Congo Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Passport holders of these countries may enter without a visa for short stays.
Travel must be for tourism or business. An entry stamp is still required on arrival.
Nationals of all countries not on the visa-free list must obtain an e-visa before travel.
Cost: USD 75 single-entry 30 days, USD 135 multiple-entry 90 days. Transit USD 35
Border officers still stamp your passport on arrival. The email is only pre-clearance, not the visa itself.
Citizens of countries not served by the e-visa platform must apply at a DRC embassy.
List changes periodically. Confirm with the embassy if the e-visa portal rejects your nationality.
Arrival Process
Immigration at Congolese airports is straightforward if your paperwork is complete. Patience and exact change help avoid delays.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Congo allows personal effects duty-free but strictly controls currency, minerals, and electronics brought for resale.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances, zero tolerance
- Explosives, ammunition, and weapons, unless pre-approved by Ministry of Interior
- Counterfeit currency and pornographic materials
- Raw minerals (gold, coltan, diamonds) without Ministry of Mines permit
Restricted Items
- Drone, requires prior authorization from Congolese Civil Aviation Authority. Declare on arrival
- Satellite phone, notify the Regulatory Authority and pay temporary import fee
- Medication containing tramadol or codeine, carry prescription in French
Health Requirements
Proof of yellow-fever vaccination is compulsory for all travelers over 9 months of age entering Congo. Additional vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are strongly advised.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever (certificate required at entry)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Meningitis ACWY
- Polio (booster)
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies (for long-stay or rural travel)
- Routine boosters (MMR, DPT)
Health Insurance
No statutory cover. Carry complete travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, as serious cases are flown to South Africa or Kenya.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Carry the child's birth certificate. If only one parent is present, bring a notarized consent letter in French from the absent parent. Adoption or guardianship papers are essential for non-biological carers.
Obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, a rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days but less than 12 months before travel, and a recent health certificate from a licensed vet. Pets arrive as manifested cargo, not in cabin.
Before the tourist visa expires, apply for a 'Carte de Séjour' at the local DGM office. You need a letter of motivation, proof of income, criminal-record check, and a lease or property title. Processing takes 4, 8 weeks and can be renewed annually.
Ready to plan your trip to Congo?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.