DR Congo entry requirements for Belgium passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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

Belgian passport holders need an eVisa to visit DR Congo in 2026. The process is entirely online, and you must apply before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for tourism.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd before you fly. The online form asks for a passport scan, a passport photo, and your travel itinerary. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the approval email.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Belgian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Show at immigration
Immigration officers at N'djili Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Officers sometimes ask where you are staying. Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in DR Congo. A simple booking printout works — no need for a notarized letter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a bank statement from the last month or a wad of cash (USD or EUR) to show you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
No visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Belgian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow booklet) showing proof of yellow fever vaccination. Immigration may ask to see it on arrival.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd) and fill out the application. Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print it and keep a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH)
At Kinshasa airport, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short queue — 15–30 minutes is typical.
4
Show accommodation and onward ticket if asked
Immigration officers may ask for proof of where you're staying and your departure flight. Have the booking confirmation and ticket screenshot ready on your phone.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

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. €92)

Apply at embassy or online.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)

For frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)

Requires sponsor or work permit.

work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184)
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €92)
For enrolled students at a DRC institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For investors with significant capital in DRC. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa.$100 USD (approx. €92)
eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity.$150 USD (approx. €138)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD.$10 USD per day (approx. €9)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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

Belgium passport holders transiting through DR Congo airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Must have a confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for destination country.
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 entry if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, or for all travellers as per DRC regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout DRC, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

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 Katanga area.

Practical information for BE 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 = 2,250.69 CDF
updated May 19
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 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
The official fee is around $100 USD (about €90) for a single-entry tourist visa. Fees are paid online by credit card during the application.
No, the standard tourist eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. For longer stays, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travelling.
There is no visa-on-arrival for Belgian passport holders. You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Always apply online before you travel.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow booklet) — immigration may check it on arrival.
No. You must travel with a valid Belgian passport. National ID cards are not accepted for international travel to DR Congo.
DR Congo has areas of instability. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Stick to major cities like Kinshasa and Goma, and avoid border regions and 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 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.