DR Congo entry requirements for Malta passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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

Maltese passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You must apply online before traveling. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or business.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd before you fly. The online form asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you have the approval email.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Maltese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Immigration at N'djili Airport checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of exit
You need a confirmed onward or return ticket before immigration lets you through. Airlines at Malta International Airport also check this at check-in — a one-way ticket without proof of exit will get you refused boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration officers at the border sometimes ask for it — showing a booking confirmation avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement
Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay — having cash on hand speeds things up.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination card (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Keep a printed copy of your eVisa
Immigration will not accept a digital copy on your phone. Print the eVisa approval and keep it with your passport.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at immigration in Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.
3
Prepare your documents for the airport
Before you leave Malta, have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) or Lubumbashi (FBM)
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They may ask for your hotel address. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect a 15–30 minute wait.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)

Apply at DRC embassy; requires invitation letter or hotel booking.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)

For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$250 USD (approx. €230)

Requires invitation from DRC company and business letter.

work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a DRC employer sponsor. Requires work contract, medical exam, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184)
For enrolled students at a DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in DRC. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Malta passport holders applying online.$100 USD (approx. €92)
Overstay fine per dayCharged upon departure if overstaying visa validity.$10 USD per day (max $500 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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

No transit visa needed

Malta passport holders transiting through DRC airports (e.g., N'djili Airport in Kinshasa) 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 DRC, including urban areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

CholeraModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe water and food.

EbolaModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks in remote areas; follow local health advisories and avoid contact with sick individuals.

Malaria risk: high

All regions of DRC, including cities like Kinshasa, have high malaria risk. Use mosquito repellent, bed 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, photos, and fee.

Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for extensions; less crowded than Kinshasa.

Practical information for MT 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 = 2,250.69 CDF
updated May 19
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
Police112
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival for Maltese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Expect to pay around $100–$150 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official site for the exact amount.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
Immigration will not accept a digital copy on your phone. You must have a printed version of the eVisa approval. Without it, you may be refused entry or sent back.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.