DR Congo entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders must get an e-visa before traveling to DR Congo. Apply online, receive approval, and print it to show on arrival. Since 2026, this is the only way to enter for tourism or short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before travel. The eVisa is a single-entry permit valid for 90 days from issue. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at N'djili Airport (FIH) will stamp it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Have at least two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at FIH routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they rarely check the date, just that you have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. ATMs are unreliable in Kinshasa and most other cities — bring USD cash for the first few days. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter DR Congo. No exceptions. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the card with your passport.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save scans of your passport, e-visa, return ticket, and hotel booking in your phone and email. If you lose the printed copies, digital versions can help at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in the application, upload your passport scan and a passport-sized photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: printed e-visa approval, passport with 6+ months validity, return ticket confirmation, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance documents. Keep digital copies on your phone too.
3
Arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH)
After landing in Kinshasa, follow signs to immigration. Queue at the 'Foreigners' counter. Hand over your passport, printed e-visa, and return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address. Answer clearly. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Usually a quick bag scan. Then you're free to exit into the arrivals hall.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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. 700 CNY)
Apply at DR Congo embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 1,400 CNY)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$300 USD (approx. 2,100 CNY)
Requires company sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 3,500 CNY) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in DR Congo. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 1,400 CNY)
For enrollment in accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 7,000 CNY)
For significant investors (minimum $100,000 USD). Requires business plan, proof of investment, and company registration. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $100 USD (approx. 700 CNY) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 70 CNY) |
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
China passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in DR Congo, even if staying airside. Apply at embassy before travel.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH) · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM)
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; use prophylaxis and mosquito nets.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; avoid mosquito bites.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including cities; CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis.
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 southern DR Congo; similar procedures.
Practical information for CN 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 = 2,264.28 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The e-visa is mandatory for Chinese passport holders. You must have the approved visa printed and with you before you board your flight.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into DR Congo.
Yes, it's required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
The official fee is around $50–$80 USD depending on visa type and processing time. Check the visa.gouv.cd site for the exact current fee. Pay online with a credit card.
Extensions are not available for the standard e-visa. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity), printed e-visa approval, return or onward ticket, and first night hotel booking confirmation ready. They may ask for any of these.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.