Central Africa · US passport
Do American citizens need a visa for DR Congo?
Travel advice. Some regions have security risks. Check your foreign ministry's travel advice for the areas you plan to visit.
Entry rules change often. We checked these on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Confirm with the embassy before you book.
Yes. American citizens need a visa for DR Congo and should apply for an eVisa online before travel.
Park visits in the east are usually arranged with visa support from the park operator.
At a glance
- Visa required
- Yes
- Type
- eVisa
- Fee
- See official portal
- Stay
- Up to 7 days (tourist eVisa)
- Yellow fever
- Certificate required
- Arrive at
- FIH · GOM
How to get your DR Congo evisa
- Apply on the official government portal. Use only the government site; look-alike agency sites charge extra.
- Prepare a passport scan, a recent photo, your flight booking and first hotel address.
- Allow at least two weeks for approval, then print the eVisa or keep it on your phone.
Health requirements
Yellow fever. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers (usually from 9 months or 1 year of age).
Malaria. Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Book a travel clinic visit 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines, including yellow fever, must be given at least 10 days before you arrive.
Travel advice for American travellers
Your own government publishes safety advice and emergency contacts for DR Congo. Check it before you book and register your trip if your country offers that service: US State Department travel advisories.
More entry rules for your passport: all 54 countries, visa-free countries, eVisa countries and visa on arrival countries.
On arrival in DR Congo
- Capital
- Kinshasa
- Currency
- Congolese franc (CDF)
- Languages
- French, Lingala, Swahili
- Plugs
- Type C, D, E
- Best time
- June to September
- Airports
- Kinshasa (FIH), Goma (GOM)
Frequently asked questions
Do American citizens need a visa for DR Congo?
Yes. American citizens need a visa for DR Congo and should apply for an eVisa online before travel.
How long can American citizens stay in DR Congo?
Up to 7 days (tourist eVisa) for tourism. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for DR Congo?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all arriving travellers (usually from 9 months or 1 year of age).
How much does the DR Congo visa cost for American passport holders?
Fees vary by visa length and entry type. The official portal shows the current price before you pay.
Which airports do flights to DR Congo arrive at?
Most international flights land at Kinshasa (FIH), Goma (GOM).
Sources
- US State Department travel advisories
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for United States citizens
- WHO: Yellow fever vaccination requirements, country list
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for German citizens (EU reference)
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for British citizens
Spotted a rule that has changed? Email hello@bemba.com with a link to the source.