DR Congo entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ugandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. Apply online before travel and show the approved eVisa at the border. This rule started in 2024.
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 departure. The portal accepts passport scans and a digital photo — processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration in Kinshasa or Goma.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Ugandan passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into DR Congo. Airlines at Entebbe check this before boarding — 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 return or onward ticket showing you leave DR Congo within your visa validity. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways check this at check-in — have a printed itinerary ready. | 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. Border officers at land crossings like Goma and Bukavu sometimes ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation 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 a short stay. Immigration at Kinshasa may ask how you will cover expenses — cash in USD is widely accepted and preferred. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination card at the border. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep digital and printed copies of everything
Print two copies of your eVisa, hotel booking, and onward ticket. Also save PDFs on your phone. Power outages and poor internet are common — don't rely on showing documents from your phone alone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visa.gouv.cd, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and scanned passport page, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email as a PDF.
2
Print the eVisa and pack supporting documents
Print two copies of the eVisa — one for immigration, one as backup. Also print your hotel booking and onward ticket. Keep digital copies on your phone.
3
Arrive at the border or airport
At N'djili Airport in Kinshasa or at land borders like Goma or Bukavu, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed eVisa, hotel booking, and onward ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from baggage claim (if flying) and proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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$80 USD (approx. 300,000 CDF)
Apply at DRC embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 550,000 CDF)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visitor)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 750,000 CDF)
Requires invitation letter and proof of sufficient funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,800,000 CDF) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer to obtain work permit and residence card. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 750,000 CDF) plus school enrollment
For enrolled students at recognized DRC institutions. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 3,600,000 CDF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in DRC. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | $80 USD (approx. 300,000 CDF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap, but fines accumulate daily. | $10 USD per day (approx. 25,000 CDF) |
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
Uganda passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in DRC, even if staying airside. Apply at DRC embassy or online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- If continuing on same flight (no change of aircraft), transit visa may not be required.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH), Kinshasa · Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) · Goma International Airport (GOM)
Health & vaccines for DR Congo
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries (including Uganda); must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC; prophylaxis strongly recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Ebola Virus DiseaseModerate risk
Outbreaks occur sporadically; follow local health advisories and avoid contact with sick individuals.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 southern DRC. Similar procedures as Kinshasa.
Practical information for UG 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 = 2,259.98 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
The eVisa fee is typically around $50–$80 USD depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). Payment is made online during the application. Check visa.gouv.cd for the current fee.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. Some applications are approved in 48 hours, but delays happen.
No. DR Congo does not offer visa on arrival for Ugandan passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines may deny boarding without it.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process — just submit a new application.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at the border. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
At land borders like Goma or Bukavu, you'll need your passport with the approved eVisa, a printed hotel booking, and your onward ticket. The process is similar to the airport — just expect a longer queue.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.