DR Congo entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes a few days. As of 2026, this is the standard way to enter for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | 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 Madagascar passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. DR Congo does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your trip. Airlines at departure may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Without one, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged hotel. A hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in DR Congo covers this. Keep a printed copy in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement or a credit card with a sufficient limit. There is no fixed minimum amount published, but having the equivalent of $200–$300 USD in cash or on card is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter DR Congo. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which is not always available.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough US dollars in cash for your entire stay. ATMs exist but are unreliable and often out of order.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to visa.gouv.cd and fill out the online application. Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on nationality). Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
2
Prepare your documents
Print the eVisa approval, or save it on your phone. Also have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation ready. Keep a screenshot of each on your phone in case you don't have internet at the airport.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (Kinshasa)
When you land, go to the immigration desk. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly. You'll get an entry stamp. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim. Then proceed to customs. You may be asked to open your bags. Once cleared, you're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Apply at DRC embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Requires company invitation letter and proof of business.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a DRC company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrollment in a recognized DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if overstaying visa validity; pay at immigration office. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application form20%
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through DRC airports 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; Madagascar is considered endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice safe food and water precautions.
EbolaLow risk
Sporadic outbreaks in remote areas; follow health alerts.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication like doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.
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 extensions; expect delays.
Practical information for MG 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
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is mandatory for Madagascar passport holders. You must have it approved before you fly. Airlines check this before boarding.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected info. Contact the DR Congo embassy in Antananarivo for help.
Yes. DR Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask for it.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa, or contact the immigration office in Kinshasa before your current visa expires.
US dollars are widely accepted. Bring crisp, new bills (no tears or marks). The local currency is the Congolese franc (CDF), but dollars are preferred for hotels and larger purchases.
Safety varies by region. Kinshasa and major cities are generally safe for daytime travel, but avoid walking alone at night. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Register with your embassy on arrival.
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.