DR Congo entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo — there is no visa on arrival. Apply online at visa.gouv.cd at least a week before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for DR Congo eVisa | Apply online at visa.gouv.cd before you travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Colombian passport holders — no visa on arrival available. Processing takes 3-5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at N'djili Airport (FIH) will ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination International certificate required | You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the Yellow Card) upon arrival. DR Congo enforces this strictly — no card means you may be denied entry or forced to vaccinate on the spot. | Required |
Yellow Fever Card is mandatory
DR Congo requires all travellers to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (Yellow Card) upon arrival. No exceptions. If you don't have one, you may be denied entry or forced to vaccinate at the airport. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Malaria is a serious risk
Malaria is present year-round across DR Congo. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Kinshasa. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee ($100 single, $150 multiple) by credit card. You'll receive the eVisa by email in 3–5 business days. Print two copies — one for the airline at check-in, one for immigration on arrival.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you head to the airport, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months, 2 blank pages), return/onward ticket (printed or on phone), Yellow Fever card, and first night's hotel booking. Keep them in a single folder or digital album on your phone.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your eVisa, passport, return ticket, and Yellow Fever card ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp you in. Expect 20–40 minutes in line. If you have a hotel booking or invitation letter, keep it handy — they may ask.
4
Exit the airport and proceed to your accommodation
Once stamped, collect your luggage and pass through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). Outside the arrivals hall, you'll find taxis and ride-hailing services. Agree on the fare before getting in — there's no meter. Typical ride to central Kinshasa: $20–30 USD.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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
Cost$100 USD
Apply at DRC embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$120 USD
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + employer sponsorship
For foreign employees with a job offer from a DRC company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for up to 90 days. | $100 USD |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office upon departure. | $10 USD per day, max $500 USD |
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
Colombia 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
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation, especially during outbreaks.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 southern DRC.
Practical information for CO 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 = 2,245.91 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. There is no visa on arrival for Colombian passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online at visa.gouv.cd before you travel. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your departure.
A single-entry eVisa costs $100 USD. A multiple-entry eVisa costs $150 USD. Both are valid for up to 90 days per entry. You pay online by credit card when you apply.
You'll need: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months beyond your departure date, with at least 2 blank pages), a return or onward ticket, and your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (Yellow Card). Immigration may also ask for proof of accommodation — have a hotel booking or invitation letter ready.
Yes. DR Congo enforces this strictly. If you don't have a valid Yellow Card, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at the airport. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, but you need to visit the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) office in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, or Goma before your visa expires. Overstay fines are $10 USD per day, up to $500 USD. For longer stays, consider a work visa ($200 USD + employer sponsorship), student visa ($100 USD), or investor visa ($500 USD).
No. Colombian passport holders transiting through DR Congo airports do not need a transit visa if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. You can remain in the transit area for up to 24 hours. If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours.
You'll be fined $10 USD per day, up to a maximum of $500 USD. Pay at the DGM immigration office before you leave. Overstays can also affect future visa applications, so it's best to extend or leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.