DR Congo entry requirements for Argentina passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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

Argentine passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Apply online before traveling. As of 2026, this is the standard requirement for tourism or short business visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd. The process takes a few business days — do not book flights until you have the approval. Print the eVisa confirmation and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Kinshasa and Lubumbashi airports 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 to carry
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo help speed up immigration. Officers may ask where you are staying — have the address and contact number handy.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry enough cash (USD or euros) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. ATMs are unreliable outside major cities, and credit cards are rarely accepted.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (Yellow Card) at immigration. No exceptions. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Keep your eVisa printed
Immigration officers in DR Congo expect a physical printed copy of your eVisa. A screenshot or PDF on your phone is not sufficient. Print it before you leave home.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill out the application, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, print the eVisa document. You'll need to show it at check-in and to immigration upon arrival in Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.
3
Prepare documents for immigration
At the airport, have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Immigration officers may ask to see all of them.
4
Arrive and go through immigration
At Kinshasa N'djili Airport (FIH) or Lubumbashi Airport (FBM), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Present your documents. The officer will stamp your passport. Keep the eVisa with your passport.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Download PDF

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$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)

Apply at DR Congo embassy; requires invitation letter.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)

For frequent travellers; must show proof of multiple trips.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)

Requires invitation from DR Congo company.

work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fees)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fees)
For enrolled students at recognized DR Congo institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permit.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fees)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in DR Congo business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, capped at $500 USD.$10 USD per day (max $500 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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

Transit visa required

Argentina passport holders transiting through DR Congo must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with airline for specific requirements.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours airside.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH), Kinshasa · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM)

Health & vaccines for DR Congo

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

CholeraModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Vaccination recommended for high-risk travellers.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use insect repellent, mosquito nets, and take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or 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; 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; less crowded than Kinshasa.

Practical information for AR 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 = 2,245.91 CDF
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can take longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Argentine passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
The official fee is around $50–$100 USD depending on the type and duration. Check the latest fee on visa.gouv.cd during application.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into DR Congo.
Yes, it is mandatory. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (Yellow Card) upon arrival. No exceptions.
Extensions are not available for this eVisa type. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa category before traveling.
You may be refused entry or sent back. Always carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval. A digital copy on your phone is not accepted by immigration.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.