Getting a Visa for the Democratic Republic of Congo – You will need a Congo visa before you are granted permission to enter the country. This article lists the visa fees, online application process, and requirements for getting a visa to the DRC Congo to explore the virgin treasures of Africa!
Isolated and long associated with endless civil wars, epidemics, and rebels, the D.R. Congo has grown to become one of Africa’s most dramatic tourist destinations. With improvements in security in the eastern provinces and increased positive publicity of Virunga National Park, Africa’s second-largest country and the world’s 11th largest is once again becoming the world’s most traveled country.
This doesn’t come by mistake, but rather due to its countless treasures, including the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Lake Kivu, Mount Nyiragongo, and other numerous mountains that stretch along the eastern borderlines with Uganda and Rwanda.
Obtaining a Congo Visa
Travelers planning to visit the D.R. Congo should obtain visas from the respective DRC high missions and embassies in their respective countries. Visas do not apply if you come from visa-exempt countries or those countries that can get a Congo visa upon arrival.
Citizens who hold a biometric passport from the following countries are visa-exempt and can enter and stay in the D.R. Congo for up to 90 days: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. A Congo visa is not required for Chinese citizens if they hold normal passports endorsed “For Public Affairs.”
Holders of Portuguese and Turkish diplomatic passports are also visa-exempt, as well as holders of diplomatic or service category passports given to citizens of Brazil, China, and Russia.
Other Requirements
- Passport Requirements: To be eligible for a Congo visa, you should hold an original, signed passport valid for at least 6 months and must include one blank page for visa stamps.
- Letter of Invitation: A notarized invitation letter from a host (company or individual) based in the D.R. Congo must clearly outline the nature of the business or relationship with the host and purpose of travel. The applicant should include contact address, place of origin, length of stay, and upon submission, the letter has to be either notarized at the city hall or legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the DRC.
- Medical Requirements: A valid yellow fever vaccination card must be presented to obtain a Congo visa.
- Photo Requirements: 2 recent passport-size photographs are required; these should be identical and colored.
- Congo Visa Fees: Visa fees for Congo depend on the class of visa needed, purpose of the visit, and nationality. Therefore, every visa attracts a different fee. Classes of visas in Rwanda may include, among others, ordinary tourist visa, multiple entry visa, transit visa, and more.
