🇨🇩Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa 2026: Entry Requirements

Name: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Address: CD

Africa· Updated 10/10/2026

Where can Democratic Republic of the Congo citizens travel visa-free? →

Do you need a visa for Democratic Republic of the Congo?

It depends on your passport. Out of 195 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 7 enter Democratic Republic of the Congo visa-free and 188 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.

Visa-free

nationalities

E-visa

188

nationalities

Check the rule for your nationality

Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.

Data updated on 25 October 2026 · Official source

Your nationality

Pick your nationality to see the rule

Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal

Democratic Republic of the Congo visa requirements by nationality

The entry regime Democratic Republic of the Congo applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo visa types, fees and processing times

Every visa category Democratic Republic of the Congo publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.

Democratic Republic of the Congo visa types published by IziVisas, 2026. Data updated on 25 October 2026. Government fees only. Application centres and agencies charge their own service fee on top.
Visa	Category	Allowed stay	Official fee	Processing time	Entries	Official source
Short-stay (tourism)	Short stay	90 days	300 USD			Portal
Business visa	Business	90 days	85-310 EUR	15 business days	Multiple	Portal
Work visa	Work	1 year (renewable)	653 USD	30 business days	Multiple	Portal

Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)

Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.

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Information

Capital

Kinshasa

Population

116,452,162

Currency

Congolese franc (CDF FC)

Languages

French, Lingala, Swahili, Kingwana, Tshiluba, Kikongo

Continent

Africa

Calling code

+243

Timezone

Africa/Kinshasa

Area

2,345,409 km²

Government

Semi-presidential republic

National day

June 30 - Independence Day

Internet domain

.cd

About

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa's second-largest country by area at 2,345,409 km². It has a population of about 116 million and faces major security challenges in the East. Capital: Kinshasa.

Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)

Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.

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Safety

Risk level:Very high due to armed conflicts in the East, not recommended unless imperative

Risk areas

North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri - Armed groups (ADF, M23), violence, large displacementsEast of the country - Terrorism, high crime

Crime(High)

Avoid carrying valuables
Do not travel alone at night

Terrorism(High)

High risk of attacks by ADF and other groups, stay vigilant

Transport

Use secure vehicles, avoid public transport at night

Natural risks(Mining landslides, floods)

Avoid informal mining areas

Health(Weak healthcare system, epidemics (Ebola, malaria))

Mandatory vaccines (yellow fever), malaria prophylaxis, bottled water

Practical tips

Register with the consulate
Follow the advice of the French MFA
Have repatriation insurance

French Embassy in Kinshasa MONUSCO emergencies

Accommodation (Hotels.com)

Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.

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Cost of living

Accommodation

Studio in the city centre$800 – $1,500

1-bedroom apartment in the city centre$1,200 – $2,200

1-bedroom apartment outside the centre$750 – $1,500

3-bedroom apartment in the city centre$2,500 – $5,000

3-bedroom apartment outside the centre$1,500 – $3,000

Food

Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$8

Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant$60

McDonald’s meal or equivalent$11

Local beer (0.5 L, in a bar)$2

Cappuccino$4.50

Bottled water (1.5 L)$1.50

Bread (500 g)$1.30

Milk (1 L)$3.50

Eggs (12)$4

Chicken fillets (1 kg)$10

Apples (1 kg)$6

Bananas (1 kg)$2

Transport

Public transport, one way$0.50

Taxi, starting fare$3

Taxi, per km$1

Petrol (1 L)$1.20

Leisure

Gym (monthly membership)$80

Tennis court (1 h at the weekend)$20

Cinema ticket$8

Theatre ticket$30

Health

GP consultation$50

Dentist consultation$50

Antibiotics (one pack)$6

Cold medicine (6 days)$8

Others

Home internet (60 Mbps or more, monthly)$90

Mobile plan (calls + 10 GB, monthly)$12

Utilities for an 85 m² home (monthly)$120

Levi’s 501 jeans or similar$80

Nike sports shoes$120

International primary school (monthly)$1,200

Indicative prices in USD in Kinshasa · estimated in October 2026

eSIM data (Saily)

Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.

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Practical information

Electricity

Voltage220V

Frequency50Hz

Plug typesType C, Type D

Emergency numbers

Police117

Ambulance113

Fire department118

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

unsafe

Tipping

10-15% in restaurants, not mandatory

Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)

Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.

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See activities