Democratic Republic of Congo E-visa for Belgium Citizens
Last updated: June 2024
Are you planning a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo? This vibrant Central African country is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and bustling cities. Whether you're visiting for adventure, business, or to experience its unique culture, obtaining an e-visa is a convenient first step.
Due to the introduction of an online e-visa application process, Belgian citizens who wish to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo can do so more easily and smoothly. In this blog, we'll guide you through the simple process of applying for a DRC e-Visa, ensuring your journey starts off smoothly.
What is a DRC e-visa for Belgium Citizens?
The DRC e-visa is an electronically issued authorisation to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. It allows Belgian citizens to enter for some purposes, either tourism or business or visiting family. It eliminates the need for a paper and in-person application and allows more convenient ways of applying for a visa.
For the most part, Belgium citizens require a visa to enter the DRC. Most of these formalities are put in place through the e-visa system. However, it is always best to confirm any new visa requirements from the nearest Embassy or Consulate in your home country or to visit the official government website
Types of DRC Visa for Belgium Citizens
Democratic Republic of Congo offers several types of visas to Belgium citizens. Here is a breakdown:
|
Visa Type |
Description |
|
Ordinary Flying Visa (Tourist Visa) |
For tourism and sightseeing purposes in DR Congo, allowing engagement in tourist activities. |
|
Family Visit Flying Visa |
Allows travel to visit family or friends legally residing in DR Congo until the visa's expiration date. |
|
Ordinary Flying Visa (Business Visa) |
Permits entry for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, training, or temporary services for clients, affiliates, or branch offices in DR Congo. |
|
Ordinary Flying Visa (Transit Visa) |
Designed for travellers passing through DR Congo to reach another destination, allowing a stay of up to 7 days before onward travel. |
|
Specific Flying Visa |
Intended for heads of state, diplomats, and high-ranking officials travelling for official diplomatic purposes, enabling engagement in diplomatic duties in DR Congo. |
Requirements for applying for a DRC e-visa
The requirements needed when applying for a DRC e-visa include the ones below. It is advisable to always conform to these before you start your application since they can change anytime and without notice.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the DRC and have at least two blank visa pages.
- Passport Photo: Digital, passport-sized, against a white background.
- Travel Itinerary: Attach a detailed itinerary showing entry and exit dates, destinations in the DRC against which you hold plans, and your transportation arrangements.
- Proof of Accommodation: Confirmation documents from your hotels or planned accommodation throughout your stay are necessary.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is compulsory.
- Application Fees: Be prepared to pay the e-visa application fee online using a credit or debit card.
Application Process of DRC E-visa
Applying for a DRC e-visa from the Belgium Citizens includes the following steps:
- Visit the Official Website of E-visa: Go to the official E-visa website, fill out the DRC E-visa application form, and 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. Make a hard copy to carry along with you while travelling.
The Validity and Processing time of DRC E-visa for Belgium Citizens
There are two kinds of Democratic Republic of the Congo E-visa: single entry and multiple-entry visa. The single-entry visa will permit entry from 7 days up to 30 days; however, for the multiple-entry visa, you may have one that is either valid for 30 or 90 days, depending on what you choose as the validity while applying for your e-visa.
The general timeframe for processing of E-visa is 11 - 13 Working Days. There are provisions, if immediate return is necessary, through which one can obtain the E-visa in as short a time as within 72 hours, subject to payment of an additional fee. Here is a breakthrough of the processing time:
- 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.
Important Note:
Make sure that you apply well in advance of your trip so that you get the E-visa on time. Processing times could vary a bit, and applying early will help stave off any kind of delay that might be caused due to variations in process timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, yes. Belgian citizens need a visa to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC electronic visa system is one way to obtain this visa electronically.
There's only one type of e-visa, although it covers both tourism and business purposes. Depending on your travel plans, it can be issued for a single or even multiple entries.
You can apply for an extension before the expiry of the current visa through the DRC E-visa website. This will involve submitting a renewal application with the required documents and paying for the renewal.
The price of the E-visa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo will vary depending on the type and length of the visa. There are different fees for single entries and multiple entries. These amounts are non-refundable, and you must pay before submitting your application form. Additional service fees may be required for expedited processing, which is explained above. All such fees will be brought to your notice prior to application and must be factored into the total cost of the process.
The Democratic Republic of Congo requires all visitors to have a valid E-visa, including children. This means you'll need to submit a separate E-visa application for each child travelling with you, and they'll need to meet the same requirements as adults.
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.
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