How to apply for visa for DR Congo?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest country in Central Africa. The DR-Congo is also known as Congo-Kinshasa. It is the largest country in Central Africa. However, it is in Central Africa, and it should have safari stuff. But, if you are going there to enjoy luxury safaris, accessible jungle tours. In that case, probably the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not for you. In this article, you will get to know that how to apply for DR-Congo. Also, what is the requirement to apply for a business visa, tourist visa? And At last, how long does it take to get the DR-Congo, and how much it cost?

How to apply for visa for DR Congo?

These are the main types of visa you can get when travelling to DR Congo:

Tourist Visa
Official/Diplomatic Visa
Business Visa

Let’s know a brief description of these visas-

Tourist Visa

This visa is given at any of the Congolese Consulates accredited. It permits for tourists/visitors to enter the country. The tourist visa is issued for three months (90 days) and requires non-U.S. residents to have several entries. A passport of 6 months for many entries is issued for U.S. citizens traveling to the DRC for tourist purposes.

Business visa

A business visa is provided for many purposes. These include feasibility studies and business connexions and investment agreements in the DRC. A business visa is provided for one month (30 days) and enables non-US citizens to get several entries. It is not permitted to exceed 30 days. Suppose a company applicant plans to remain in the Republic of Congo for more than 30 days. Then his visa can also be extended to the nearest immigration office. A multiple entry visa of 6 months is issued for U.S. citizens commuting to the DRC for business purposes.

Official / Diplomatic Visa:

Diplomatic is issued to Diplomatic Passport Holder, Laissez-Passer Private Passport Holder. Employees of the U.S. State Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Canada and Mexico, the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, or diplomats from other embassies accredited to the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico are typically included in these Diplomatic Passport Bearers.

For diplomatic passports, a 12-month visa with multiple entries is provided. Also, diplomatic applications for permits are excluded from any visa fees.

DR-CONGO VISA REQUIREMENTS

Two completed forms for visa applications.

Send two copies of the form to apply for a visa. Print, fill out, and sign. Leaving any part of the visa application blank will lead to the delay of the visa approval process.

Two colored passport photographs

Images must be colored, have a white background, and show a complete front view of the face, 2 inches to 2 inches. To show your current appearance, these images must have been taken within the last six months.
A passport that is valid. And for the next six months, your access should remain valid.

Letter of invitation or hotel booking (For a tourist visa)

A typewritten and notarized letter of invitation indicating the essence of the journey. Name and address of the place to visit in the DRC. (invitation letter to be notarized by the City Council or Prefecture / Mairie).
The letter of invitation must be sent to the Visa Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Congo. It should be valid for at least three months (90 days). Evidence of a child’s birth certificate is also required for parents traveling with their children. Also, a photocopy of a valid passport should be sent by the person traveling with the minor.

For Bussines visas

A typed and notarized business letter on company letterhead. This will indicate the nature of the business to be carried out. And the name and address of the reference to be contacted in the Republic of Congo. The invitation letter must be sent to the Visa Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Congo. Without an official business letter, no business visa will be issued. Please be aware that the business invitation letter should be valid for at least three months.

Copy of tickets or itinerary for airlines

It is compulsory to have a copy of your airline ticket displaying arrival and departure dates in the DRC.

A prepaid envelope

A USPS, UPS, or FedEx prepaid envelope with a TRACKING NUMBER allows your passport to be returned. Without any tracking amount, the Embassy is not able to accept any prepaid envelopes. In some conditions, Canadian or Mexican Postal Prepaid Envelopes are not approved.

Also, it is mandatory to get a medical check-up before you enter the premises of DR-Congo.

How Long Does It Take To Get DR-Congo Visa?

A visa may take up to 5-7 business days to process. So, it is better to prepare your schedule in advance.

Visa-Free Entry In Congo For These Countries:

Citizens of these countries are being allowed to visit DR-Congo without a visa.

Burundi
Republic of the Congo
Rwanda
Zimbabwe

However, the visitors of these countries can stay up to 90 days without obtaining a visa

How Much Does An DRC Visa Will Cost You?

Single Entry Visa:

Up to $ 100.00 valid up to 1 month (10-30 business days)

$ 135.00 valid up to 2 months within 10-30 working days

$ 160.00 valid up to 3 months (10-30 business days)

Multiple Entry Visa:

Up to $ 120.00 valid up to 1 month (10-30 business days)

$ 1500.00 valid up to 2 months within 10-30 working days

$ 175.00 valid up to 3 months (10-30 business days)

At last, $ 455.00 which valid for up to 6 months. It can take up to 10-30 working days.

Note: The cost may vary so, kindly check once.

Outlines for applying for a CEMAC Biometric Passport (the Republic of Congo only):

In the Republic of Congo, all Congolese passport applicants must physically show themselves. At this time, the Embassy of the DRC does not accept or process passport applications. Please note that CEMAC biometric passports are only valid for five years. And can under no circumstances be extended. When it hits its expiry date, the owner of the visa is obliged to apply for a new biometric CEMAC passport.

Documents required for the Congolese application for a CEMAC biometric passport:
An application form obtained by Direction Générale de la Surveillance Territoriale. ;
Copy of an original Congolese birth certificate;
60,000 FCFA (approximately US $140) for application fees for passports;
A copy of the Certificate of Congolese Nationality. Or of the Congolese National Identification Card;
A photocopy of a former Congolese passport. Or other passports in the case of a Congolese nationality application;
A record attesting the CEMAC biometric passport applicant’s profession;
A legalized copy of the marriage certificate if you’re married;
Information on your background with the judicial authorities. Or your country of residence over the last five years;
Two pictures (4cmx4 cm format with a white backdrop and an impassive face in front of the camera).