Visa requirements

Congo (Democratic Republic of the)

General visa requirements for travelling to Congo (Democratic Republic of the). These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 11-13 working days (8-11 urgent, 5-8 super urgent)
Fee: Free
Validity: Duration of diplomatic assignment
Entry: Single entry

Diplomatic and official visas issued for ambassadors, consuls, senior officials on diplomatic missions, and government representatives. No visa fees for diplomatic passport holders. Processing times vary based on urgency level.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Diplomatic mission, official government business, international organization duties, diplomatic conferences
Includes
- diplomatic mission
- official government business
- international organization duties
- diplomatic conferences

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Diplomatic note or invitation from DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant government body
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Diplomatic Visa Application Form
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain diplomatic note and official letter from sending government
Document submission
Submit diplomatic visa application through diplomatic channels to DRC embassy
Processing wait
Standard processing 11-13 working days, urgent 8-11 days, super urgent 5-8 days
Visa collection
Collect diplomatic visa from embassy

Transit visa (Transit E-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 7 days
Processing time: 5 business days
Fee: $100 USD (plus $90 USD VAP border fee)
Validity: 7 days
Entry: Single entry

Transit visa required even for airport layovers. Valid for 7 days single entry. Must show proof of onward travel to final destination.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Airport transit, transit to third country
Includes
- airport transit
- transit to third country

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Transit Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.gouv.cd/
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment, cash at border; Amount: $190 USD total ($100 e-visa + $90 VAP border fee)
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: International yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Online application
Apply for transit visa online via evisa.gouv.cd
Document gathering
Prepare passport, onward flight ticket, yellow fever certificate
Fee payment
Pay transit visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for approval
Visa collection
Receive e-visa and pay VAP fee at airport

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Tourist visa (Zimbabwe Tourist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 10 business days
Fee: $50 USD
Validity: 30 days
Entry: Single entry

As of April 2025, Zimbabwe transport drivers visa exemption was abolished. Regular Zimbabwean citizens require visa.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Visa Application Form
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required, must be obtained at least 10 days before travel; Validity months: 120

Medical visa (Medical Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 10 business days
Fee: $100 USD
Validity: Based on medical treatment duration
Entry: Single entry

Medical visa for patients seeking medical treatment in DRC. Requires official invitation from DRC medical facility on letterhead with treatment details. Must demonstrate financial ability to cover medical costs. Duration based on treatment plan provided by hospital.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Medical treatment, hospitalization, specialized medical procedures
Includes
- medical treatment
- hospitalization
- specialized medical procedures
Financial
Must demonstrate financial capacity to pay for medical treatment and related expenses

Minimum funds: Sufficient for medical costs

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-style photograph
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Covers medical expenses; Months required: 3
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, financial guarantee; Minimum amount: Sufficient to pay for medical treatment and hospitalization costs
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Proof of accommodation during medical treatment period; Must cover full stay: No
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from DRC hospital or medical facility on official letterhead detailing treatment plan, duration, start/end dates, and facility credentials
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

Required tests: As required by authorities
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Medical Visa Application Form
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Money order, cashier's check, certified check; Amount: $100 USD
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain hospital invitation letter, medical certificate, proof of treatment costs and financial capacity
Document submission
Submit medical visa application with all medical documentation to DRC embassy
Fee payment
Pay visa application fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect approved medical visa

Business visa (Business E-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 5 business days
Fee: $100 USD (plus $90 USD VAP border fee)
Validity: 30 days
Entry: Single entry

Business visa for commercial activities. Difficult to obtain business visa if initial entry was on tourist visa. Many embassies do not issue business entry visas separately. Valid for 30 days single entry.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, trade activities, commercial negotiations
Includes
- business meetings
- conferences
- trade activities
- commercial negotiations

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-style photograph taken within last 6 months
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds; Months required: 3
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Business invitation letter from company or organization in DRC stating purpose, duration, and sponsor details
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Online Business Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.gouv.cd/
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment, cash at border; Amount: $190 USD total ($100 e-visa + $90 VAP border fee)
Hotel booking
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: No
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Online application
Complete business visa application online at evisa.gouv.cd
Document gathering
Gather business invitation, employer letter, financial documents, and travel documents
Fee payment
Pay business visa fee online
Processing wait
Wait for visa approval
Visa collection
Receive e-visa via email and pay VAP fee at entry point

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 10 business days
Fee: $100 USD
Validity: Duration of program (renewable)
Entry: Single entry

Student visa requires admission to registered DRC educational institution. Duration based on program length. May require residence permit for stays longer than 90 days. Extensions processed through immigration offices in DRC.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Full-time study, academic program enrollment, university education
Includes
- full-time study
- academic program enrollment
- university education

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-style photograph taken within last 6 months
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Demonstrates financial capacity; Months required: 3
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, financial guarantee; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Proof of accommodation arrangements in DRC; Must cover full stay: No
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Student Visa Application Form
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Money order, cashier's check, certified check; Amount: $100 USD
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.

Must be current: No; Must be original: No
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain admission letter from DRC institution, gather academic records, proof of funds, and accommodation proof
Online application
Complete student visa application form online or at embassy
Document submission
Submit application with all supporting documents to DRC embassy or consulate
Fee payment
Pay student visa fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing
Visa collection
Collect approved student visa from embassy or via mail

Tourist visa (Visa on Arrival for Mauritius)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa on arrival

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: Varies
Validity: 30 days
Entry: Single entry

Mauritius citizens and individuals with DRC heritage can obtain visa on arrival

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required; Validity months: 120

Tourist visa (6-Month Multiple Entry Tourist E-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 180 days
Processing time: 5 business days
Fee: $450 USD (plus $90 USD VAP border fee)
Validity: 6 months (must be used within 3 months from issue)
Entry: Multiple entry

Six-month multiple entry tourist visa. Allows stays up to 180 days total. Must be used within 3 months from issue. 90 USD VAP fee required on each entry.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-style photograph taken within last 6 months
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Demonstrates financial capacity; Months required: 3
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Notarized letter of invitation or letter stating purpose and itinerary
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Online E-Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.gouv.cd/
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment, cash at border; Amount: $540 USD total ($450 e-visa + $90 VAP border fee)
Hotel booking
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: No
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Online application
Complete online application for 6-month multiple entry visa
Document gathering
Prepare all required documents including passport, photos, financial proof
Fee payment
Pay $450 USD e-visa fee online
Processing wait
Wait for approval
Visa collection
Receive e-visa via email and pay $90 USD VAP fee at border

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Tourist visa (30-Day Tourist E-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 5 business days (3 days with urgent processing)
Fee: $100 USD (plus $90 USD VAP border fee)
Validity: 3 months from date of issue
Entry: Single entry

One-month tourist e-visa. Must be used within 3 months from issue date. 90 USD VAP border fee is mandatory for all e-visa holders. Extensions available inside DRC at immigration offices for approximately 50 USD.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Tourism, leisure, visiting friends/family
Includes
- tourism
- leisure
- visiting friends/family

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: One passport-style photograph (2x2 inches) taken within last 6 months
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay; Months required: 3
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, financial guarantee; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for trip duration
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Notarized letter of invitation from tourism agency or private host in DRC, OR notarized letter stating purpose of trip, sites to visit, and duration
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Online E-Visa Application Form; Form url: https://evisa.gouv.cd/
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment for e-visa, cash at border for VAP fee; Amount: $190 USD total ($100 e-visa + $90 VAP border fee)
Hotel booking
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: No
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever, obtained at least 10 days before travel; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Online application
Complete online application at evisa.gouv.cd with personal and travel information
Document gathering
Prepare passport copy, photograph, flight ticket, hotel booking, invitation letter, and financial proof
Fee payment
Pay e-visa application fee online ($59 USD additional for urgent processing)
Processing wait
Wait for e-visa approval
Visa collection
Receive approved e-visa via email, print and bring to border with $90 USD cash for VAP fee

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 2-3 months
Fee: $100 USD (plus work permit fees)
Validity: 1-2 years (renewable)
Entry: Multiple entry

Work visa valid for 1-2 years for standard work permits. Employer sponsorship required. Foreign workers cannot exceed 15% of company workforce. Long-stay visa required for work assignments. Must obtain work authorization from Ministry of Labor and temporary residence permit for long-term employment.

Eligibility

Employment
Foreign workers limited to maximum 15% of company workforce. Employer must demonstrate role cannot be filled by Congolese national.

Required status: Employer sponsorship required
Purpose of visit
Long-term employment, contract work, skilled professional work
Includes
- long-term employment
- contract work
- skilled professional work

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Work Visa Application Form
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Payment methods vary by embassy; Amount: $100 USD (plus work permit fees)
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
No objection certificate
Provide a no-objection letter from the employer, school, sponsor or authority when the route asks for it.
Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.

Accepted documents: Proof of professional skills and expertise
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
Work permit notification
Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather employment contract, CV, educational certificates, job description, and proof of expertise
Online application
Employer files dossier with regional Employment Office including expatriate work card application
Processing wait
Work permit processing by Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare
Document submission
Submit work permit approval and visa application to DRC embassy/consulate
Fee payment
Pay visa and work permit fees
Visa collection
Collect work visa and obtain temporary residence authorization through Direction Générale de Migration

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry for Regional Neighbors)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no application required
Fee: Free
Validity: 90 days
Entry: Single entry

Citizens of Burundi, Rwanda, and Republic of Congo can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required, must be obtained at least 10 days before travel; Validity months: 120

Journalist visa (Journalist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 10 business days
Fee: $100 USD
Validity: Duration of assignment
Entry: Single entry

Journalist visa requires press card or cover permit from DRC Ministry of Communication and Media. Must provide proof of media employment and assignment details. Contact DRC embassy for specific authorization requirements from Ministry of Communication and Media.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Journalism, media coverage, press reporting, documentary filming
Includes
- journalism
- media coverage
- press reporting
- documentary filming
Employment
Must be employed by recognized media organization with valid press credentials

Required status: Employed by recognized media organization

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport-style photograph
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter of invitation from host organization in DRC or assignment letter from media employer
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Journalist Visa Application Form
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Money order, cashier's check, certified check; Amount: $100 USD
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain press card, authorization from DRC Ministry of Communication and Media, employer letter, and assignment details
Document submission
Submit journalist visa application with press credentials and authorization to DRC embassy
Fee payment
Pay visa application fee
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing and approval
Visa collection
Collect approved journalist visa

Tourist visa (7-Day Tourist E-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay: 7 days
Processing time: 3-5 business days
Fee: $100 USD (plus $90 USD VAP border fee)
Validity: 3 months from date of issue
Entry: Single entry

E-visa valid for 7 days single entry. Must be used within 3 months from date of issue. E-visa requires additional 90 USD VAP (border activation) fee paid in cash on arrival. Yellow fever vaccination is strictly enforced at borders.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: One passport-style photograph (2x2 inches) taken within last 6 months
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay; Months required: 3
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Online E-Visa Application Form; Form url: https://evisa.gouv.cd/
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment (credit/debit card), cash at border for VAP fee; Amount: $190 USD total ($100 e-visa + $90 VAP border fee)
Hotel booking
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: No
International vaccination card
Required vaccinations: International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever, obtained at least 10 days before travel; Validity months: 120

How to apply

Online application
Complete online application at evisa.gouv.cd with personal details, passport information, travel details
Document gathering
Prepare and upload passport copy, photograph, flight ticket, hotel booking, and bank statements
Fee payment
Pay e-visa application fee online
Processing wait
Wait for e-visa approval (typically 72 hours to 5 business days)
Visa collection
Receive approved e-visa via email, print and present at border along with $90 USD cash for VAP fee

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.