DR Congo entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Philippine passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to DR Congo. The entire application is online, and approval is required before boarding your flight. As of 2026, visa-on-arrival is not available for Filipino travelers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | 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 approval.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask for it at the border — a simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with a recent bank statement. Immigration officers rarely check, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
eVisa required before boarding
You cannot board a flight to DR Congo without an approved eVisa. Airlines check this at check-in. Apply at least 1 week in advance.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
All travellers must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card). Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival at your own expense.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill out the application form, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email — print it or save a copy on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Check in and board
At the airline check-in counter, show your eVisa and passport. The airline will verify you have the visa before issuing a boarding pass. Without it, you won't be allowed to fly.
4
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) or Lubumbashi (FBM)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Expect questions about your purpose of stay and accommodation — answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional arrival forms to fill out.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 5,500 PHP)
Standard option for short visits; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 11,000 PHP)
Ideal for frequent travellers; each stay limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa (business/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$300 USD (approx. 16,500 PHP)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 27,500 PHP) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 11,000 PHP) plus school fees
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 55,000 PHP) plus investment proof
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Philippines passport holders; non-refundable. | $100 USD (approx. 5,500 PHP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; may be obtained at embassy. | $100 USD (approx. 5,500 PHP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $200 USD (approx. 11,000 PHP) |
| Stay extension (per month)Subject to approval; apply at immigration office before expiry. | $50 USD (approx. 2,750 PHP) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD; pay at immigration. | $10 USD (approx. 550 PHP) |
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
Philippines passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in DR Congo, even if staying airside. Apply at the nearest embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH), Kinshasa · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM), Lubumbashi · Goma International Airport (GOM), Goma
Health & vaccines for DR Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Common in urban areas; use mosquito repellent and nets.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; drink only bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) and use insect repellent.
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 extensions and visa issues; 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 DR Congo; similar procedures as Kinshasa.
Practical information for PH 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 = 2,262.93 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 flight to be safe. There is no expedited option.
No. Philippine passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
The official fee varies by nationality and purpose. For Philippine passport holders, expect around $50–$80 USD. Check the exact amount on visa.gouv.cd during application.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. DR Congo requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving travellers. You must have the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card).
The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may also ask for your hotel address. Answer clearly and you'll be stamped in within a few minutes.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.