DR Congo entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australian passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo for tourism or business. As of 2026, you must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Australians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply online at the official immigration portal before your trip. Processing takes a few business days, so submit your application at least a week before departure.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kinshasa airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having proof speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to demonstrate at least $200 USD per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter DR Congo. Immigration officers check this at the airport. No card, no entry.
eVisa processing times can vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. Some applications take the full 7 business days, and there's no guarantee of faster processing.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo eVisa portal and complete the application. You'll need a digital passport photo, passport scan, and travel details. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on processing time) and submit.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Check your email and the portal for updates. Print the approval letter and save a PDF on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: passport (6+ months validity), eVisa approval, return ticket, first night accommodation proof, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH)
Most Australians fly into Kinshasa's N'Djili Airport. After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask a few questions — answer clearly and politely.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Customs checks are usually quick. Once outside, you can use your eSIM to call a taxi or ride-share.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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. AUD 150)
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. AUD 300)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. AUD 750) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a DRC company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. AUD 300)
For enrollment in a recognized DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Australian passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. AUD 150) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. AUD 15), no cap |
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
No transit visa needed
Australian 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
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH) · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM)
Health & vaccines for DR Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for entry if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated water; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including cities; use mosquito repellent and consider prophylaxis like doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.
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 AU 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 = 2,232.35 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
No. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Australian passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa before you travel.
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Some portals offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is typically between $100 and $150 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online during the application.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Safety varies by region. Kinshasa and Goma are generally okay for short visits, but check your government's travel advisory. Avoid eastern conflict zones. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.