DR Congo entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to DR Congo. There is no visa on arrival. The process is straightforward but requires careful document preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required for Saudi Arabian passport holders | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd before departure. The online form asks for passport details, travel dates, and a recent photo. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you receive a PDF by email — print two copies to carry with you.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Saudi passport needs at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. 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 ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport (FIH) and Lubumbashi Airport (FBM) routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Officers may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process or at the immigration desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly $200–$300 for your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but the eVisa application may ask for a financial declaration. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Saudi passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained online before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd and complete the application. Upload your passport scan, photo, and travel details. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive the eVisa by email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need it at check-in and at immigration in Kinshasa or other entry points.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and paper backups in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at DR Congo airport
At N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa or other entry airports, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from baggage claim. You may be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for entry). Then proceed through customs.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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)
Apply at embassy or online; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from DR Congo company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For those with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those investing at least $50,000 in a DR Congo business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 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
Saudi Arabia 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
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 or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; outbreaks occur.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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 DR Congo.
Practical information for SA 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
No. DR Congo does not offer visa on arrival for Saudi nationals. You must obtain an eVisa before travel.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid delays.
The official fee varies by nationality and visa type. Check the visa portal at visa.gouv.cd for the current amount. Expect around $50–$100 USD.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) and be prepared to show it at immigration.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires. Contact the DR Congo immigration office in Kinshasa for guidance.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
DR Congo has areas with security risks. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Stick to major cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, and avoid conflict zones. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.