DR Congo entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. You apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard requirement for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at visa.gouv.cd before you fly. The online form asks for a passport scan, a passport photo, and your travel itinerary. Processing takes 3–7 business days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email — print it and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of 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, and immigration officers in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at N'djili Airport (FIH) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | 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. Immigration may ask for it during the entry interview, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Officers rarely ask for it, but having a printout avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter DR Congo. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which is not always available). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport scan, return ticket, and hotel booking on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed documents, digital copies can be shown at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (check the site for current cost — it varies by nationality). Processing usually takes 3–5 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 immigration in Kinshasa (N'djili Airport) or at land borders.
3
Prepare your arrival documents
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation easily accessible. At immigration, you'll hand over your passport and eVisa, and the officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address.
4
Go through immigration
At N'djili Airport in Kinshasa, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Queue, present your documents, and answer any questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). The officer will stamp your passport — check the stamp says the correct number of days allowed.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Apply at DR Congo embassy; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a DR Congo company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized DR Congo educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a DR Congo business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged upon exit if overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $500 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
Senegal passport holders transiting through DR Congo airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
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; Senegal is endemic, so proof of vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DR Congo; 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. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for all travellers.
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 SN 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
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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies by nationality. Check visa.gouv.cd for the exact amount in USD. Payment is usually online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Senegalese passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders like Goma or Bukavu. However, most travellers fly into Kinshasa's N'djili Airport.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the DR Congo embassy if you need help.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.