DR Congo entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Swedish passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Swedish citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd at least 2 weeks before departure. The online form asks for a passport scan, a passport photo, and your travel itinerary. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you receive the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Swedish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from DR Congo. Immigration officers at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding in Europe. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration requires a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave DR Congo within your visa's validity period. Airlines check this at check-in in Stockholm or any connecting hub — without it, you will not board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo ready. Immigration at Kinshasa may ask for it during the entry interview — a printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. ATMs in Kinshasa are unreliable and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (and pay). Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
Keep your entry slip
When you enter DR Congo, immigration will give you a small slip or stamp. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to hand it back when you leave. Losing it can cause delays at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo eVisa portal (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, 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 save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and save a digital version on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Immigration at N'djili Airport (Kinshasa) or Lubumbashi Airport may ask to see them all.
4
Go through immigration
At the airport, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep the entry slip they give you — you'll need it when you leave.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Apply at DRC embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For frequent travellers; same requirements.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 300 USD)
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. 1,000 USD)
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | $100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day (approx. 50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
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
Sweden holders transiting through DRC airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 entry if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) and 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)
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 DRC.
Practical information for SE 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 = 2,276.18 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 trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. As of 2026, Swedish passport holders must have an approved eVisa before travel. There is no visa on arrival.
The official fee is around $100 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the visa.gouv.cd site for the exact amount — it can change.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You must show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the Direction Générale de Migration in Kinshasa before your visa expires.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds. Keep everything in your hand luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.