The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) welcomes tourists, business travelers, and students with the option to apply for a flying visa. Before your trip, it’s important to understand the visa process.
This guide covers what affects visa fees and processing times for applications submitted through the DRC eVisa portal. Knowing these factors helps you plan your trip and avoid unexpected delays or costs.
Visa Fees for the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The non-refundable visa fee for the Democratic Republic of the Congo depends on the processing time you select and covers tasks like collecting biometric data.
Before applying online, check the latest fees with the provided tool below. Knowing all fees and requirements helps avoid delays or rejections.
Additional Fees for Congo Visa Application
To apply for a Congo visa, you are required to pay both the Government Fee and a Service Fee for processing your application. If you wish to expedite your visa processing, you have the option to choose from the following expedited services, each incurring an additional charge:
- Rush Processing: $59
- Super Rush Processing: $99
Please note that the total fee includes the Government Fee, the Processing Fee, and any chosen expedited service fees (Rush or Super Rush).
Furthermore, please be aware of potential additional charges such as currency conversion fees and credit/debit card processing fees that may apply when making your payment.
Also consider extra costs for documents like insurance, health certificates, or proof of accommodation.
Visa Processing Times for the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Visa processing times are influenced by factors such as application volume, accuracy, supporting documents, and security checks. For the Democratic Republic of the Congo e-Visa, processing varies across three service tiers.
- Standard Processing: It takes 11 - 13 Working Days to complete the application.
- Rush Processing: Completed in 8 - 11 Working Days with an added fee.
- Super Rush Processing: Expedited service is processed within 5 - 8 Working Days with an extra charge.
How the DRC eVisa and VAP (Airport Visa) Work
The DRC eVisa allows you to apply online and receive pre-approval to enter the country. Once approved, you can enter at any official border—by land, sea, or air. On arrival, a Visa d’Entrée (VAP, or Airport Visa) is placed in your passport. This visa is valid for 7 days and can be extended if needed.
Key Points to Remember:
- Your sponsor must show the original approval document at airline check-in.
- The pre-approval lets you get your visa at any airport, seaport, or land border.
- The actual visa (VAP) allows you to stay in Congo for 7 days.
- If you need more than 7 days, visit the immigration office (EMG/DGM) with a copy of your pre-approval to request an extension.
- Your eVisa approval is valid for 3 months from the date it’s issued.
Fees at the Border: VAP (Visa d’Entrée) Payment
Important:
When you arrive in Congo, you must pay a $90 USD fee at the entry point (airport, seaport, or land border) for the VAP. This fee is separate from the online eVisa payment and is required by the government. The $90 payment is made directly at the border, regardless of your online processing status.
What’s Covered by Each Fee
- The online fee covers processing your pre-approval eVisa document, which you must show to airlines and at entry.
- The $90 USD VAP fee, payable at the border, covers the official entry visa placed in your passport.
- Both steps are mandatory: online pre-approval and in-person payment at arrival.
If you need to extend your stay beyond 7 days, additional charges apply for visa extension, with fees based on type and duration. Check with immigration officials or the official DRC website for the latest extension charges.
Factors Affecting Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Democratic Republic of Congo visa depends on several factors:
- Completeness: Submit all required documents and fill out your application accurately to avoid delays.
- Applicant's nationality: Citizens of some countries may need extra verification, which can increase processing time.
- Background checks: Security concerns or your personal history might lead to longer checks.
- Peak seasons: Tourist surges or major events can slow embassy or consulate processing.
How do you pay the Democratic Republic of the Congo visa fee?
For the Democratic Republic of the Congo eVisa, payment options may differ by platform. Most accept credit or debit cards for visa fees. Some also support online bank transfers—confirm the details and ensure secure transactions.
Payment platforms like PayPal may be offered, but always check the visa application page for current accepted methods, as these can change over time.
Tracking Your Online Democratic Republic of the Congo e-Visa Application Status
After you submit your Democratic Republic of the Congo visa application, track its status online to see its processing stage and decision date. Use the portal’s status-check tool with your application number or personal details.
For smooth processing, complete all required documents and apply early. Double-check everything before submitting to avoid delays.
Can I get a refund once I've applied for a visa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
You may request a refund after submitting the Democratic Republic of the Congo e-visa application form. However, refund policies may vary, and service charges are not refundable, so reviewing refund terms and conditions is advisable before applying.
Is our website's visa fee higher than that of other websites?
The visa fee on our website may fluctuate due to service charges, number of entries, validity, and more. We recommend reviewing key details to ascertain the precise fees and processing time. We pride ourselves on providing the best service.
What if I have questions or need help?
If anything is unclear, our team is ready to assist and ensure your travel to the DRC goes smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
Visa fees can typically be paid through various methods, such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or other online gateways.
Yes, you must pay $90 USD at the border to receive the actual entry visa (VAP), separate from the online fee.
A number of factors, including insufficient documentation, security checks, or a large volume of applications, might cause processing delays.
Special requirements like additional documentation, medical tests, or interviews may impact the processing time and fee. It's essential to thoroughly review the visa requirements before applying.
The extension charge for a Democratic Republic of the Congo visa depends on various factors, such as the type of visa and the extension duration needed. Contacting the relevant authorities or visiting the official website for the most recent and accurate information on extension fees is advisable.