The Democratic Republic of Congo or the DRC is a country located in central Africa. For the reason that it lies on the equator, the DRC is popular for its tropical season. Because of that, the said country is also a perfect place for sun tanning. With its rich history and culture, this country surely deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Unfortunately, going here is not that easy since US citizens are required to obtain a Democratic Republic of Congo Tourist Visa first. In this article, we listed down the things and all the information that you need to know in case you consider going in this beautiful African country.

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Facts about the Democratic Republic of Congo

Language

French is the official language of the country. While Kituba, Swahili, Tshiluba, and Lingala are the country's four national languages.

Currency

Congolese France

Religion

Christianity is the major religion in the Democratic Republic of Congo which makes up to 79% of the population.

Main Requirements in Applying for Democratic Republic of Congo Tourist Visa

1. Valid Passport (with at least 2 blank pages and at least 6 months of validity remaining.)

2. One completed visa application form.

3. One passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months.

4. Invitation letter, notarized and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5. A letter from the company explaining the purpose of the trip.

6. Proof of a yellow fever vaccine certificate (You can check here for the yellow fever vaccination clinics near you.)

7. Proof of flight itinerary (you’re not required to buy an actual ticket or booking)

8. A prepaid mailing envelope for the return of the applicant’s passport, using a service with tracking such as FedEx or UPS (if you’re applying by mail).

You can come to the Embassy to apply personally. There are specific schedules for the drop-off and pick-up of the visa application. (written below)

If you want to apply by mail, just complete the requirements above, including the number 8.

Note: The Embassy advises all the applicants to use paper clips or tapes instead of staples.

Visa fee:

Airport Transit Visa (one way): $75
Airport Transit Visa (roundtrip): $125
Single entry (1 month): $175
Single entry (2 months): $225
Single entry (3 months): $325
Single entry (6 months): $425
Multiple entries (1 month): $200
Multiple entries (2 months): $275
Multiple entries (3 months): $375
Multiple entries (6 months): $475

Mode of payment: All payments are made in cash (with exact amount) or money order with the exact amount only (just leave all other fields blank).

Note: All fees are non-refundable. Please pay only the exact amount.

Important Notes

Processing time for Visa will be a minimum of one (1) to two (2) business days upon receipt of a complete application.
Visas will not be processed if the request is received more than three months in advance of your travel dates.

Embassy in the United States

Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Address: 1100 Connecticut Ave NW #725, Washington, DC 20036

Contact number:
Tel: (202) 234-7690
Fax: (202) 234-2609 or (202) 223-3377
Email: ambassade@ambardcusa.org

Operating hours:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri)

Consular affairs:
Drop off: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
Pick up: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Mon-Fri)

Frequently Asked Questions in Applying for Democratic Republic of Congo Tourist Visa

1. When should I apply for a visa?

As mentioned above, visas will not be processed if you will apply more than three months in advance of your travel dates. Because of that, it is advisable to apply for a visa at least a month before your departure since the processing time only takes for up to 1 to 2 business days. A month before or a week before is the safest.

2. Is it safe to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo?

It is relatively unsafe to travel to the said country due to the high risk of crimes and civil unrest. Because of that, the US government provided precautionary measures for its citizens who want to go to DRC. See them here.

3. Should I get travel insurance before heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Everywhere you go, it is recommended to get travel insurance before your departure. Also, the US government advises its citizens to get travel insurance before going to the DRC.

4. How to get there?

Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from the US to the Democratic Republic of Congo. You need a connecting flight going to Kinshasa International Airport or N'djili Airport, it is located in Kinshasa which is the capital of the said country. To see cheaper and available flights, visit Skyscanner.

5. When is the best time to visit the DRC?

If you’re a big fan of summer, then DRC is the place for you. You can visit the country from May to September as these months are the driest months in the country. If you’re not too comfortable with hot weather, then you can go from January to February, as these months are also dry but cooler than the other months.

6. Will I have a hard time communicating with the locals?

French is the official language of the country. Very few people can speak English, so it might be difficult for non-French speakers to travel around the place. It is recommended to have a translator application or a travel guide book to help you with your travel.

7. Why should I visit DRC?

Like I said, DRC is a paradise for people who love the summer season because of the fact that it lies in the equator, people would love tanning in this country. Nature lovers would also enjoy staying here as the country is rich in natural resources, parks, and mountains like the Virunga National Park, Kuhuzi-Biega National Park, and Mount Nyiragongo are among the popular attractions. If the Democratic Republic of Congo is not yet a part of your travel bucket list, then you might want to consider adding it. You’d surely enjoy your time here!

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