🇫🇷France

🇨🇩Congo (Dem. Rep.)FR-CD

France to Congo (Dem. Rep.) visa requirements

Q: What is the difference between the eVisa and the VAP?

The DRC's online portal (evisa.gouv.cd) issues an electronic Visa Autorisation Préalable (VAP), an authorisation obtained before travel and usable at air, land and sea entry points. A separate VAP/border fee (commonly USD 90) is typically collected at entry.

Q: How long can I stay as a tourist?

A standard one-month single-entry tourist visa allows up to 30 days. Longer tourist visas (2 or 6 months) are available at higher fees.

Q: Is a yellow fever vaccination required?

Yes. A valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory and is checked on arrival.

Q: How fast is the online visa issued?

The electronic VAP is typically processed within about 72 hours, but apply well ahead of travel in case of delays.

Q: Can I apply at the embassy instead?

Yes. The DRC Embassy in Paris issues tourist visas (about USD 100 for a one-month single entry). Note embassy payments are often required by money order, so allow extra time.

French passport holders need a visa for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The standard route for a short tourist stay is the online eVisa/VAP via the official portal evisa.gouv.cd, or a tourist visa from the DRC Embassy in Paris. France is not on the DRC visa-exemption list. A French ordinary passport holder is not exempt from visas for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, Kinshasa). Both the French government (France-Visas and France Diplomatie) and the DRC's own visa policy confirm that French nationals are subject to a visa requirement and France does not appear on any DRC exemption list (which covers only a few neighbouring African states). For a short tourist visit the two practical channels are: (1) the official online portal evisa.gouv.cd, which issues an electronic Visa Autorisation Préalable / eVisa, typically processed within around 72 hours and usable at air, land and sea entry points; and (2) a traditional tourist visa obtained from the DRC Embassy in Paris (single-entry one-month visa around USD 100). A mandatory VAP/border fee (commonly cited at USD 90) is collected on the electronic-visa channel, and total online costs reported by applicants range widely depending on visa length and service. A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and an International Certificate of Vaccination showing yellow fever vaccination are required; proof of onward/return travel is expected. Fees are quoted in US dollars. Because figures and channel details vary between sources and the system has been changing (a generalised eVisa rollout was advanced in 2025), travelers should confirm the current fee and process directly on evisa.gouv.cd or with the DRC Embassy in Paris before booking.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →France (PR)Living in France as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

eVisa / VAP (online) or embassy tourist visa

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days (1-month single entry); longer tourist visas available

per entry

Entries

Single entry (multiple-entry options available)

from issue date

Visa fee

From ~USD 100 (1-month single entry) + ~USD 90 VAP/border fee

consular fee only

Processing time

~72 hours (online VAP); allow 5-10+ business days for embassy

standard track

Validity

Must be used within ~3 months of issue; stay 30 days

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm you need a visa

Verify on France-Visas that France is not visa-exempt for the DRC. France is not on the DRC exemption list, so a visa is mandatory for tourism.

· France-Visas· Mandatory

/02

Choose your channel

Decide between the official online eVisa/VAP portal (evisa.gouv.cd) for a fast electronic authorisation, or a tourist visa from the DRC Embassy in Paris.

· Online or embassy

/03

Prepare documents

Passport valid 6+ months, passport photo on white background, return/onward ticket, accommodation details, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

· Yellow fever required

/04

Apply and pay online

Create an account on evisa.gouv.cd, complete the application, upload documents and pay the visa fee in USD. The VAP/border fee is settled on arrival or as instructed.

· USD fees· evisa.gouv.cd

/05

Receive approval

The electronic VAP is typically issued within about 72 hours. Print the approval letter to present at boarding and on arrival.

· ~72 hours

/06

Enter the DRC

Present passport, the eVisa/VAP approval and your yellow fever card at the border. Pay any outstanding ~USD 90 VAP/border fee if required.

· At port of entry

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

France -> Congo (Dem. Rep.) · eVisa / VAP (online) or embassy tourist visa

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport valid at least 6 months beyond date of entry

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted DRC eVisa/VAP application (evisa.gouv.cd) or embassy form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredRecent passport-size photo on white background

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredInternational Certificate of Vaccination showing yellow fever vaccination

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredConfirmed return or onward travel ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of accommodation or invitation/host details

Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements

required

RequiredVisa fee paid in USD (plus ~USD 90 VAP/border fee)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the stay

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

recommended

RecommendedTravel/health insurance covering the DRC

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesFrance-Visas (French government) - Congo (Democratic Republic of the)France Diplomatie - RDC, Entree/sejour (Conseils aux voyageurs)Official DRC eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.cd)

Application link included: France-Visas (French government) - Congo (Democratic Republic of the)

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Tourist visa, 1-month single entryUSD 100Embassy of DRC published fee; online portal pricing may differ

VAP / border feeUSD 90Commonly collected on the electronic-visa/airport channel at entry

Tourist visa, 1-month multiple entryUSD 120Embassy fee if multiple entries needed

Tourist visa, 6-month single entryUSD 400For longer stays; embassy fee

Total estimateUSD 190 — USD 490incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Online eVisa / VAP (evisa.gouv.cd)

~72 hours

Official online authorisation, usable at air, land and sea entry points; recommended for short tourist visits.

DRC Embassy in Paris

~5-10+ business days

Traditional tourist visa application; allow extra time for postal money-order payment and mailing.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

France not on DRC exemption list

The DRC waives visas only for a handful of neighbouring states (e.g. Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe). France is not included.

High

/02

French government confirms visa obligation

France-Visas and France Diplomatie both state French nationals are subject to a visa requirement for the DRC.

High

/03

Health entry control

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and checked on arrival, adding a documentary condition to entry.

Medium

/04

Evolving online system

The DRC has been rolling out and adjusting its electronic VAP/eVisa platform, so fees and steps change and must be re-checked.

Medium

/05

Security and entry scrutiny

Border controls are strict; incomplete documentation or unpaid VAP fees can lead to entry refusal.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

France to Dem. Rep. Congo route verified

Confirmed via France-Visas, France Diplomatie, DRC visa policy and the DRC Embassy fee schedule that French ordinary passport holders need a visa; primary channel is the online eVisa/VAP at evisa.gouv.cd plus a ~USD 90 border fee, with yellow fever vaccination mandatory.

/09 — The questions