DR Congo entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply online before you travel, and keep the approval printed or saved on your phone. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a tourist visa for DR Congo.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Democratic Republic of the Congo eVisa online before departure. Processing takes up to 5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in DR Congo. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. ATMs are unreliable outside Kinshasa — bring enough for the entire trip. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination card (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Cash is king in DR Congo
ATMs are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough USD or euros in cash for your stay. You can exchange at banks or hotels.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo eVisa portal (https://evisa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Gather your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. Expect questions about your itinerary. Have your return ticket and hotel address ready.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from a Congolese company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Congolese employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of employment. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Congolese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. $1,000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Canadian passport holders applying online. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy if not using online system. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $200 USD (approx. $200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through DR Congo (e.g., changing flights) need a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
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; proof of vaccination (yellow card) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, including cities. Use mosquito repellent, bed 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, visa, and proof of funds.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern DR Congo; similar procedures as Kinshasa.
Practical information for CA 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
Typically 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. Canadian passport holders must have an eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival for Canadians.
The official fee varies but is usually around $100–$150 USD. Check the official eVisa portal (https://evisa.gouv.cd) for the current amount. Payment is online by credit card.
You will be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are not available for the eVisa. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from a DR Congo embassy.
Immigration may deny entry. Airlines also check for onward tickets before boarding. Always have a confirmed return or onward flight.
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.