DR Congo

DR Congo visa guide: embassy visa and e-visa

  • 2 visa types
  • checked 24 October 2026

How visas for DR Congo work

Travellers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo normally obtain a visa before departure from a Congolese embassy or consulate. Embassies collect the file, but the decision belongs to the authorities in Kinshasa: the Brussels embassy explains that every entry visa needs the favourable opinion of the national visa commission (commission nationale d'octroi des visas), and the Washington embassy notes that all files are reviewed by the immigration services, which set the duration and number of entries.

The Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) also runs an official e-visa portal. It lists an ordinary visa volant valid seven days and a specific visa volant valid thirty days for professional travel, with a 72-hour review. The e-visa is meant for nationals of countries where the DRC has no diplomatic mission, and for foreigners coming for business, visits or tourism.

Embassy files usually include an invitation from a host in the DRC, often legalised, a yellow fever vaccination certificate and a passport with ample validity. Fees are set locally by each embassy and are not refunded if the visa is refused.

Which visa do I need?

Tourism, family visit or business trip planned in advance: apply to the DRC embassy or consulate for your country of residence; it offers one to six months, single or multiple entry.

Short business or visit trip, or no DRC mission in your country: consider the DGM e-visa (visa volant), valid seven days for the ordinary type or thirty days for the specific professional type.

Citizens of the United States travelling for tourism, studies or business: the Washington embassy issues a two-year reciprocity visa.

Visa types for DR Congo

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Ordinary entry visa issued by DRC embassies (tourism, visit, business)

    Visitors apply at the DRC embassy or consulate for their country of residence before travelling.

    Maximum stay: Determined by the visa granted: one, two, three or six months in the Brussels and Washington fee tables; the immigration services decide the final duration and entries.

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa DGM e-Visa (visa volant ordinaire and visa volant spécifique)

    The Direction Générale de Migration's e-visa portal lists an ordinary visa volant valid seven days for USD 250 and a specific professional visa volant valid thirty days for USD 800, each with a non-refundable USD 50 file fee.

    Maximum stay: Ordinary visa volant: seven days, single entry, extendable according to the portal. Specific visa volant: thirty days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a DR Congo visa on arrival?

The DGM e-visa portal explains that an approved e-visa entitles you to an airport visa (visa aéroportuaire, VAP) stamped at the point of entry, valid seven days. Without a prior e-visa or embassy visa, official sources do not describe a visa issued on arrival.

How much is a DR Congo embassy visa?

It depends on the embassy. Brussels charges EUR 85 for one month single entry up to EUR 310 for six months multiple entry. Washington charges USD 100 for one month single entry up to USD 450 for six months multiple entry. Fees are not refunded.

Is a yellow fever certificate required?

Yes, the DRC embassies in Brussels and Washington both include proof of yellow fever vaccination in the visa file.

How long does a DR Congo visa take?

Brussels states at least one week, and two weeks for a first trip to the DRC, because files go to the national visa commission. Washington counts at least two business days after a complete file. The DGM e-visa is reviewed within 72 hours.

Do I need an invitation letter?

Embassies generally ask for one. Brussels requires an invitation legalised by a notary in the host's city and by the foreign ministry chancellery in Kinshasa, and accepts a DGM undertaking of responsibility instead. Washington asks for a notarized invitation, except from applicants of Congolese descent.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.