DR Congo entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. The eVisa system is the standard way to get travel authorization for tourism, business, or visiting family. As of 2026, you must apply online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a DR Congo eVisa at the official portal visa.gouv.cd. The application requires a digital photo, passport scan, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from DR Congo. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately — border officials sometimes ask for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in DR Congo. Border officers rarely ask, but having it printed avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $200 USD per day of your stay. Officials at land borders are more likely to ask than at the airport. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be denied entry if you cannot show a valid yellow fever vaccination card. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel and keep the card with your passport.
eVisa is for single entry only
The standard eVisa allows one entry. If you leave DR Congo (even for a day trip to Brazzaville), you'll need a new visa to return. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa portal (visa.gouv.cd) and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print two copies — one to present at check-in and one to hand to immigration on arrival. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at N'djili Airport (Kinshasa) or Luano Airport (Lubumbashi)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (though you already have the eVisa). Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short queue — 15 to 30 minutes is typical.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Customs checks are random. Have your accommodation address handy in case an officer asks.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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. R1,800 ZAR)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. R2,700 ZAR)
Good for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. R3,600 ZAR)
Requires invitation letter from DRC company.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. R5,400 ZAR) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a DRC company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. R2,700 ZAR)
For enrolment in a recognised DRC educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. R9,000 ZAR)
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a DRC business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | $100 USD (approx. R1,800 ZAR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy. | $100 USD (approx. R1,800 ZAR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $150 USD (approx. R2,700 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. R180 ZAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
South African passport holders transiting through DR Congo airports (e.g., N'djili) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsN'djili International Airport (FIH) · 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; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe water and food.
EbolaLow risk
Sporadic outbreaks in remote areas; follow local health advisories.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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) Headquarters
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 Katanga area.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 2,264.28 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 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official fee is around $100 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. The exact amount depends on your nationality and visa type. Pay online by credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa. Plan your trip within the eVisa's validity.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must show your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) 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 after fixing the issue.
No, visa on arrival is not available for South African passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Safety varies by region. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are generally safe for daytime travel, but avoid the eastern provinces (North Kivu, South 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 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.