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South Korea to Congo (Dem. Rep.) visa requirements

South Korean ordinary passport holders need a visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC launched an electronic visa (eVisa) system in 2025, so most tourists now apply online before travel rather than through an embassy. South Korea is NOT among the six visa-exempt nations (only Burundi, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe enjoy visa-free entry). A South Korea (Republic of Korea) ordinary passport holder traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for tourism requires a visa; there is no visa-free or mutual visa-waiver arrangement between the two countries. The DRC operates a tiered immigration system: it grants visa-free entry only to six African nations, while all other nationalities, including South Koreans, must hold a visa. Since 2025 the DRC has rolled out an electronic visa (eVisa) platform via the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), which now allows tourists to apply and pay online and receive an approved e-visa by email to print and present on arrival. A short-stay tourist eVisa is typically single-entry, permits a stay of up to 7 days, and the visa document remains valid for use within roughly 90 days of issue. In addition to the online visa fee, travelers pay a mandatory border/arrival processing fee (around USD 90) in person at the point of entry. A distinctive DRC requirement is that every applicant must declare a "responsible person" or host organization inside the country, with a signed invitation/request letter in French addressed to the DGM. The older "visa volant" (flying visa) channel still exists for travelers from countries without a DRC embassy, but for South Koreans the eVisa is the standard and recommended route. Because the DRC has active travel-safety concerns in some provinces, travelers should also check current advisories. Given the active eVisa channel for short tourist stays, the best single verdict is "evisa." The DRC is in Central Africa and is not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE 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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic visa (eVisa) - short-stay tourist; obtained online before travel via the DGM eVisa platform
Maximum stay
Up to 7 days for the standard short tourist eVisa (longer-stay categories exist; extendable inside the DRC)
per entry
Entries
Single entry (standard tourist eVisa)
from issue date
Visa fee
Online tourist eVisa fee varies by category/processing (commonly around USD 100-300) plus a mandatory USD 90 border/arrival processing fee paid on entry
consular fee only
Processing time
Standard online processing typically 5-13 working days depending on tier; expedited options available for an added fee
standard track
Validity
eVisa must be used within about 90 days (3 months) of issue
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a visa and choose the eVisa channel
South Korean passport holders are not visa-exempt for the DRC. Apply for the short-stay tourist eVisa online before departure through the DRC General Directorate of Migration (DGM) electronic visa platform.
· Visa required· Apply before travel
/02
Secure a responsible person / host in the DRC
Obtain a signed invitation or request letter in French from your host (individual or organization) in the DRC, addressed to the Director General of Migration (DGM), stating your identity and purpose of visit, with a copy of the host's ID/passport.
· French-language letter· Host required
/03
Prepare your documents
Have a passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry with blank pages, a recent white-background passport photo, proof of onward/return travel, accommodation details, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
· Passport 6+ months· Yellow fever certificate
/04
Complete the online application and pay
Fill in the eVisa form exactly as your passport shows, upload the bio page scan, photo and supporting documents, select the tourist category and processing speed, then pay the online visa fee.
· Online form· Card payment
/05
Receive and print the approved eVisa
Wait for processing (standard roughly 5-13 working days). The approved eVisa arrives by email; print a color copy to present to the airline and at the border.
· Email approval· Print color copy
/06
Pay the arrival fee and clear immigration
On arrival in the DRC, present your printed eVisa and passport and pay the mandatory border/arrival processing fee (about USD 90) at the point of entry.
· USD 90 at border· Carry yellow fever card
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
South Korea -> Congo (Dem. Rep.) · Electronic visa (eVisa) - short-stay tourist; obtained online before travel via the DGM eVisa platform
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 6 months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved DRC eVisa (printed color copy)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photo with plain white background
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredSigned invitation/request letter in French from a responsible person or host, addressed to the DGM
Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements
required
RequiredCopy of the host's ID or passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredYellow fever vaccination certificate
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredFunds for the mandatory border/arrival fee (about USD 90, cash)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance and check of current security advisories
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.
Application link included: Wikipedia - Visa policy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Online tourist eVisa feeUSD 100-300Varies by visa category and selected processing speed; paid online during application
Mandatory border/arrival processing feeUSD 90Paid in person at the point of entry by all eVisa travelers
Expedited (rush) processing surchargeUSD 50-60+Optional add-on to shorten processing time
Total estimateUSD 190USD 450incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Rush processing
approx. 8-11 working days
Faster handling for an additional fee
Super-rush processing
approx. 5-8 working days
Fastest option for urgent travel, highest cost
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Not a visa-exempt nationality
The DRC grants visa-free entry only to six African nations (Burundi, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe). South Korea is not on this list, so a visa is mandatory.
High
/02
eVisa is the current standard channel
Since 2025 the DRC operates an online eVisa via the DGM, letting South Koreans apply and pay before travel instead of visiting a consulate.
High
/03
Responsible-person requirement
DRC immigration requires a declared host and a French invitation letter to the DGM, which can delay applications if not prepared early.
Medium
/04
Mandatory arrival fee and yellow fever rule
A USD 90 border fee and a yellow fever certificate are enforced at entry; missing either can cause problems on arrival.
Medium
/05
Security and travel-advisory considerations
Parts of the DRC have active safety advisories that can affect entry plans and insurance, independent of the visa itself.
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
South Korea to Dem. Rep. Congo route verified
Confirmed via DRC visa policy sources that South Korean ordinary passport holders require a visa; eVisa channel active since 2025 with single-entry tourist stay up to 7 days, online fee plus a mandatory USD 90 arrival fee, and a French invitation/responsible-person requirement.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can South Koreans enter the DRC visa-free?
No. Only six African nations enjoy visa-free entry to the DRC. South Korean passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling, normally via the online eVisa.
Is there a visa on arrival for South Koreans?+
How long can I stay on a short-stay tourist eVisa?+
What is the 'responsible person' requirement?+
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?+
What does it cost in total?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Korea passport

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