DR Congo entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Polish 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 standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Polish passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from 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 exit | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Officers occasionally ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD available. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — showing a credit card or cash in USD works fine. | Recommended |
eVisa required before boarding
You cannot get a visa on arrival in DR Congo. Airlines will check your eVisa approval before letting you board. Apply well in advance.
Health entry requirements
A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Carry your yellow card with your passport — immigration will ask for it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in the application form, upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, make sure you have: passport with 6+ months validity, printed eVisa, return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance details.
4
Arrive at N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. They may also ask for your accommodation address. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect a queue.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Apply at DR Congo embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Requires invitation from DR Congo company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 300 USD)
For those with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized DR Congo educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a DR Congo business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. 150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application form20%
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
Poland passport holders transiting through DR Congo airports 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; proof may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is recommended.
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 in Katanga region.
Practical information for PL 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 = 2,246.61 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, but can be longer during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The standard eVisa fee is around $100–$150 USD, depending on the type and duration. Check the official visa portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the immigration office in Kinshasa before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
You will not be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Polish passport holders.
DR Congo has areas with security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Stick to major cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, and avoid eastern provinces unless you have a specific reason.
No, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally. Get one from a Polish automobile club before you leave.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.