DR Congo entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to DR Congo. The application is fully online, and approval is required prior to departure. As of 2026, visa-on-arrival is not available for Indian nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before travel. The portal accepts passport scans, a digital photo, and a hotel booking. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from DR Congo | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they may also check that your ticket is within the eVisa validity period. | 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. The eVisa application asks for an accommodation address, and border officers may ask to see the same document. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing at least $200 USD per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you are not travelling without means. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone and in the cloud. Printouts are also useful in case of phone battery issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill out the application, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 2–5 business days. Print the approval email.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. Get your passport stamped.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then go through customs (usually a quick bag scan). Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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
Apply at DR Congo embassy in India or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visitor)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD
Requires invitation letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those with a job offer in DR Congo. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For investors with significant capital (minimum $100,000 USD) in local businesses. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Indian passport holders for tourism. | $100 USD |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For 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 funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Indian passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in DR Congo, even if staying airside. Apply 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 or if travelling from India (India is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and take prophylactic medication (e.g., 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 extensions in the south.
Practical information for IN 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. There is no visa on arrival for Indian nationals. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Expect around $50–$100 USD. Check the official website for current rates.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. DR Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination).
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Direction Générale de Migration in Kinshasa before your visa expires. The process can take several days.
Safety varies by region. Kinshasa and Goma are generally safe for short stays, but check your government's travel advisory. Avoid non-essential travel to conflict zones in the east.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.