DR Congo entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any port of entry in DR Congo. Just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash (USD). As of 2026, this is the standard way to enter for tourism or short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. Have $50 USD in cash for the single-entry visa (good for up to 30 days). The visa officer will ask for your passport, a passport photo, and your return ticket. The process takes 10–15 minutes at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Kinshasa airport ask for proof of onward travel before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination. A bus ticket to a neighboring country also works if you are leaving overland. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but the law requires proof of means to cover your stay. ATMs in Kinshasa are unreliable — bring enough USD cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Cash is king — bring USD
ATMs in DR Congo are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted at immigration. Bring enough crisp, undamaged US dollars to cover the visa fee (around $50) plus extra for taxis, food, and emergencies. Damaged or old bills may be refused.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Kinshasa (FIH), Lubumbashi (FBM), or Goma (GOM) airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and the visa fee in USD. The officer will process your visa sticker and stamp you in.
3
Collect passport and proceed
Once the visa is affixed and stamped, collect your passport. Double-check the validity dates and your name spelling before leaving the counter. Then head to baggage claim.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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 stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx.)
Apply at DR Congo embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx.)
Ideal for multiple visits; requires prior application.
Long-stay visa (business/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200–500 USD (approx.)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus tuition)
For enrolled students at a recognized DR Congo institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000–2,000 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in DR Congo business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at major entry points. | $50 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – alternativeObtainable from DR Congo embassy before travel. | $80 USD (approx.) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) – alternativeAvailable for frequent travellers; apply in advance. | $150 USD (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders transiting through DR Congo require a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 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 (including Tanzania); must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DR Congo; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks common in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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) – Kinshasa
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 southern DR Congo; similar procedures.
Practical information for TZ 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
The standard single-entry visa on arrival costs around $50–$100 USD depending on your nationality and purpose of visit. For Tanzanians, expect roughly $50 USD. Always carry extra cash in case of price changes.
No — the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes — a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at most major land borders (e.g., from Rwanda at Goma, from Uganda at Bunagana). The process is the same — cash USD, valid passport, and onward ticket. Smaller crossings may have limited hours.
No — only cash in US dollars is accepted. ATMs are scarce and often out of order. Bring enough USD for the visa fee plus a buffer for emergencies.
Yes — any onward ticket (flight, bus, or boat) out of DR Congo works. A bus ticket to a neighbouring country is fine. Just have proof of departure.
Usually 15–30 minutes at major airports. At busy times (e.g., multiple flights arriving together), it can take up to an hour. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
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.