For Malaysian travelers, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) represents one of Africa’s most challenging yet rewarding frontiers. From the business hubs of Kinshasa to the gorilla-filled forests of Virunga, the DRC is a destination for the bold. However, unlike visiting ASEAN neighbors where travel is visa-free, entering the DRC requires strict adherence to immigration protocols.
In 2025, the process has been streamlined with the “Ordinary Flying Visa” (eVisa), allowing Malaysians to secure entry authorization without necessarily visiting a diplomatic mission in person. But with conflicting information online, it’s easy to get confused.
This guide answers every question about securing a Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa for Malaysia, based on the latest government regulations.
Do Malaysian Citizens Need a Visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Yes. Malaysian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
There is no visa-free entry or “Visa on Arrival” facility for Malaysians unless you have a specific pre-approved authorization letter. If you attempt to check in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for a flight to Kinshasa without this document, you will be denied boarding.
What is the “Ordinary Flying Visa” (Visa Volant)?
If you search for DRC visas, you will frequently encounter the term “Visa Volant” or “Ordinary Flying Visa.”
- What it is: This is essentially an eVisa. It is a digital authorization letter issued by the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) in Kinshasa.
- How it works: You apply online, receive the authorization via email, print it out, and present it to immigration officers upon arrival at N’djili International Airport. They will then place the actual physical visa sticker into your Malaysian passport.
- Why it matters: For Malaysians, this is often the most convenient method, bypassing the need to navigate complex embassy procedures for short-term visits.
What Can I Do on a DRC Business Visa?
For Malaysian entrepreneurs and corporate travelers, the DRC Business Visa is strictly regulated. It is designed for short-term professional engagements, not long-term employment.
- Allowed Activities: You are permitted to attend business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, conduct market research, and sign contracts.
- Prohibited Activities: You cannot take up paid employment, be on a local payroll, or engage in long-term work. If you intend to work for a Congolese company, you must apply for a specific “Establishment Visa” or Work Permit, which is a different and more complex process.
- Documentation: Immigration may ask for your return ticket and a letter from your Malaysian employer confirming you are traveling for business purposes only.
DRC Transit Visa: Do I Need One for a Layover?
Most Malaysians flying to other African nations might transit through Kinshasa. The rules depend on your movement:
- Airside Transit (Staying in the Airport): If you are connecting to another international flight (e.g., Ethiopian Airlines to Air France) and stay strictly within the international transit zone for less than 24 hours, you typically do not need a visa. However, N’djili Airport has limited transit facilities, so check with your airline first.
- Leaving the Airport (Landside): If you need to leave the airport to stay at a hotel or change terminals, you must obtain a Transit Visa. This is valid for up to 7 days. You cannot “pop out” for a quick tour of Kinshasa without this specific visa; doing so is illegal.
What Happens If I Overstay My Visa?
The DRC immigration authorities (DGM) are extremely strict regarding visa validity.
- The Consequences: Overstaying your visa, even by a single day, is a serious offense. You will likely be detained at the airport upon departure.
- Fines: Penalties are heavy and must often be paid in cash (USD) before you are allowed to leave. Fines can range from $200 to over $1000 USD depending on the length of the overstay.
- Bans: You may be declared an “undesirable person” and banned from re-entering the DRC for a specific period.
- Extension: If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa extension at the DGM headquarters in Gombe (Kinshasa) at least 5-7 days before your current visa expires.
DRC eVisa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens
To successfully apply for the Ordinary Flying Visa in 2025, you must have the following Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Requirements ready. Ensure your scans are clear and professional.
- Malaysian Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry. Ensure you have at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.
- Passport Photo: A recent color photograph with a white background. (Selfies are generally rejected).
- Application Letter: A formal cover letter addressed to the Director General of Migration, stating your purpose of travel, dates, and financial self-sufficiency.
DRC eVisa: Government Site vs. Private Agency (congo-evisa.com)
This section directly compares the official application method with the private assistance service, addressing common traveler questions.
Is congo-evisa.com the official DRC Government website?
No. congo-evisa.com is a private visa assistance agency. The Official DRC Government Site is operated by the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) at evisa.gouv.cd.
Why does the private agency charge more than the government?
The private agency charges a service fee in addition to the government’s mandatory visa fee. This extra cost covers expert pre-submission review, document verification, dedicated 24/7 support, and continuous application tracking.
Which site is better for avoiding rejection due to mistakes?
congo-evisa.com is safer for error prevention. They review all uploaded documents (passport, photos) and form details before submission, guiding the applicant to fix any issues. The Official Government Site is self-service, offering no such error-checking assistance.
Can I get my DRC eVisa faster through the private agency?
Yes. congo-evisa.com offers Urgent and Super Urgent processing options (e.g., 5-8 working days) for an added fee, whereas the Official Government Site uses a standard processing timeframe (e.g., initial analysis in 72 hours).
Is customer support available if my application is delayed?
congo-evisa.com offers comprehensive, dedicated support via email, chat, and WhatsApp, including priority follow-up for delays. Support on the Official Government Site is typically limited to formal contact channels.
Do I still have to pay a fee at the border if I apply online?
Yes, regardless of where you apply. The online application only secures your pre-approval document. A separate, mandatory fee (VAP fee, often around $90 USD) must be paid at the DRC port of entry to receive the final visa stamp.
How to Apply DRC Visa from Kuala Lumpur
You do not need to be in the DRC to apply; the entire process can be done from Malaysia.
- Select Visa Category: Choose “Ordinary flying visa – 90 Days, Single entry.”
- Enter Details: Key in your details exactly as they appear on your Malaysian MyKad/Passport.
- Upload Documents: Attach your passport bio page, photo, LOI, and Yellow Fever card.
- Pay Fees: Payment is typically made via credit card (Visa/Mastercard).
- Receive Authorization: Once approved, the document is sent to your email. Print 2-3 color copies.
DRC Visa Processing Time: How Long Does it Take?
Processing times are strictly tiered. Malaysian applicants should plan accordingly:
- Normal Processing: 11 – 13 Working Days.
- Rush Processing: 8 – 11 Working Days.
- Super Rush Processing: 5 – 8 Working Days.
Tip: “Working days” often do not include weekends or Malaysian/Congolese public holidays. It is safer to apply at least 3 weeks before your flight.
Is Yellow Fever Vaccination Mandatory for Malaysians?
Yes. The DRC takes this requirement very seriously.
- You must present your original Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (the yellow book) at the health checkpoint at N’djili Airport before you reach immigration.
- If you do not have it, you may be quarantined, forced to take a shot at the airport (not recommended), or deported.
- Polio Vaccine: Due to health monitoring, proof of a Polio booster (within the last 12 months) is also frequently requested.
Travel Safety: Wisma Putra Advice for DRC
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (Wisma Putra) generally advises Malaysian citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in the DRC.
- Safety Level: Travel to Eastern DRC (Goma, North Kivu, Ituri) is often advised against due to armed conflict and kidnapping risks.
- Kinshasa: While the capital is more stable, street crime can be an issue.
- Registration: It is highly recommended to register your trip with Wisma Putra via the e-Consular system before you depart Kuala Lumpur.
Arrival at N’djili International Airport: What to Expect
The arrival experience in Kinshasa is very different from KLIA.
- Health Screening: Show your Yellow Fever card immediately.
- Immigration Control: Present your passport and the printed eVisa authorization. The officer will verify it against their digital records.
- Biometrics: You will likely be fingerprinted and photographed.
- Baggage: Keep your baggage tags. Security will check them against your luggage before letting you leave the terminal.
Can I Get a Visa on Arrival?
No. Do not confuse the “Flying Visa” with a standard “Visa on Arrival.” You cannot simply land in Kinshasa and pay for a visa at the counter. You must have the pre-approved authorization letter in hand before boarding your flight in Malaysia. Without it, airlines like Ethiopian or Qatar Airways will not let you board.
Flight Routes from Malaysia to Kinshasa
There are no direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kinshasa (FIH). The most common routes for Malaysian travelers are:
- Ethiopian Airlines: KUL -> Addis Ababa (ADD) -> Kinshasa (FIH). (Most popular route).
- Qatar Airways: KUL -> Doha (DOH) -> Kinshasa (FIH).
- Turkish Airlines: KUL -> Istanbul (IST) -> Kinshasa (FIH).
Best Time to Visit
- June to September (Dry Season): The weather is cooler and drier, making it the best time to navigate the city and surrounding areas.
- October to May (Wet Season): Heavy rains can make travel difficult due to road conditions.
Conclusion
Securing a Democratic Republic of the Congo eVisa for Malaysian citizens requires attention to detail. By obtaining the “Ordinary Flying Visa” online, ensuring your Yellow Fever vaccination is up to date, and following Wisma Putra’s safety advice, you can ensure a smooth entry into this fascinating nation.
Always carry printed copies of your documents and sufficient cash in USD. Safe travels!