DRC Visa on Arrival
The Democratic Republic of the Congo does offer a visa on arrival facility. It is available under specific conditions and applies to a limited number of travellers. This page explains how it works, who it applies to, and what to expect.
If you hold a passport from a country that is eligible for the DRC eVisa, applying online before your travel is the more reliable route. More on that at the end of this page.
What Is a Visa on Arrival?
A visa on arrival is an entry authorisation issued at the port of entry upon your arrival in the country. You do not apply in advance through an embassy or online portal. Instead, the visa is processed by immigration officers at the airport or border crossing when you arrive.
In the DRC, this facility is not available to all nationalities. Eligibility is determined by DRC immigration authorities and is subject to change without notice.
Who Qualifies for a Visa on Arrival in the DRC?
There are two situations in which a visa on arrival may be issued.
1. Nationality-Based Eligibility
Citizens of Mauritius are confirmed as eligible to obtain a visa on arrival in the DRC, valid for up to 7 days.
Citizens of Kenya and Tanzania are referenced in travel sources as eligible, but this has not been confirmed by an official DRC government source at the time of writing.
Important: If you hold a Kenyan or Tanzanian passport, verify your eligibility directly with the nearest DRC diplomatic mission or the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) before travel.
Visitors with documented DRC heritage, or whose parents hold DRC origins, may be eligible for a visa on arrival valid for up to 30 days. Supporting documentation proving that connection is required.
2. Travellers from Countries with No DRC Embassy
If your country has no DRC diplomatic mission, there is a separate route available to you. You may submit a written request by email to the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) before your travel date.
Your email request should include:
If the DGM approves your request, a confirmation is sent to you by email. You carry that confirmation when you travel and present it to immigration officers upon arrival. The visa is then issued at the port of entry, valid for 7 days. Extensions may be applied for within the DRC.
Note: This route requires prior approval from DGM before you travel. It is not a walk-up facility.
Permitted Travel Purposes
The visa on arrival in the DRC covers the following travel purposes:
- Tourism
- Business
- Transit
Employment is not permitted under this visa.
What to Expect at the Port of Entry
The visa on arrival is processed by DRC immigration officers at the point of entry. The DRC government does not publish a fixed fee schedule or a formal document checklist for this facility.
When you arrive, carry your valid passport, your supporting documents, and the contact details of your host in the DRC. Fees are payable at the counter and are determined by the immigration officer. Bring US dollars in cash.
Important: The conditions and requirements at the counter are subject to the discretion of DRC immigration authorities and may vary. Confirm the current process with the DGM or a DRC diplomatic mission before your travel date.
The DRC eVisa: A Confirmed Alternative
Most travellers visiting the DRC are eligible to apply for the eVisa, formally known as the Ordinary Flying Visa. The application is completed entirely online before you travel.
Applying through the eVisa gives you:
- Written confirmation of approval before you leave home
- No on-arrival processing queues at the airport
- A clear record of your entry authorisation in hand before travel
- No uncertainty at the immigration counter
The eVisa is valid for a single entry and permits a stay of up to 7 days. It must be used within 90 days of the issue date.
Check whether your nationality is eligible and apply for a DRC eVisa online.
Content Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general reference only. Visa policies for the Democratic Republic of the Congo are set and revised by DRC immigration authorities. Eligibility conditions, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) or a DRC diplomatic mission before you travel.