Democratic Republic of Congo E-visa for United Kingdom Citizens

Last updated: June 2024

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. Good news for UK citizens who want to visit: usually, you only need a visa to travel there, but now you can get it much faster with an e-visa (electronic visa). This guide article will give you basic information on how to get a DRC e-visa as a British traveller.

Types of DRC Visa

British travellers have access to various DRC visa categories for diverse travel motives:

Requirements for Applying DRC E-visa from the UK

Here are the essential requirements you need to have when applying for a DRC e-visa from the UK:

• E-Visa Application Form Completed: Fill in the online form for an Electronic Visa (E-visa) on the official E-visa portal.
• Valid Passport: A passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into the DRC. The passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Passport-Sized Photograph: A current coloured, passport-size photo in accordance with specified requirements (e.g., size, background colour).
• Proof of Accommodation: A copy of the hotel reservation, an invitation letter from the host, or any other document that states where you will stay in the DRC.
• Travel Itinerary: A copy of a round-trip flight ticket or other travel itinerary.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Proof of vaccination against yellow fever.
• Proof of sufficient means: Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the DRC by way of proof such as bank statements or an employer's letter.

Additional visa requirements for specific visa include:

Tourist visa: To apply for a DRC Tourist Visa, proof of the purpose for visiting is normally required. This is usually in the way of an itinerary, which describes what you plan on doing and where you will go while in the DRC. Alternatively, it can be represented by a letter of invitation from friends or family residing within the country, outlining their address and detailing the nature of your relationship.

Business Visa: To get a DRC Business Visa, the applicant needs an official letter of invitation from a company based in DRC or a business associate. Your letter must mention the nature of the business activities you will take part in and also the duration of your visit. You can also attach professional meetings or any events scheduled in this regard. It will work as proof of the purpose of your visit regarding work.

Family Visit Flying Visa: Applications for a Family Reunion Visa require attaching proof of relation to the family member living in the DRC. These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, or any other legally binding document that shows blood relation. With this visa, you are allowed to join your family members living in the DRC.

Application Process of DRC E-visa

Applying for a DRC e-visa from the United Kingdom includes the following steps:

• Visit the Official Website of E-visa: Go to the official E-visa website and fill out the DRC E-visa application form , then submit the form for an E-visa.
• Upload Documents: Scan all the documents specified for the class of visa applied for and upload them in the appropriate section.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee using an acceptable method of payment, such as a credit or debit card.
• Processing Time: Allow some time for the application to be processed, which usually takes 11 - 13 Working Days.
• Get an E-visa: When your application is approved, you will be issued an E-visa, which will be sent to you via email. It is advisable to print a hard copy to carry along with you while travelling.

Processing Time and Fee of DRC E-visa

The DRC E-visa for British citizens varies in both cost and processing time according to the type of visa one wants to obtain, either a tourist, business, or family visit or by nationality, with the speed at which a person would like it to have been processed. The DRC E-visa fee structure at the official website is determined by each category of the visa, nationality, period of intended stay, and how urgently the application should be processed, which is considered normal, urgent, and super-urgent processing. Here is a breakdown:

• 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.

The Renewal and Extension of the DRC E-visa

The validity of a DRC visa depends on the type, it could be either of short-stay of 30 days or for long stay of up to 90 days with single or multiple entries. 

Extending a DRC e-visa is possible but requires following specific procedures set by immigration authorities. The extension depends on your visa type, reason, and current regulations. If you need an extension while in the DRC, contact the nearest immigration office for the process, required documents, and fees. Always check official sources for the latest rules and make sure to apply way before the e-visa expiry date.

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.