DR Congo entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd before you fly. The portal accepts passport scans and a digital photo — processing takes a few 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 your entire stay | Your New Zealand passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. DR Congo does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. There is no fixed minimum amount, but you should be able to demonstrate roughly $100 per day for your trip. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in DR Congo. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Airlines may also refuse boarding without a valid eVisa.
Yellow fever certificate required
You'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before departure and carry the WHO yellow card with your passport.
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, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online — typically around $100–$150 depending on processing speed. Submit and wait for approval, which usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Print your eVisa and pack documents
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print at least two copies — one to hand over at immigration, one as backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone. Pack your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance documents in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
When you land at Kinshasa's main airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (though you already have the eVisa). Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short queue — 15–30 minutes is typical. Keep your documents handy until you're through baggage claim.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Standard option for tourism; can be obtained via eVisa or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Suitable for travellers planning multiple visits within the validity period.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a local entity; apply at DRC embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. $300 USD)
For those with a job offer from a DRC employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For enrolment in a recognized DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders applying online. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa for single entry; may be obtained on arrival if eVisa not pre-arranged. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through DR Congo do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for DR Congo may transit without additional visa.
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 the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under 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) Headquarters
Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern DRC; handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 2,232.35 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 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no official expedited option, but some travellers report faster processing if they email the embassy directly.
The fee varies by nationality and processing time, but expect around $100–$150 USD. Payment is online via credit card. There may be additional service fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and reapply, or check with immigration in Kinshasa for a possible change of status — but that's not guaranteed.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll likely be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the WHO yellow card.
You may be denied boarding or entry. There is no visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia. However, some land crossings may have limited immigration facilities — check with the nearest embassy if you're planning a land entry.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may also ask for your yellow fever certificate. Keep everything in your carry-on.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.