Democratic Republic of the Congo Passport Rules for UK Travellers
Quick answer: FCDO advises against travel to some parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You need a visa from the DRC Embassy in the UK; allow at least 2 to 3 weeks. Yellow fever certificate required, and Ebola health screening is in place.
Democratic Republic of the Congo travel requirements at a glance
6 months from arrival
Needed: apply via the UK embassy
Certificate required to enter
Health screening and forms
Official source: GOV.UK Democratic Republic of the Congo entry requirements.
Passport rules: quick summary
- Passport valid 6 months after arrival
- Visa required, allow 2 to 3 weeks
- Yellow fever certificate required
- FCDO advises against travel to some areas
Passport validity for Democratic Republic of the Congo
GOV.UK says your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You will be denied entry if your passport has been reported lost or stolen.
Check the expiry date against your arrival date, not just your return date, before you book.
Visas
You must have a visa to visit the DRC. Apply through the DRC Embassy in the UK and allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for processing.
Some applications are referred to Kinshasa. A letter of invitation stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa may speed this up.
Arriving and border checks
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and a polio vaccine certificate in some circumstances. Ebola screening may include a passenger locator form and temperature checks.
A Rwandan or Ugandan stamp in your passport may cause difficulties on arrival but should not stop you entering. GOV.UK says there is a departure tax of 55 US dollars on international flights.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need 6 months on my passport for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Yes. GOV.UK says your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Do I need a visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Yes. You must have a visa to visit the DRC. Apply through the DRC Embassy in the UK and allow at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Is there Ebola screening in the DRC?
Yes. GOV.UK says you may face health screening such as a passenger locator form on arrival and departure and temperature checks.