DR Congo entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders need an e-visa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The application is done entirely online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before departure. The online form asks for passport scan, photo, and travel itinerary. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Bulgarian 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or show the booking on your phone — a simple itinerary printout works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter with your host's address and phone number. Officers occasionally ask for it during secondary screening — a printed confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. ATMs in Kinshasa are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-visa, passport, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. Internet can be spotty, and having offline access saves headaches.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically around $100–$150 USD, depending on nationality). Processing takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive the approved visa by email.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Print the e-visa approval, your flight itinerary, and your hotel booking. Also save digital copies on your phone. Make sure your passport has the required blank page and validity.
3
Arrive at the airport in DR Congo
At N'djili Airport (Kinshasa) or Lubumbashi International, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, e-visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes if your documents are in order.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Apply at DRC embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
For frequent travellers; must show proof of multiple trips.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Requires invitation from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a DRC employer. Requires employment contract, medical exam, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184) plus school enrollment
For enrolled students at DRC institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus investment proof
For investors with minimum $100,000 USD in DRC business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, no maximum cap specified. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9.20) |
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
Bulgaria passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in DRC, even if staying airside. Apply at DRC embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
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 transiting through.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
EbolaModerate risk
Outbreaks occur sporadically; follow local health advisories.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, especially rural areas; take antimalarials (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) and use 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 Katanga region.
Practical information for BG 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 = 2,259.28 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
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official portal is visa.gouv.cd.
The fee is around $100–$150 USD for Bulgarian passport holders. Exact amount is shown during the online application. Payment is by credit card.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., a work or residence permit) before your current visa expires.
Yes, it's mandatory for entry to DR Congo. You'll be asked for the yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You'll likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports (Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Goma, etc.) and major land borders. Check the visa portal for the full list of approved entry points.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the DR Congo embassy in Sofia if you need help.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.