DR Congo entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter DR Congo. You apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard route 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 at least 2 weeks before your trip. The application asks for a passport scan, a passport photo, and your travel itinerary. Pay the visa fee online — expect approval within 5–7 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Zambian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into DR Congo. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at N'djili Airport in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi Airport routinely asks for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have a return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready to show. | 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 officers at the border sometimes ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing at least $500 USD available for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you are not traveling without means. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow fever vaccination card at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep digital and paper copies of everything
Phone screens can die, and internet is unreliable. Print your eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep a second set in your carry-on. It saves a lot of hassle at check-in and immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official DR Congo visa website (visa.gouv.cd). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Save it to your phone and print a paper copy. Keep it with your passport — you'll show it at check-in and upon arrival in DR Congo.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport with 6+ months validity, printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance docs. Put them in a clear folder for easy access.
4
Arrive at N'Djili Airport (Kinshasa) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short queue. Have your hotel address handy in case they ask. After clearing, collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download DR Congo Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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. 1,000,000 CDF)
Apply at DRC embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 2,000,000 CDF)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 4,000,000 CDF)
Requires invitation letter and proof of means. Apply at DRC embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 6,000,000 CDF)
For foreign workers with a job offer in DRC. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 3,000,000 CDF)
For enrolled students at a recognized DRC institution. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa d'Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 10,000,000 CDF)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in DRC 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. 1,000,000 CDF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 20,000 CDF) |
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
No transit visa needed
Zambia passport holders transiting through DRC airports (e.g., N'djili Airport in Kinshasa) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to change airports or leave the transit area, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 Zambia. Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout DRC, including urban areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in rainy seasons. Use mosquito repellent.
EbolaLow risk
Sporadic outbreaks in remote areas; follow local health advisories.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) 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) Kinshasa
Boulevard du 30 Juin, Kinshasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Lubumbashi
DGM Lubumbashi
Avenue de la Révolution, Lubumbashi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for extensions. Expect delays; arrive early.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 2,260.62 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 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option listed on the official site.
The official fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Zambian passport holders, expect around $50–$80 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the visa portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa, or visit the immigration office in Kinshasa before your visa expires to request a change of status — this is not guaranteed.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the WHO yellow card.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A refundable ticket is a safe workaround if your plans are flexible.
The eVisa is accepted at major airports (like N'Djili in Kinshasa) and some land borders. Check the visa portal for the list of approved entry points. If you're crossing by land, confirm in advance that your specific border post accepts eVisas.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply after fixing the issue. The fee is usually not refunded.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.