DR Congo entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders need an e-visa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You apply online before travel, and approval is linked to your passport. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before your trip. The portal accepts passport scans and a recent photo — processing takes 5–7 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Romanian 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 Proof of departure from DR Congo | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within your visa validity. Have a copy ready — they may refuse entry without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Officers at the border sometimes ask where you are staying — having a booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for shorter stays. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses — cash in USD is widely accepted. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You will be denied entry without proof of yellow fever vaccination. Get the shot at least 10 days before your flight and carry the yellow card with your passport.
Keep digital and printed copies of everything
Internet and printing services can be unreliable in DR Congo. Save your e-visa approval, flight tickets, and hotel confirmations both on your phone and as paper copies.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa website (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the visa fee by credit card. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and save your e-visa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF or a reference number. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. The visa is linked to your passport, so you don't need a physical sticker.
3
Prepare your documents for immigration
At the airport in DR Congo (usually N'djili Airport in Kinshasa or Luano in Lubumbashi), you'll go through immigration. Have your passport, printed e-visa approval, return ticket, and hotel confirmation ready. The officer may ask for proof of funds or insurance — have them accessible.
4
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the allowed stay period. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If the dates are wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Standard option for short visits; apply at DRC embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. €184)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$500 USD (approx. €460)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at DRC embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460)
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €276)
For enrollment in a DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920)
For significant investors in DRC. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Offers long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Romanian passport holders; non-refundable. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstayed; no maximum cap reported. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9.20) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)eVisa is not extendable; must leave and reapply. | Not available for eVisa |
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
Romanian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in DRC, even if staying airside. Apply at DRC embassy before travel.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH) · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM)
Health & vaccines for DR Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for entry if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination needed.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, especially rural areas; use mosquito nets and take prophylactic medication like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern DRC; limited services.
Practical information for RO 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 = 2,259.28 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 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. There is no expedited option, so don't leave it to the last minute.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Romanian passport holders, expect around $100–$150 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date shown on your entry stamp. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-apply.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is not refunded.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Just have your approval ready on your phone or printed.
Safety varies by region. Kinshasa and Goma are generally safe for short stays, but avoid the eastern provinces (North Kivu, Ituri) due to armed conflict. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.