Everything You Need To Know About Democratic Republic of Congo Visa

Apart from the four visa exempt countries that include Burundi, Congo, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, all other foreign nationals need a visa to enter Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Citizens of these four visa-exempt nations can enter Republic of Congo and can stay inside the country for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa.

As the United Kingdom is not a visa-exempt nation, all British citizens should obtain a visa to enter Democratic Republic of Congo. Depending on the nature and purpose of the foreign national’s visit, authorities in Congo have classified their visas into several types, and the most noted ones are mentioned below.

Democratic Republic of Congo tourist visa

All British citizens who need to visit Democratic Republic of Congo for tourism-related activities can apply for a tourist visa. In order to get a tourist visa, foreign nationals should submit all the documents mentioned below.

• The passport of the applicant should be submitted. This passport should have a minimum of six months validity with three blank visa pages for stamping. Please note that two of these blank pages should be facing each other.
• Two passport-sized photographs taken in a white background should be submitted. Please note that these photographs are providing the full-frontal view of the applicant’s head with the face centered in the middle.
• A copy of utility bill issued in the last three months should be submitted.
• An employment letter issued by the traveler’s employer in the United Kingdom should be submitted. This letter should be written in the company’s letterhead, and it should briefly introduce the applicant. The letter should also explain the nature and purpose of the foreign national’s visit. This letter should state that a leave has been granted to the traveler, and he or she will return to work after completing the journey. Self employed travelers can submit proof of business license or tax return. If you are retired, you can submit proof of retirement funds.
• Copy of recent bank statements should be submitted as a proof of financial means.
• It is mandatory to submit copy of onward/return flight tickets.
• As a proof of accommodation in Democratic Republic of Congo, the applicant should submit copy of hotel room booking reservation.
• It is necessary to submit an International certificate of yellow fever vaccination to enter Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Apart from submitting the originals of all the documents mentioned above, the foreign national should also submit the application copies of these documents.
• The visa application form to obtain the Democratic Republic of Congo tourist visa should be completed without any errors. There are several previous instances where Republic of Congo authorities have denied visas stating errors in the application form. So always make sure that you are filling this application form very carefully. If you face any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact Visa Genie, and we will be glad to assist you.

Democratic Republic of Congo business visa

Foreign nationals intending to visit Democratic Republic of Congo for business related activities can apply for a business visa. Using these visas, foreign nationals can enter the country and can engage in business related operations like commercial sale trading. 

In order to get a business visa, foreign nationals should submit the documents mentioned below.

• The original, signed passport of the foreign national should be submitted. This passport has a minimum number of three blank pages, and its validity should be six months.
• Two photographs of the applicant should be submitted. In the photograph, the applicant should maintain a neutral non-smiling expression.
• A business introduction letter from the traveler’s employer in the United Kingdom should be submitted. This business introduction letter should introduce the applicant, and it should mention the nature and purpose of the traveler’s visit.
• A letter of invitation issued by the company in Democratic Republic of Congo should be submitted. The letter should be written on the company’s letterhead, and it should state the purpose of the journey. This letter should bear the sign of the inviting party, and it should be notarized at the Mayor's office before being certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGM) or the bureau of Immigration. Please ensure that this invitation letter is written in French only.
• A utility bill within the last three months should be submitted as a UK address proof.
• The traveler should submit recent bank statements as a proof of financial means.
• It is necessary to submit onward/return flight tickets to get a Democratic Republic of Congo tourist visa.
• The traveler should also submit copy of hotel room booking reservation details to get a tourist visa.
• Submitting an International certificate of yellow fever vaccination is a must to enter Democratic Republic of Congo.
• It is also necessary to submit the photocopy of all the documents mentioned above.
• The visa application form should be completed without errors.

Democratic Republic of Congo transit visa

UK citizens intending to transit via Democratic Republic of Congo to another destination should obtain a transit visa. In order to get a transit visa, foreign nationals should submit all the documents required to obtain a tourist visa, as mentioned above.