DR Congo entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Nigeria passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. It's valid for tourism and business, and you must apply online before traveling. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 7 days before departure. The portal accepts passport scans and a digital photo — processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration in Kinshasa or Lubumbashi.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Nigerian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your entry date into DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check the date matches your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Border officers occasionally ask for this at entry, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — a quick bank app screenshot works. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
No visa on arrival in DR Congo. Airlines refuse boarding without an approved eVisa. Apply at least 1 week before travel.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Show your yellow fever vaccination card at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before departure. No card may mean denial of entry or quarantine.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in the form, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
2
Print or save the eVisa
Print a paper copy and save it on your phone. Airlines often ask to see it at check-in.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Nigeria, you'll need your passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, and hotel booking. The airline checks these before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive at N'Djili International Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even with an eVisa). Join the queue for eVisa holders. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer stamps your passport. This usually takes 10-20 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. No arrival declaration form needed. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 50,000 CDF)
Standard tourist visa; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 95,000 CDF)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 127,000 CDF)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 190,000 CDF)
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 95,000 CDF)
For enrolled students at DRC institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 317,000 CDF)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in DRC. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | $80 USD (approx. 50,000 CDF) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $200 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
Transit visa required
Nigeria passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in DRC, even if staying airside.
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 Nigeria.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice food and water safety.
EbolaLow risk
Sporadic outbreaks in remote areas; follow health advisories.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including cities; use mosquito repellent and take antimalarials.
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 NG 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip. No expedited option.
The fee varies by type. As of 2026, a single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $100 USD. Check visa.gouv.cd for current fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. For a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, DR Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Show the yellow card at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You won't be allowed to board. Common reasons: incomplete application, passport validity under 6 months, or criminal record. You can reapply with corrected info, but no appeal process.
No, no visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before flying. Airlines check this at check-in.
No official requirement for bank statements or cash. But having a credit card or some USD cash ($200-300) is practical for expenses.
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.