United Kingdom passport → DR Congo

DR Congo visa for British citizens

Visa required

Visa required

British citizens need a visa for DR Congo, arranged before the trip. The UK advises against all travel to eastern DR Congo (Ituri, Haut-Uélé, North and South Kivu, Maniema, Tanganyika, Haut-Lomami) and near the CAR border; a widespread Ebola outbreak has been an international health emergency since May 2026. A visa from a DRC embassy and a yellow fever certificate are required.

Official details are shown in English.

Status
Visa required
Max stay
7 days
Last checked
30 October 2026

What it means in practice

Apply well before the trip: visa processing for DR Congo depends on the embassy or consulate handling your application. The length of stay is the one printed on your visa.

How DR Congo counts your stay: As granted by your visa.

For United Kingdom passports: Visa required; apply through the DRC Embassy in the UK, allow 2–3 weeks.

Before you go

Official details are shown in English.

  • Visa from a DRC embassy — Cost: Set by the embassy; Processing: At least 2–3 weeks. Apply on the official site
  • Get a visa from a DRC embassy — At least 2–3 weeks before travel; Set by the embassy. Some applications are referred to Kinshasa; an invitation letter stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa can speed this up. For long stays consider a long-term visa. Official site
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate — Vaccinate at least 10 days before arrival; Depends on the vaccination centre. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival at an approved centre and carry the original certificate. A polio vaccination certificate may also be required in some circumstances. Official site
  • Departure tax — At check-in; US$55 international, US$10 domestic. Paid at check-in. Keep official receipts and copies. Official site

At the border

Official details are shown in English.

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive
  • A passport previously reported lost or stolen will be refused
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Ebola screening: passenger locator form on arrival and departure, temperature checks
  • Satellite phones, GPS receivers and military-style clothing may cause problems at entry
  • Rwandan or Ugandan stamps in your passport may cause difficulties
  • Declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to duty; customs rules are strict

How to avoid overstaying

  • Go by your stamp or visa. The date the officer gives you is the one that counts, even if it is shorter than the maximum.
  • Plan to leave a day or two early. With 7 days, book your exit before the last legal day so a cancelled flight doesn't push you over.
  • Extend before you run out. Long-term visas and renewals require a consular certificate from your embassy in DRC.
  • Penalties. Our data does not list the overstay penalty for DR Congo. Ask the immigration authority before you risk it: fines, deportation and entry bans are common elsewhere.

Good to know

Official details are shown in English.

  • FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to parts of Kinshasa (N'djili and Kimbanseke south of the N'djili airport road), the N1 between Menkao and Kenge, Upemba National Park and Bangoka airport in Kisangani. Goma and Bukavu are controlled by M23 and Rwandan forces.
  • Some countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, restrict or screen travellers who have recently been in DRC; check rules for your next destination and transit points.

Questions

Do British citizens need a visa for DR Congo?

British citizens need a visa for DR Congo, arranged before the trip.

How long can British citizens stay in DR Congo?

Up to 7 days, according to Bordr's data. As granted by your visa.

Can I extend my stay in DR Congo?

Long-term visas and renewals require a consular certificate from your embassy in DRC.

What do I need at the border in DR Congo?

Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive; A passport previously reported lost or stolen will be refused; Yellow fever vaccination certificate.

When was this checked?

Bordr last checked the entry rules for DR Congo against official sources on 30 October 2026. Rules change: confirm with the official source before you travel.

Sources and last check

Entry rules for this destination were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026. Visa-free days come from the passport matrix in the Bordr app, corrected where the official rules differ.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Entry rules change and border officers have the final say. Check the official government source for your destination before you travel.

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