DR Congo entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The application is done entirely online before you travel, and you'll need to show the approval on arrival. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you receive approval. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Carry at least two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport (FIH) routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | 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. Officers occasionally ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD available. Officers rarely check this, but it helps if you are asked about your stay. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply online at visa.gouv.cd at least two weeks before your trip. Without an approved eVisa, you will be denied boarding or entry.
Yellow fever vaccine required
All travellers must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination. Immigration may ask to see it — keep it with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill out the form, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive an approval email.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save the eVisa approval, your return ticket, and your hotel booking. Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect 20-40 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Have your documents ready if asked. Once outside, you can activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Standard option for tourism; must apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$120 USD
Requires invitation letter from DR Congo company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + employer fees
For those with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD
For enrollment in a recognized DR Congo educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment proof
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in a DR Congo business. Requires business plan and local partner. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $100 USD |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application form20%
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
France 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
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Common in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including cities; use 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; services similar to Kinshasa.
Practical information for FR 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
No. DR Congo does not offer visa on arrival for French passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but can be longer during peak periods. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around $100 USD, but check visa.gouv.cd for the current amount. Payment is made online during the application.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry.
Yes, it is mandatory for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires. Contact the Direction Générale de Migration in Kinshasa.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a booked return or onward ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
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.