Find the right Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time

Democrat Republic of The Congo Visa Policy

Most visitors traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo must get a visa from their diplomatic missions abroad or a visa on arrival unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. The government categorizes visitors into three different groups; visa-exempt visitors, visitors who need visas in advance, and visitors who can get visas at the point of entry. We explain these categories below.

Visa Exempt Visitors

Visa-exempt visitors are citizens from visa-exempt countries who qualify for visa-free entry through the waiver program. Persons from these countries are allowed to enter DR Congo without visas, and they can stay for a period of 90 days undisturbed. Countries on this list are majorly African countries, but the list is ever-evolving. Diplomatic and service passport holders of a few other countries are permitted to enter without visas for an official assignment.

Since the visa waiver list is always changing, it is best to check it to know whether you need a visa.

Visa On Arrival

DR Congo also has a visa-on-arrival program open to citizens of a few countries. Eligible visitors may visit and stay in the country for up to 7 days. Such trips are only allowed for business, tourism, and transit. Visitors are not allowed to work during their time in the country.

Online Confirmation Letter/e Visa

There is a special visa on-arrival program but different from the conventional e-visa program for eligible visitors. While the latter is issued at the point of entry once it is applied for, this online e-visa is different. Nationals that do not qualify for the conventional visa on arrival must forward a Visa Volant or visa confirmation request in the form of a letter to the Director General of the DR Congo immigration service.

The application must have the signed letter, including a copy of their passport bio-data page. If a person in DR Congo invites them, the application should also include their passport copy. Once the immigration department receives the application and approves it, a confirmation (e-visa) is sent to their email, which will then be used to apply for the e-visa once they arrive at the point of entry. Holders of e-visas can stay in DR Congo for 7 days and extend their stay for a few more days or weeks.

In addition to the above, a tourist may be allowed into the country if they can show a confirmation of a hotel booking or a tour booking for a trip to Virunga National Park. 

Such bookings qualify them for visas on arrival.

Key Information About the Democratic Republic of the Congo e Visa And Travel Tips

As you plan for your e-visa application and the DR Congo trip, here is some vital travel information you want to remember.

Short-Term Document: When applying for an e-visa, remember that it is issued solely for short-term visits of 7 days and above. This means the Congolese authorities expect you to wrap up your business as quickly as possible so you can leave. If the number of days lowed will be insufficient and you are unsure if the potential number of extended days given will also be enough, we advise you to apply for a different visa type.

Use The Same Passport: The passport you use for your application and the eventual trip should be one and the same. This is because they are linked. If you arrive with a different passport, you will not be allowed into the country.

Use Approved Routes: Always travel in and out of the country using approved routes. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a very big country with hundreds of land routes, some of which are illegal or unprotected. If you must travel by land, please use safe routes regulated by law enforcement agents. 

This is for your safety.

Check Current Medical Requirements: DR Congo expects visitors from certain countries to be vaccinated against yellow fever before they can visit, along with a few other vaccines. 

The medical requirements will depend on your region, so do a thorough check or consult with a medical professional to be sure before your trip.

Not For Employment: It is necessary to remember that this e-visa is not a work visa, so you cannot use it for employment. You can visit for any of the above reasons highlighted in the previous section, but one thing you cannot do with the visa is to work. Short-term visitors are not eligible for work permits. If you must work in DR Congo, apply for a work visa.

Seeking Extensions: The authorities allow you to apply for an extension once you arrive in the country, not before you do. Once you touch down, visit the nearest immigration office the next day or the day after to apply for an extension of your stay. There is a fee for this application.

Always Apply in Advance: Always apply for this visa in advance by at least three days before your planned trip. Early application means that you will get your visa on time. Applications take more than three days and may take a little longer, but this rarely happens. However, you should avoid applying too early due to the shortness of the visa duration.

Proof of Funds: If you need proof of funds, you can prove your financial sufficiency in two ways; by holding cash or a credit or debit card. Proof of funds is required for tourists and business visitors.

Congo Democratic Republic e-Visa Online – Get your Congo Democratic Republic e-Visa with VisaHQ

Are you planning a trip to the Congo Democratic Republic (DR Congo) anytime soon? Would you prefer a stress-free application process? Then you may even opt for an online visa instead of going through the embassy or consulate route, which will take more time. The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo now allows applicants who aren’t eligible for visa entry to get a “Visa Volant” or confirmation visa online by submitting a letter to the Immigration Department.

How To Apply For A Visa With VisaHQ?

If you want to apply for a visa with VisaHQ, here is what you should do.

Fill out the Form: Visit the application page on VisaHQ, select the visa you want, then carefully fill out the application form. Input your data in their appropriate boxes and make sure there are no errors.

Upload documents: Upload your documents and attach them to the app form. Only the right and valid documents will be accepted.

Pay the application fee: The application fee should be paid online with a credit or debit card. Cash payments are not possible. After paying the fee, submit the form for approval.

Get the e-visa: The visa will be forwarded to your verified email address. Print out a copy for your eventual trip.

Why Use VisaHQ?

You should use VisaHQ for your online applications for the following reasons

• We have more than two decades of experience with online visa applications
• We provide our clients with premium technical support when they need it.
• We keep your information safe with our advanced data protection software
• You can complete your application in minutes
• You can apply for multiple visas at once

Using our platform to apply for your online visa is a no-brainer. We help you fast-track your application using a detailed and seamless process. Kindly reach out to us if you have any questions, or visit the application page now to fill out the form.