DR Congo entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to DR Congo. There is no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the application is done entirely online.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd. The application requires a digital photo, passport scan, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Sri Lankan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from DR Congo. Airlines at Colombo check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave DR Congo before your visa expires. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways enforce this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo ready. Officers at immigration may ask for the address and phone number of where you are staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. DR Congo is a cash-heavy country — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Kinshasa. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival in DR Congo. The eVisa must be approved and printed before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before letting you check in.
Yellow fever vaccine required
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 at the airport — which can be expensive and inconvenient.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo eVisa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your 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 by email. Print at least two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as backup. Save a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Arrive at the airport in DR Congo
At N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa or other international airports, proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. You'll get an entry stamp. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Show accommodation and insurance if asked
Immigration officers may ask for your hotel booking and proof of insurance. Have them ready on your phone or printed. It's rare but better to be prepared.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD per year
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Sri Lanka passport holders. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained at embassy. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (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
Sri Lanka 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Common in urban areas during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout DR Congo, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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, visa, and proof of funds.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern DR Congo. Same requirements as Kinshasa.
Practical information for LK 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
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option listed on the official portal.
The official eVisa fee is not fixed on the portal — it varies by nationality and duration. Expect around $50–$100 USD. Check the visa.gouv.cd site for the exact amount when you apply.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and reapply, or check with the immigration office in Kinshasa for a possible change of status — but that's not guaranteed.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before you travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
DR Congo has security risks in certain regions, especially the east. Kinshasa and major cities are generally safer for short stays. Check your government's travel advisory and consider hiring a local guide or driver.
The local currency is the Congolese franc (CDF). US dollars are widely accepted for larger transactions. Bring crisp, new USD bills (no older than 2009) — torn or marked notes are often refused. ATMs are unreliable outside Kinshasa.
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.