DR Congo entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of 2026, you must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options at Kinshasa or Lubumbashi airports. Plan ahead: processing can take a week or more.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Thai passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in DR Congo. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Airlines will check this before you board.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you enter DR Congo, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
Travel insurance is a smart move
While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical costs in DR Congo can be very high — a single hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers evacuation and treatment.
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 and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print at least one copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Thailand, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and onward ticket. Have all documents ready in a folder.
4
Arrive at Kinshasa or Lubumbashi airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short queue — it's usually efficient.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional health checks unless you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic area.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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. 3,500 THB)
Apply at DR Congo embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 7,000 THB)
Requires proof of multiple trips.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa. | $100 USD (approx. 3,500 THB) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration upon departure. | $10 USD (approx. 350 THB) per day, max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Transit visa required
Thailand passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in DR Congo, even if staying airside.
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 the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban areas, transmitted by mosquitoes.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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
Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Lubumbashi
Provincial Immigration Office
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for southern region.
Practical information for TH 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 = 2,262.93 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 typically takes 5–10 business days, but can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The official eVisa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Thai passport holders, expect to pay around $100–$150 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by DR Congo immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It's recommended for all travellers regardless of origin.
The eVisa does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa from abroad.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), the eVisa printout, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Keep them together in a folder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.