DR Congo entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd before you fly. The application asks for a digital passport photo, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and an invitation letter or hotel booking. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the approval.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your US passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. DR Congo does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. If you plan to exit overland, carry a bus or ferry booking confirmation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least $500 USD equivalent reduces questions. Cash in USD is widely accepted in Kinshasa and Goma. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter DR Congo. Airlines check this before boarding. If it's close, renew first.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card). Immigration may ask to see it on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa website (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing takes a few business days. Print the approval email.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your printed eVisa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in a folder you can access quickly at immigration.
3
Arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH)
Most US travelers fly into Kinshasa. After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation — have the hotel address ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Customs checks are random. Have your documents handy if asked.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized DRC institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for US passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $200 USD (approx. $200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration upon departure. | $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
US 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
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH) · 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedMeningitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, including urban areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 DRC.
Practical information for US 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around $100–$130 USD, depending on the type and duration. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into DR Congo. Carry the WHO-approved yellow card with you.
No. US passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
You'll need to show the approval email on your phone or have a digital copy. It's best to print two copies and keep one separate from your passport.
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.