Democratic Republic E-visa for South African Residents

Last updated: June 2024

The e-visa system was developed to make travel to the DRC much easier for South African residents who would like to visit. This is an online application process that will help travelers acquire a visa online, not needing to appear physically at any embassy or consulate. Whether it be for tourism, business, transit, or family reunification, the DRC e-visa comes in handy with a convenient and faster solution for one's journey. The article gives an all-inclusive guide on how South Africans can apply for a DRC e-visa, outlining the steps, requirements, and benefits of this efficient application process for a visa.

What is a Democratic Republic of Congo E-visa?

A DRC E-visa is an electronic visa made available to South African citizens for a period of 7 days to 30 days for each entry. It is applicable for purposes such as tourism, business, and family reunification. This E-visa applies online, allowing people to avoid visiting an embassy or its consulate in person.

DRC E-visa: Key Features

Convenience: The application can be filled out online from anywhere, and all processes are simplified.

Types of E-visa: There are e-visas available for various purposes, such as tourist, business, diplomatic, transit, and family reunions.

Validity: The validity period of the E-visa varies according to the type of the visa. For tourist visas, it is normally from a minimum of 7 days to 30 days, but for others, the validity differs.

Advantage of the DRC E-visa to South Africans

Advantages of e-visa include:

• Saves Time: You will not need to go to an embassy or a consulate in person.
• Less Complicated Process: Easy application process online.
• Accessibility: Anywhere with internet access can apply.

Democratic Republic of Congo Requirements for South African citizens

The general requirements needed by the authorities for South African residents to be able to apply for a DRC e-visa include:

• A valid South African passport with a minimum period of 6 months before its expiry and at least 2 blank pages for the visa stamps. The passport should also be in good condition.
• Passport-sized photograph: One recent passport-size photo in accordance with the specified requirements (size, background colour).
• Travel Proof: A confirmed round-trip flight reservation mentioning the details of your departure and return flights.
• Accommodation Proof: Proof of reservation or accommodation during your stay, specifying the name and address of the accommodation, check-in and check-out dates, with booking confirmation.
• Proof of Funds: You will be required to show sufficient funds for your subsistence during your stay here and for your return journey. This shall include personal bank statements, payslips, or tax records.
• Itinerary of travel: An itinerary indicating reservations to and from the DRC, showing travel dates, flight numbers, and layovers or connecting cities.

Step by Step Guide on How to Apply for a DRC E-visa for South African Citizens

Applying for an e-visa to the Democratic Republic of Congo as a South African citizen involves a straightforward online process. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application experience:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents needed for a Democratic Republic of Congo, including your passport and any additional supporting documents required by the authorities. Translate all of your documents into English if they are in another language.

Step 2: Fill in the Online Application

Access the official DRC E-visa portal: Go to the official DRC E-visa website.

Open an account: If you do not have an account, then sign up; if you have an account, log in.

Fill in the DRC E-visa application form with the correct information. 

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Upload all documents stated as required by the e-VISA type you are applying for. All uploaded documents should be clear and readable.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Visa fee: Pay the visa fee using a form of payment that is most commonly accepted by credit or debit cards. The fee amount is available on any official E-visa portal.

Step 5: Application Submission

Check the correctness of all the information and attached documents and submit your E-visa application.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing normally takes 11 - 13 Working Days. You should always check your email for updates on your application.

Step 7: Obtain Your E-visa

If you are approved, you will receive the E-visa via email. You must print a hard copy, which you will be expected to carry along with you as you travel.

step 8: Entering the DRC

On arrival in the DRC, you will be asked to present a printed E-visa, your passport, your travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds. Do not forget to have the international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever ready since it is one of the requirements to enter the DRC.

Processing Time and Fee

Processing times and fees to get a DRC visa may vary due to a few reasons, including;

Workload of Embassy: It may also be different according to the workload, for instance, which might actually be there at that time in the visa-providing embassy or consulate through which you are about to apply.

Visa Type Variation: The processing time may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, such as a tourist or business visa, and how urgent you need your visa.

• Normal Processing: Takes about 11 - 13 Working Days, suitable for non-urgent travel plans.
• Urgent Processing: 8 - 11 Working Days, incurs extra charges for faster processing.
• Super Urgent Processing: Processes within 5 - 8 Working Days for immediate travel requirements at the highest fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in June 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and consulates to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.