DR Congo entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in DR Congo. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips in 2026. Just arrive at any international airport or land border with the right documents and you'll be issued a visa at the counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Goma, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi airports | Get a single-entry visa on arrival at major DR Congo airports for $50 USD. Have a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation ready — immigration officers at N'djili Airport ask for it. Pay in crisp US dollars (no tears, no stamps).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Your Kenyan passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines at JKIA check the 6-month validity rule before letting you board — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Kinshasa asks for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways enforce this at check-in. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket 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. Officers at the visa-on-arrival desk sometimes ask for it, especially if you're staying in Kinshasa or Goma. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate International Certificate of Vaccination | DR Congo requires a valid yellow fever vaccination card for all arrivals. Immigration officers at the airport check it before the visa counter. No card means a mandatory on-site vaccination or denial of entry. | Required |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in USD cash. ATMs in DR Congo are unreliable and often run out of money. Bring enough crisp, new US dollar bills to cover the visa fee and a few days of expenses. Old or damaged notes may be rejected.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Kinshasa's N'djili Airport (FIH) or other international airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At land borders, go to the immigration office.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in USD cash. The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Receive visa and enter
The visa is stamped into your passport. Check the validity period — typically 7 to 30 days. You can then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES)
Apply at DR Congo embassy in Nairobi.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry, 6 months)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES)
Requires letter of invitation and proof of funds.
Business Visa (Single Entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
Requires invitation letter from DR Congo company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer to obtain work permit approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) plus proof of enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized DR Congo educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a DR Congo business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 7 days)Payable in USD or local currency at major entry points. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Available at airports and land borders. | $80 USD (approx. 10,400 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 1,300 KES) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete yellow fever vaccination20%
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through DR Congo airports (e.g., N'Djili International Airport in Kinshasa) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to clear immigration to change airports or collect luggage, a visa on arrival is required.
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 (including Kenya) or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis. Use insect repellent and bed 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) Headquarters
Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for extensions in the south.
Practical information for KE 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
The fee is typically between $50 and $100 USD. It varies by nationality and sometimes by port of entry. Bring crisp, new US dollar bills — no tears, no marks. ATMs are unreliable and card payments are rarely accepted.
Usually 7 to 30 days, depending on the officer's discretion and your travel plans. The exact duration is written on the visa sticker. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Kinshasa before it expires.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) office in Kinshasa or a provincial office. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
The same visa on arrival process applies at major land borders like Goma (Rwanda side) or Kasumbalesa (Zambia side). The officer will check your documents, take your passport, and issue the visa. Expect less English spoken — have your documents ready and be patient.
Yes, you need proof of yellow fever vaccination (the yellow card) to enter DR Congo. Immigration may ask for it. It's not part of the visa process, but it's a health entry requirement. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for a visa at the DR Congo embassy in Nairobi. This is useful if you want certainty before travel. The process takes about 5–10 working days and costs around $100. You'll need the same documents: passport, photos, invitation letter, and return ticket.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined at the airport or border when leaving — expect $50–$100 per day overstay. In extreme cases, you could be detained. Always check your visa's expiry date and leave or extend before it expires.
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.