DR Congo entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The process is entirely online, and you must apply before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
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 a passport scan, a passport photo, and a hotel booking. Processing takes 5–10 business days in practice, not the 72 hours advertised. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your German passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned 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 at N’Djili Airport in Kinshasa asks for a confirmed onward ticket. A printed itinerary or a booking on your phone works. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | The eVisa application asks for a hotel booking, and immigration officers sometimes ask to see it on arrival. A printed hotel confirmation or an Airbnb receipt with your name and dates is fine. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for entry | DR Congo requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving passengers. Immigration checks it before stamping your passport. Carry the original WHO card — a photo on your phone is not accepted. | Required |
Apply early — no rush service
The eVisa takes 3–5 business days and there's no expedited option. If you apply too close to your departure, you risk missing your flight.
Keep a printed copy of your eVisa
Immigration officers at N'djili Airport expect a paper copy. A digital version on your phone is not always accepted. Print two copies — one for entry, one as backup.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo eVisa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and accommodation address. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least two copies — one for immigration at the airport, one as backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa Control'. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes if your documents are ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your eVisa and passport handy — there may be a secondary check at the exit.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Ideal for multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. €276) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Congolese company. Requires employer to obtain work permit and residence card. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. €138) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in DR Congo. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work with authorization.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Congolese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for German passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. €138) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | $10 USD (approx. €9.20) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | $500 USD (approx. €460) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
No transit visa needed
German passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at DR Congo airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
- Passengers with a valid visa for a third country may transit without additional documentation.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout DR Congo, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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, visa, and proof of funds.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for extension requests in the south.
Practical information for DE 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 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official fee is around $100–$130 USD depending on the type (single entry vs multiple). Check the portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no appeal process.
Yes, it's mandatory for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official border crossings, including land borders from Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia. The process is the same — show your printed eVisa and passport.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for German passport holders. Do not travel without an approved eVisa.
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.