Embassy
Embassy of South Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo
77 Avenue Ngongo Lutete
DR Congo visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens need an eVisa for the DR Congo. Apply on the official website.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
COD
DR Congo
eVisa
Online approval for eligible visitors, followed by a visa at the border.
- Visa
- eVisa
- Max stay
- 7 days
- Fee
- US$300
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Apply on the DR Congo's official eVisa portal with a scan of your passport and a photo.
Leave time for processing before you travel, and print the approval.
Enter on the dates and through the ports the eVisa allows.
Get your DR Congo visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into DR Congo
Visitor visas cover tourism and short visits.
eVisaOrdinary online visaOnline approval for eligible visitors, followed by a visa at the border.
- Stay
- 7 days
- Fee
- US$300
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Create an account on the official visa website.
- Send the form and pay 50 USD.
- Pay 250 USD after approval.
- Download and print the approval for travel.
Documents required
- Fingerprints
- The site advertises 3 days; terms allow 3–7 working days, possibly longer.
- The FAQ says the border stay can be extended; confirm fees and steps.
eVisaCompany online visaAn online visa for companies, with a listed 30-day stay.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Fee
- US$850
- Processing
- 3 days
How to apply
- Create an account on the official visa website.
- Send the form and pay 50 USD.
- Pay 800 USD after approval.
- Download the visa.
Documents required
- Fingerprints
- The site advertises 3 days; terms allow 3–7 working days, possibly longer.
- The FAQ does not explain this option's border steps or any border fee.
Visa on arrivalPre-approved border visaA border visa for people who already have online approval.
- Stay
- 7 days
- Fee
- US$90
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Get online approval before you travel.
- Show your approval and passport at the border.
- Pay 90 USD for the border visa.
Documents required
- Passport
- Online visa approval
- The FAQ says any entry point accepts it, including land, sea and lake borders.
- The stay can be extended; confirm border steps because official sources disagree.
Visa requiredTourist visitor visaA visa for people visiting DRC for tourism.
- Processing
- 10 days
Official pageDocuments required
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking
- Vaccination certificate; the Antwerp checklist does not name a vaccine. vaccine
Visa requiredVisitor travel visaA visa for people visiting DRC.
- Processing
- 14 days
Sources (15)Last updated 11 November 2026
- General Directorate of Migration: official electronic visa portal
- Official electronic visa FAQ
- Electronic visa portal terms
- Electronic visa privacy and identity verification policy
- Washington embassy: visa application information; indexed text read, direct URL returned an error
- Washington embassy: consular fees
- Washington embassy: submission instructions
- Washington embassy: foreign-worker visas
- London embassy: application instructions and older fee table
- London embassy: newer consular application portal
- India embassy: visa types, requirements, fees and submission
- Antwerp consulate: entry, transit and residence overview
- Antwerp consulate: services, visa fees and processing
- Antwerp consulate: visa supporting-document checklist
- DRC tourism portal: entry and short-stay rules
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs C EAdapter for some
- MoneyCDF FC
- Time−1h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageFrench
- Emergency112 police
Planning your DR Congo trip
- Académie des Beaux-ArtsIts gallery is a place to see art and meet Congolese artists.
- Henri Kalama Akulez's private studioThe source describes this abstract artist's studio as worth a visit.
- Tropical landscapesThe country has rainforests, waterways and wildlife, although large areas are unsafe to visit.
Scams to watch for in DR Congo
- Pickpocketing in busy marketsThieves take money, phones or other valuables from pockets and bags. Busy markets give them chances to get close.
- Airport bribe demandsCorrupt officials or police ask travellers for bribes during airport procedures. These demands are separate from airport charges that come with receipts.
- Fake police asking you to enter a carPeople claim to be police to take your money or valuables. A group of men may show a fake police identity card and tell you to get into their car to go to a police station.
About DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a Central African state across most of the Congo basin.
- Capital
- Kinshasa
- Money
- Congolese franc (FC)
- Languages
- French, Kongo, Lingala
- Time zone
- 2 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +243
Other Africa passports
Going to DR Congo
Easier trips nearby
Places close to DR Congo with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do south african citizens need a visa for the DR Congo?
South African citizens need an eVisa for the DR Congo. Apply on the official website.
How long can south african citizens stay in the DR Congo?
Up to 7 days each visit with the evisa rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Where do I apply online for the DR Congo?
Only on the DR Congo's official government website. Avoid agents and look-alike sites that add fees. Apply before you book anything you can't cancel.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help south african citizens enter the DR Congo?
We have no record of the DR Congo relaxing its rules for south african citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do congolese citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Congolese citizens need an eVisa for South Africa. Apply on the official website.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to the DR Congo?
Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda Tanzania, and 3 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near DR Congo are easier for south african citizens?
Angola, Gabon, Benin, Botswana Eswatini, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the DR Congo?
Apply on the DR Congo's official eVisa portal with a scan of your passport and a photo. Leave time for processing before you travel, and print the approval.
What money is used in the DR Congo?
Congolese franc (FC). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the DR Congo?
French, Kongo, Lingala Luba-Lulua, and 1 more.
Reviewed by @snuck