa application — no exceptions. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Immigration may ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host in DR Congo. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone to avoid delays. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination. Immigration officers at N'djili Airport routinely check for it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
Local SIM or eSIM recommended
Mobile data in DR Congo is expensive and unreliable. Get an Airalo eSIM before you travel — it activates the moment you land and saves you from queuing at airport kiosks.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill out the application form, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email.
2
Print your eVisa and pack supporting documents
Print at least two copies of the eVisa. Also print your return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance certificate. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes if you have all documents ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then go through customs (usually a quick bag scan). You're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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. €92)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$500 USD (approx. €460)
Requires invitation from a Congolese company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For those with a job offer from a Congolese employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of employment.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in DRC. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Italian passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9.20) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Italian passport holders transiting through DRC airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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; recommended for all visitors due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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
Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Lubumbashi
Provincial Immigration Office
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For travellers in the Katanga region.
Practical information for IT 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. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official fee is around $100 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Payment is made online during the application. Check visa.gouv.cd for the latest amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). Immigration may ask to see it.
No. Even for transit, you need a visa unless you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Immigration officers at N'djili Airport expect to see a printed copy. A digital version on your phone may not be accepted. Print at least two copies before you travel.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival for Italian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight.
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.