DR Congo entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival for tourism. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply at the official DR Congo eVisa portal at visa.gouv.cd. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you must print the approval letter to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | 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 officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask for this during the entry interview, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — showing cash or a bank statement works. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter DR Congo. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Apply early for the eVisa
Processing can take up to 7 business days, and there's no rush service. Apply at least two weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill out the application, upload a passport-style photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email.
2
Print your eVisa and pack supporting documents
Print a paper copy of the eVisa approval. Also have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready — either printed or easily accessible on your phone.
3
Arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short wait — queues can move slowly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick bag check. Then you're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must leave after 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
Allows multiple visits within validity; each stay up to 90 days.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company; extension possible at immigration office.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus employer fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a DRC company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184) plus school fees
For enrolled students at recognized DRC institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in DRC business. Requires business plan and government approval. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9.20) |
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
No transit visa needed
Ireland 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
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks common; ensure safe water and food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
All regions of DRC have high malaria risk; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication like 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 DRC; similar procedures as Kinshasa.
Practical information for IE 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 = 2,250.69 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 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. The eVisa is mandatory for Irish passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival for tourism. You must have the eVisa before you board.
The official fee varies — expect around $50–$100 USD depending on the type. Check visa.gouv.cd for the current amount. Pay online by credit card.
You'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
Yes, it's required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Extensions are not available for tourist eVisa holders. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them together in a clear folder for quick access at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.