DR Congo entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The application is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 7 days before departure. The online form asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online — expect approval within 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Portuguese passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for a printed return or onward ticket. Have a copy ready — they check dates against your eVisa validity. Without it, expect to be questioned and potentially denied entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Officers sometimes ask for this during secondary inspection. A simple booking confirmation with your name and dates works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a recent bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover your stay. A balance equivalent to $500–$1,000 USD is usually sufficient. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Portuguese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines check this at check-in.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, flight tickets, and hotel booking on your phone. Internet can be patchy, so download them for offline access.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal 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 save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, make sure you have: your passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them together in a folder.
4
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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. €92)
Apply at DR Congo embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Good for frequent travellers; same requirements as single.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
Requires proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €276)
For those with a job offer in DR Congo. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. €138)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For investors with significant capital in DR Congo. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. €138) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9.20) |
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
Portugal holders transiting through DR Congo airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
- No visa needed for airside transit only.
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; may be required for all entrants.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 (DGM)
Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa issues in the south.
Practical information for PT 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 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is mandatory for Portuguese passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for tourism or business.
The official fee is around $100 USD (subject to change). You pay online during the application. Check the portal for the current amount.
Yes, at least one blank page for the entry stamp. More is better if you travel frequently.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the embassy in Lisbon if you need help.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. For longer stays, you'd need a different visa type (e.g., work or student visa) arranged before travel.
Security varies by region. Kinshasa and Goma are generally fine for short business trips, but check your government's travel advisory. Avoid eastern provinces near the border with Rwanda unless you have a specific reason.
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.