DR Congo entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You apply entirely online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
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 departure. The online form asks for a passport scan, passport photo, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book flights until you receive the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Airlines at Schiphol check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport (FIH) always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they will not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Have a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. ATMs in Kinshasa are unreliable, and immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and pay a fine). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep a printed copy of your eVisa
While the eVisa is linked to your passport number, power outages and system glitches happen. A printed copy or a screenshot on your phone can save you from delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on nationality). Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and also save it to your phone. Some airlines check this before letting you board.
3
Prepare your documents for the airport
Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. At check-in, the airline may ask to see your eVisa. At immigration in Kinshasa (FIH) or Lubumbashi (FBM), you'll queue at the 'Foreign Passports' desk. Hand over your passport and eVisa. They'll stamp you in.
4
Arrival in DR Congo
After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to customs. There's no separate arrival card to fill. Keep your passport and eVisa handy for any spot checks.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. €74)
Apply at DRC embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
Requires invitation letter and proof of purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €276)
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. €138)
For enrollment in a recognized DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For significant business investment in DRC. Minimum investment amount varies; consult DGM.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Netherlands passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied at embassy)Alternative to eVisa, may require in-person application. | $80 USD (approx. €74) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. €138) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through DRC airports (e.g., N'djili) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH), Kinshasa · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) · Goma International Airport (GOM)
Health & vaccines for DR Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Present in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including cities like Kinshasa. Use prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) and mosquito 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)
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 NL 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 = 2,276.18 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
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip. There's no expedited option.
The fee is around $100–$150 for Dutch passport holders. You pay online by credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) in Kinshasa before your visa expires.
Yes, it's mandatory for entry. You'll need to show your yellow fever certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo is wrong or your passport scan is unclear. You can reapply with corrected documents. There's no appeal process.
No. The eVisa is required for all Dutch passport holders regardless of other visas or residence permits.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. There is no visa-on-arrival for Dutch passport holders.
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.