DR Congo entry requirements for Qatar passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Qatari passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The application is entirely online, and you should apply at least a week before your trip. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or business.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd. The application requires a digital photo, passport scan, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you must print the approval letter to present at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at N'djili Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding. Have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD. Officers rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and booking confirmations as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. Internet can be unreliable, so having offline copies is a lifesaver.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd) and fill out the application. Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print 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 the immigration counter at Kinshasa or Lubumbashi airport.
3
Arrive at the airport in DR Congo
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the accommodation confirmation handy in case they ask.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

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)

Standard option for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa (business)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$300 USD (approx. 300 USD)

Requires invitation letter from DR Congo company.

work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer in DR Congo. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 1,000 USD)
For significant investors (minimum $100,000 USD investment). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Qatar passport holders.$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy.$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity.$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure.$10 USD per day (max $500 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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

No transit visa needed

Qatar 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; may be required for all arrivals.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation, especially during rainy season.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline). Use insect repellent and bed 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 DR Congo.

Practical information for QA 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
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to a week. Apply at least 10 days before your flight to be safe.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Qatari passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
The official fee is around $100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, but check the portal for the current amount. Payment is online by credit card.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
Yes. DR Congo requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. You'll need to show the yellow card at immigration.
Extensions are possible but not straightforward. You'll need to visit the immigration office in Kinshasa before your visa expires. The process can take several days.
Security varies by region. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are generally safe for tourists, but check your government's travel advisory. Avoid eastern provinces near the border with Rwanda and Uganda.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.