DR Congo entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Latvian passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of 2026, you must apply online before you travel. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you'll show it on arrival in Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application DR Congo eVisa | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd before departure. The online form asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you receive the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Latvian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Airlines at Riga and connecting hubs check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have a return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready — they may deny entry without one. | 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. Officers occasionally ask for this during the visa application process and at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least $500 USD or the equivalent in euros. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — cash in USD is widely accepted. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination. Immigration officers check this at the airport. No certificate = no entry.
Keep digital and printed copies of everything
Print your eVisa, passport bio page, and return ticket. Also save them on your phone. Power outages and internet cuts are common — paper backups save you.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least two copies — one for your bag, one for your carry-on. Also save a copy on your phone as backup.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Latvia, you'll need to show your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The airline will check before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive at N'Djili Airport (Kinshasa) or Lubumbashi
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. You may be asked for your accommodation address. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short queue.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your documents handy in case of a random check. Once outside, you can activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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. €92)
Standard eVisa option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$500 USD (approx. €460)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For those with a job offer from a DRC company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184)
For enrollment in a recognized DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Latvia passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Latvia passport holders transiting through DRC 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 entry if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesRecommendedMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Endemic throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice safe food and water precautions.
EbolaLow risk
Sporadic outbreaks; follow local health advisories.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, especially rural areas. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and take prophylactic medication.
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 LV 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Latvian passport holders, expect around $100–$150 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). It's checked at immigration.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No. The eVisa is mandatory for Latvian passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival option. You must have the eVisa before boarding.
DR Congo has security risks, especially in eastern provinces. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are generally safer for short visits. Check your government's travel advisory and register with your embassy. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.