DR Congo entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The eVisa covers tourism and business travel, and you must apply online before your trip. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful document preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before your trip. The portal accepts passport scans, a passport photo, and a return flight booking. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved.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. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at N'djili Airport (FIH) and Lubumbashi (FBM) always asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone works — just have it ready before you reach the officer. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host in DR Congo. Officers at immigration occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient balance. ATMs are unreliable in Kinshasa and other cities — bring USD cash for your first few days. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa processing times vary
Processing can take up to 7 business days, so apply early. There's no expedited option. If you're traveling during holidays or peak season, allow extra time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill out the application form with your personal and travel details. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the eVisa fee (typically $50–$100 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — processing can take 3–7 business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Once your eVisa is approved, print the approval email or save it on your phone. Also have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance ready. Keep everything in a single folder for easy access.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
When you land at Kinshasa's main airport, proceed to the immigration hall. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. After stamping, you'll collect your luggage and exit. Expect the process to take 20–40 minutes if documents are in order.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 (approx. 100 USD)
Standard tourist visa for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized DRC institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 1,000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in DRC. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South Korean passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy. | $100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $200 USD (approx. 200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
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
South Korean 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 or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis recommended.
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.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern DRC.
Practical information for KR 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 = 2,251.74 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
Processing typically takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no rush service available, so plan ahead.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but you'll need to pay the fee again. Common reasons include passport validity issues or unclear photo scans.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No, there is no visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before allowing you to check in.
The standard eVisa fee is around $50–$100 USD, depending on the processing time you select. Payment is made online during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you may not need a visa. But check with your airline — some transit stays over 24 hours require a visa. For any doubt, apply for the eVisa to be safe.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.