Which countries offer visa-free access to Democratic Republic of Congo passport holders?

Congolese passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 21 countries including: Singapore, Philippines, Mauritius, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Senegal, Benin, Burundi, Central African Republic, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Dominica, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Micronesia, and Cook Islands. Stays are typically limited to 30-90 days depending on the destination.

Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa with a DRC passport?

Yes, Congolese passport holders need a visa to travel to South Africa. However, South Africa offers an e-visa (online visa) option, which allows you to apply electronically before travel. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival. Processing typically takes 10-30 business days, so apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Can DRC passport holders get a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE)?

No, DRC passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi). However, the UAE offers an online visa (e-visa) option. You must apply for and obtain the visa electronically before traveling. Tourist visas are typically issued for 30 or 90 days and require sponsorship from a hotel or airline, along with proof of sufficient funds.

What documents are required to renew a Democratic Republic of Congo passport?

To renew a DRC passport, you typically need: your current/expired passport, national identity card (carte d'identité), birth certificate, proof of Congolese nationality, recent passport-sized photos (biometric standard), completed application form, and payment of renewal fees (varies by location). Applications can be submitted at DGM (Direction Générale de Migration) offices in DRC or Congolese embassies/consulates abroad. Processing time ranges from 2 weeks to several months depending on location.

Is military service mandatory for Congolese passport holders?

Military service is not mandatory in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country maintains a voluntary armed forces system. However, all citizens are required to register for national identification purposes. There are no legal restrictions on travel or passport issuance related to military service obligations.

Can Congolese citizens travel to Europe without a visa?

No, Congolese passport holders need a visa to travel to all European Union countries and Schengen Area nations. This includes France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the relevant embassy or consulate before travel. The UK also requires a separate visa. No European countries offer visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa options for DRC passport holders.

Which countries offer e-visa options for DRC passport holders?

As of 2025, 38 countries offer online visa (e-visa) options for DRC passport holders, including: Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Georgia, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Togo, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Albania, Colombia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Cuba, and others. E-visas must be obtained before travel through official government portals.

Can I transit through the United States with a Congolese passport?

Yes, but Congolese passport holders need a valid US transit visa (C-1 visa) or visitor visa (B-1/B-2) to transit through US airports, even if not leaving the airport. The US does not participate in visa waiver or transit-without-visa programs for DRC citizens. Apply at the US Embassy in Kinshasa or the nearest US consulate, allowing several weeks for processing.

Do Congolese passport holders have the right to work in other African countries?

Work rights vary by country. Within the East African Community (EAC), DRC is not a full member, so automatic work rights don't apply. However, some bilateral agreements exist. Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda may offer work permits with employer sponsorship. The DRC is part of SADC and COMESA, but these don't automatically grant work rights—separate work permits are required in most member states. Always verify specific employment visa requirements with the destination country's immigration authority.

Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 43 Countries

The Democratic Republic of Congo passport currently ranks 97th globally in 2025, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 43 destinations. This travel document has shown fluctuating mobility over the years, with rankings ranging from 87th to 106th place since 2008, reflecting limited international travel freedom compared to many other passports. Congolese passport holders face significant visa requirements when traveling internationally, making it one of the lower-ranked passports in terms of global mobility and travel advantages. The slight improvement to 46 destinations in 2024 before dropping to 43 in 2025 demonstrates the ongoing challenges for DRC citizens seeking unrestricted international travel.

Global Rank

#97

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Congo (Dem. Rep.) passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

144

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Congolese Citizens

Popular destinations where Congo (Dem. Rep.) passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Rwanda	Up to 90 days	RW
Kenya	Up to 90 days	KE
Uganda	Up to 90 days	UG
Benin	Up to 90 days	BJ
Ecuador	Up to 90 days	EC

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Congo (Dem. Rep.) passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

21 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

20 countries

🔐 ETA Required

2 countries

Sri Lanka
Seychelles

💻 E-Visa

39 countries

❌ Visa Required

144 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Congo (Dem. Rep.)'s passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 7 positions from 2008 to 2025

Official Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Direction Générale de Migration (DGM)

🔗

U.S. Department of State

🔗

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

🔗

Global Affairs Canada

🔗

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Compare Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport with Other Passports

See how Congo (Dem. Rep.)'s passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Congo (Dem. Rep.) (You are here)	#97	43	28/100	52/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100
Guinea-Bissau	#89	53	28/100	58/100
Comoro Islands	#89	53	42/100	18/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Congolese (DRC) passport holders can visit 43 countries/territories without a prior visa. This includes 21 visa-free destinations (such as Singapore, Philippines, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and Mauritius), 20 visa-on-arrival destinations (including Maldives, Cambodia, Zambia, and Madagascar), and 2 electronic travel authorization destinations (Sri Lanka and Seychelles). The DRC passport ranks 97th globally on the Henley Passport Index.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Congo (Dem. Rep.)'s passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

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Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 43 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Congo (Dem. Rep.)'s passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 7 positions from 2008 to 2025

Compare Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport with Other Passports

See how Congo (Dem. Rep.)'s passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Congo (Dem. Rep.) (You are here)	#97	43	28/100	52/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100
Guinea-Bissau	#89	53	28/100	58/100
Comoro Islands	#89	53	42/100	18/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Congo (Dem. Rep.) passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Congolese Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Congo (Dem. Rep.)'s passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Official Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Congolese passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries offer visa-free access to Democratic Republic of Congo passport holders?

Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa with a DRC passport?

Can DRC passport holders get a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE)?

What documents are required to renew a Democratic Republic of Congo passport?

Is military service mandatory for Congolese passport holders?

Can Congolese citizens travel to Europe without a visa?

Which countries offer e-visa options for DRC passport holders?

Can I transit through the United States with a Congolese passport?

Do Congolese passport holders have the right to work in other African countries?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Congo (Dem. Rep.) passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Congolese Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Congo (Dem. Rep.)'s passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Official Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Congo (Dem. Rep.) Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Congolese passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which countries offer visa-free access to Democratic Republic of Congo passport holders?

Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa with a DRC passport?

Can DRC passport holders get a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE)?

What documents are required to renew a Democratic Republic of Congo passport?

Is military service mandatory for Congolese passport holders?

Can Congolese citizens travel to Europe without a visa?

Which countries offer e-visa options for DRC passport holders?

Can I transit through the United States with a Congolese passport?

Do Congolese passport holders have the right to work in other African countries?

Explore More Passport Rankings