DR Congo entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
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 travel to DR Congo without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Just arrive at the airport or border crossing with your passport and the required documents, and you'll be stamped in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter DR Congo without a visa for short stays. Visa-free entry | Kenyan citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days in the DR Congo. No eVisa application is needed. | Not required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date before booking travel. Must be valid 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into DR Congo. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesEnsure you have a free page for the immigration stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready to show at the border. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket to show you will leave DR Congo within 90 days. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of financial means to avoid issues at entry. Sufficient means of support | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash, bank statements, or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Kenyan citizens entering DR Congo. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateCarry your yellow fever certificate to present at immigration. Yellow fever | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is typically required for entry into DR Congo. Verify current health entry requirements before travel. | Required |
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
You will be asked for your yellow fever certificate at immigration. If you don't have it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
Stay duration is strict
The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. Keep track of your entry date — overstaying can result in fines or being banned from future visits.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
Whether you fly into N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa or cross a land border, go to the immigration desk for foreign visitors. Look for signs or ask an official.
2
Present your passport and any requested documents
Hand over your passport (with at least one blank page) and your yellow fever certificate. You may also be asked for proof of onward travel, so have it ready.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. Check the stamp to ensure it matches the 90-day visa-free period. Keep the stamp intact — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Be aware that officials may occasionally ask to see your bags, so keep any restricted items out of your luggage.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, or residence)
Max stayVaries (typically 1 year, renewable)
ValidityIssued for the duration of the contract or study program
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500)
Requires sponsorship from a DRC-based entity and approval from DGM.
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 |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 90 additional days)Apply at the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) in Kinshasa or other major cities. | Approx. $100 (subject to change) |
| Exit permit (if overstay)Overstay fines are assessed at the border or DGM office. | Fine per day of overstay |
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
Kenyan passport holders transiting through DRC airports (e.g., N'djili) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area, a visa is required.
- Some airlines may require a visa for transit even if airside; check with the carrier.
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 (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 = 2,290.66 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. Kenyan passport holders are visa-free for DR Congo for up to 90 days. You don't need to apply for anything in advance — just arrive with a valid passport and the required documents.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you would need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa before your trip. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
You will likely be denied entry. DR Congo requires passports to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
Yes. DR Congo requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available). Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay. It's not always requested, but having a return ticket and some cash or a bank card can prevent problems.
You may also be asked about COVID-19 vaccination or testing, though requirements can change. Check with the DR Congo embassy or your airline for the latest health entry rules before you fly.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all entry points, including land borders. However, border posts may have different levels of infrastructure — be prepared for longer waits and have all your documents ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.