The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the second-largest countries in Africa. The country is known for many unique and beautiful things. But, due to the ongoing instability, the country is not considered safe for those who wish to visit it.
However, citizens worldwide who want to know more about the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its visa policy can read the article below.
Who Needs a Visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter and stay in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 90 days:
- Burundi
- Rwanda
- Republic of the Congo
- Zimbabwe
Diplomatic or service passport holders of citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the country:
- Angola (on duty citizens)
- Iran
- South Africa
How to Apply for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
There are two options for applying for the Democratic Republic of the Congo visa:
- On arrival.
- At the embassy/consulate.
On Arrival
A visa on arrival is issued to the following countries:
- Kenya
- Mauritius
- Tanzania
The visa on arrival is valid for seven days. Applicants must have a valid passport, accommodation proof, and an onward or return flight ticket to apply for a visa on arrival.
Other applicants who are not eligible to apply for a visa on arrival but want to stay in the country for seven days must apply for a visa confirmation (visa volant). They must follow these instructions:
- Sent a letter of request via mail to the Direction Générale de Migration.
- The letter must include documents such as
- A photocopy of the passport.
- Accommodation proof.
- A letter of invitation.
- Once the letter has been issued, the applicant can then use that letter and enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At the Embassy/Consulate
Applicants who are not allowed to apply for a visa on arrival must obtain a visa at the nearest embassy or consulate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They can follow these instructions for an easier application process:
- Book a visa appointment (if necessary).
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Submit the required documents; see ‘The Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Requirements for more information.
- Finish the applicable visa application fee payment and attach the receipt to your visa application.
- Wait until you receive a response with your application visa result.
Note: The fee payment is non-refundable.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Requirements
To apply for the Democratic Republic of the Congo visa, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A copy of your Democratic Republic of the Congo visa application.
- A passport-sized photograph with your first name written on the back.
- A passport valid for at least six months after the date of return; the passport must have at least two blank pages.
- A copy of your previous Democratic Republic of the Congo visa (if applicable).
- A residence permit or proof of citizenship from the country you are applying from.
- A copy of your flight itinerary (this document does not need to be an actual flight ticket).
- An accommodation document showing that you have a place to stay in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; this document must be a rental agreement or a letter of invitation from your host in the country.
- A document from the company you work in stating the purpose of your travel to the country (applicable only to applicants applying for a business visa).
- A copy of the yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- A fee payment receipt; this document must prove that the applicant has finished the applicable visa fee payment.
Applicants who intend to travel with a minor must submit these additional documents:
- A fully completed visa application form signed by both parents.
- A copy of both parent’s passports or IDs.
- A copy of the child’s certificate.
- A letter of consent or affidavit from the other parent if the child travels with one parent.
- A letter of consent or affidavit from both parents if the child travels alone.
Note: Other documents may be required depending on the visa type you are applying for.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the Democratic Republic of the Congo visa is between one to five working days. The processing time can be extended if the applicant has provided an incomplete application to the Democratic Republic of the Congo embassy. The processing time can also be extended if there is any inconsistency between the applicant’s personal information.
Note: Applicants are required to submit their visa application at least 30 days before their traveling date.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Duration
The Democratic Republic of the Congo visa duration is between seven days to six months. However, there are two types of visas:
- Single entry visa.
- Multiple entries visa.
The difference between these two visa types is that the single entry visa allows the applicant to enter the country only once (no matter the duration of it). The multiple-entry visa allows the applicant to enter the country more than once.
Traveling Tips for the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Due to the instability in the country, here are some tips for citizens planning to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
- Do not keep valuable things with you since there can happen many robberies.
- Make sure you avoid demonstrations.
- Keep safety types of equipment when walking or driving.
- Do not walk alone day or night.
- Do not trust anyone since many scams can happen.