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Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Requirements

Understanding the visa requirements for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is essential before planning your trip. Known for its vast rainforests, powerful rivers, and rich cultural heritage, the DRC offers a unique travel experience.

This guide outlines the key documents, requirements, and important notes to help ensure a smooth and successful DRC eVisa application—whether you are travelling for tourism, business, or a family visit.

Documents needed for the Democratic Republic of the Congo E-visa

Make sure you prepare and submit the following necessary documents in order to apply for a Democratic Republic of the Congo e-visa and meet the country's immigration requirements:

1. Passport Bio Page

  • Must be clear and valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
  • Ensure all details are visible and readable.

2. Applicant’s Photo

  • Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months).
  • In color with a plain white or off-white background.
  • Full-face, front-facing with a neutral expression.
  • No scanned copies or printed passport-size photos—only digital photos are accepted.

3. Application Letter from the Applicant

  • Must be addressed to the Immigration Authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Written and signed by the applicant only.
  • Should clearly mention:
    • Purpose of travel
    • Travel dates and duration of stay
    • Address of stay in the DRC
    • Details of the Responsible Person in the DRC

Important: The responsible person does NOT write this letter. The applicant is fully responsible for writing and signing it

Responsible Person Details & Documents – DRC eVisa

Every applicant must declare a Responsible Person or Organisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who will oversee their stay.

Documents Required

  1. ID Card or Passport bio page of the responsible person.
  2. Valid visa (required if the host is not a Congolese national).

Details Required

  • Address : Host’s residential or business address in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Nationality: Congolese national or legally resident foreign national.
  • Marital Status: As declared by the host.
  • Email and Phone Number: Valid contact details of the host.
  • Relationship with the Applicant: Hotel, business partner, friend, or relative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Writing the application letter as if the hotel or host is the applicant
❌ Uploading the applicant’s own documents in the Responsible Person section
❌ Submitting an application letter without mentioning the address of stay in the DRC

Please Note: The Responsible Person’s details must match exactly across the application letter and all uploaded documents. Any mismatch may lead to verification delays or rejection.

Who can be the “Responsible Person”?

Every applicant must declare one responsible person or organisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that will oversee their stay. Responsible person can be:

  1. Hotel or Accommodation Provider(most common for tourist travel)
    • Hotel manager or authorised hotel representative
  2. Company or Business Host
    • Official company contact person based in the DRC
  3. Friend or Family Member in the DRC
    • The person must be legally residing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Conclusion

Submitting complete and accurate documents supports smooth processing. Applicants should retain copies of all documents for reference during travel and entry checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

To ensure that there is enough time for processing, it is advised that you apply at least 2 weeks before the date you plan to travel.

Only hotels, registered companies, or legally residing individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may be accepted.

E-Visas must be obtained before arrival. However, certain nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival, which is subject to change, so verifying current policies is crucial.

Possibly. Authorities may contact the responsible person for verification, so accurate contact details are essential.

The e-Visa is typically valid for 3 months, permits a single entry, and allows a maximum stay of up to 7 days.

No. Once the e-Visa is approved, the responsible person cannot usually be changed and may require a new application.