DR Congo entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Austrian passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The eVisa system launched in 2025 and covers tourism, business, and transit. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Austrian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at N'djili Airport will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from DR Congo | Immigration at N'djili Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you leave DR Congo within your eVisa's validity. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a Congolese host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing at least $200 per day of your stay. ATMs are unreliable in Kinshasa, and immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. No card, no entry — no exceptions. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Keep your eVisa printout with your passport
Immigration at Kinshasa airport will ask for both. A digital copy on your phone is not enough — they want a physical printout.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on type). Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
You'll get an approval email with a PDF. Print two copies — one for immigration, one for your records. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even though you have an eVisa). Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer stamps your passport — no extra fee.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick bag scan. Keep your eVisa printout handy until you're outside the arrivals hall.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €90)
Apply at DRC embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €180)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$500 USD (approx. €450)
Requires company sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €450) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €180)
For enrolled students at a recognized DRC institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €900)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $100 USD (approx. €90) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Transit visa required
Austrian passport holders transiting through DRC airports must obtain a transit visa if leaving the airside transit area. For airside-only transit (no immigration), no visa is needed for up to 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid DRC visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for extensions in the south.
Practical information for AT 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 = 2,251.74 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 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. There's no expedited option.
No — Austrian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
The eVisa fee is around $100–$150 depending on the type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Payment is online by credit card.
You'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes — proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
DR Congo has security risks in certain regions. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Stick to Kinshasa and well-touristed areas. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.