DR Congo entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The process is entirely online, and you must have your approval printed before you travel. As of 2026, there are no visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for Japanese citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd before you fly. The online form asks for a passport scan, a passport photo, and your travel itinerary. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Japanese passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. DR Congo does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — the passport just needs to be valid for the dates you are in the country. Airlines may still check for 6 months, so carry a printout of the official rule if challenged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration will ask for it | Officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed flight itinerary or e-ticket showing your departure from DR Congo. A refundable ticket works if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask where you are staying on arrival. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works — just make sure it covers your first few nights. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. DR Congo is a cash-heavy country — US dollars are widely accepted, but bring crisp, new bills (post-2013 series) as older notes are often rejected. | Recommended |
Print your eVisa — phone screens are not accepted
DR Congo immigration requires a physical printed copy of your eVisa approval. A screenshot on your phone will not be accepted. Print it before you leave home.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccine and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card). Immigration may ask for it on arrival. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd and fill out the application. You'll need a digital passport photo, a scan of your passport bio page, and your flight and accommodation details. Pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF by email. Print it out — don't rely on having it on your phone. You'll need to show the printed copy at airline check-in and to immigration on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Japan, the airline will check your passport validity, eVisa approval, and onward ticket. Have all three ready at the check-in counter.
4
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Apply at DRC embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (visitor)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$300 USD (approx. 300 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a DRC employer. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized DRC institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1000 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Japanese passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if stay exceeds eVisa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Japanese passport holders transiting through DRC airports (e.g., N'djili Airport) 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis.
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.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern DRC.
Practical information for JP 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 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around $100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. The exact amount depends on the current exchange rate and any service fees. You'll pay online by credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the Yellow Card) — immigration may ask to see it on arrival.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline in Japan. Even if you somehow get to DR Congo, immigration will not let you enter without the printed approval. Always carry a physical copy.
Safety varies greatly by region. Kinshasa and Goma are generally fine for short visits with proper precautions, but many areas are unsafe due to conflict and crime. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Yes, but roaming from Japanese carriers is expensive. Get a local SIM at the airport or an eSIM from Airalo before you go. Data is cheap and reliable in major cities.
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.