The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a unique place to visit offering a combination of natural wonders such as Virunga National Park and the Congo River. To most foreigners, the first thing is to gain travel authorization. The new, more contemporary way to obtain entry is the Congo Electronic Visa (eVisa), the official title of which is the Ordinary Flying eVisa and Democratic Republic of Congo E-visa for United Kingdom Citizens.
This is a comprehensive guide to the DRC eVisa, where you will find out all the important details about the eligibility and documentation, the application process, payment, and other important details, such as the refund policies. We also respond to the typical search queries so that you get all the required information in an easy to use manner to make your application during the process.
What is the DRC Ordinary Flying eVisa (Congo eVisa)?
The DRC Ordinary Flying eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It functions as a pre-arrival entry permit that allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for and receive their travel authorization completely online, eliminating the requirement for a physical embassy visit.
This electronic visa is designed to facilitate a broad range of short-term visits to the DRC and is categorized by purpose:
Tourist Visa: For individuals traveling for leisure, sightseeing, or recreational purposes.
Business Visa: For travelers engaging in business meetings, conferences, or professional activities.
Family Visit Flying Visa (Family Reunion): For those intending to visit family members residing in the DRC, requiring proof of familial relationship.
Why Should I Apply for the Ordinary Flying eVisa?
Convenience: The entire application is completed online from anywhere in the world.
Speed: Processing times are generally faster than traditional visa applications, especially with urgent options.
Accessibility: It removes the need to visit a physical DRC consulate or embassy.
What Essential Documents Do I Need to Submit for the DRC eVisa?
Regardless of the visa category, a standard set of documents must be prepared and uploaded digitally during the application process. Preparing these in advance will prevent application delays.
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry and must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, colored photo that strictly adheres to the specified size and background color requirements.
Proof of Accommodation: A copy of your hotel reservation, a letter of invitation from your host, or any document confirming your place of stay.
Travel Itinerary: A copy of your round-trip flight ticket or other confirmed travel schedule.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Essential proof of vaccination against yellow fever.
Proof of Sufficient Means: Evidence that you have adequate funds to cover your expenses, such as recent bank statements or a letter from your employer.
How Does the Application Process for the DRC E-visa Work?
Apply for Congo eVisa process is designed to be, allowing you to secure your travel authorization from your computer or mobile device.
Select Visa Type and Complete Form: Choose your visa category (Tourist, Business, etc.) and accurately fill in all personal, travel, and security details on the online form.
Upload Required Documents: Upload clear, readable digital copies of all the necessary documents listed above.
Pay the Visa Fee: Select your desired processing speed and complete the payment using a recognized payment method.
Submit and Await Approval: Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation. The approved eVisa will be sent to you electronically via email.
Print Your eVisa: Print a copy of the electronic approval document to present upon check-in at the airport and upon arrival in the DRC.
What are the Processing Times and Fees for the DRC E-visa?
The cost and time taken to process the DRC eVisa application are flexible. The price structure depends on factors like the visa type, the applicant's nationality, the intended period of stay, and the chosen processing urgency.
How Quickly Can I Get My DRC eVisa?
The application service typically offers three tiers of Processing to meet various travel timelines:
What is the Standard Validity and Duration of Stay?
The Ordinary Flying eVisa is typically issued with the following parameters:
Validity: Generally valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. You must enter the DRC within this 6-month period.
Maximum Duration of Stay: Allows a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
Entry Type: Most eVisas are issued for Single Entry. Note that limited options for 7 or 90 days may exist for specific travel purposes or nationalities.
What is the DRC eVisa Cancellation and Refund Policy?
The policies governing cancellations and refunds are strict and time-sensitive. It is vital to understand them before payment.
Cancellation Possible:
Cancellation requests are only valid if the application has not yet begun processing by government authorities.
Normal Processing: You must submit a cancellation request within 1 hour of placing the order.
Urgent/Super Rush Processing: Due to immediate activation, cancellation requests must be made within 15 minutes of submission.
Cancellation is NOT possible: Once the application is submitted to the government consulate, is under review, or has been approved.
Will I Get a Refund if My Application is Rejected or Cancelled
Refunds are governed by the following strict rules:
Processing Status: A refund can only be requested if your application has not entered the processing stage. Once processing begins, cancellations and refunds are usually impossible.
Applicant Error: No refunds will be issued if the visa application is rejected or denied due to incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information provided by the applicant. Accuracy is the customer's responsibility.
Eligibility/Past Issues: If the visa is refused because of ineligibility or past travel issues, the application fee is non-refundable.
Failure to Submit Documents: If required documents are not provided on time, the order may be auto-canceled without a refund.
Duplicate Payment: If duplicate payments occur, you must submit proof of both transactions to be eligible for a refund, which requires verification time.
Why Should I Choose the DRC Ordinary Flying eVisa?
Opting for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) eVisa, or the Ordinary Flying eVisa, offers a range of significant benefits compared to the traditional consular visa process. These advantages focus on making the travel authorization process faster, easier, and more accessible for international visitors.
Here are the key benefits of choosing the DRC eVisa:
Convenience:The entire application process is conducted online, eliminating the need for mandatory visits to a DRC embassy or consulate.
Efficiency:eVisa applications are processed quickly, particularly when applicants choose the expedited options (Urgent or Super Urgent).
Electronic Delivery:Once approved, the eVisa authorization is sent directly to the applicant via email.
This electronic delivery bypasses the time and cost associated with physical document handling and mail delivery.
Cost-Effectiveness:In many cases, the eVisa tends to be more affordable than obtaining a traditional consular visa, as it reduces or eliminates various intermediary costs (e.g., courier fees, travel costs to an embassy).
Enhanced Security:The eVisa system utilizes a robust platform that incorporates comprehensive background checks and identity verification measures.
This electronic verification process helps to bolster the DRC's security protocols and ensure that travel authorizations are granted only to legitimate travelers.
What About Extensions and Visas on Arrival (VOA)?
These are two common queries with specific answers for the DRC eVisa system:
Is it Possible to Renew or Extend My 30-Day Stay?
Online Extensions: Extensions are generally not possible online.
In-Country Request: If absolutely necessary (e.g., medical reasons, force majeure), you must visit a police station or immigration office inside the DRC before your initial 30-day stay expires to request an extension. These are granted only for valid, exceptional reasons.
Can I Get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in the DRC?
VOA Availability: Visa on Arrival is generally NOT available for most nationalities eligible for the eVisa.
Mandatory Pre-Approval: You are typically required to obtain either the eVisa or a traditional sticker visa before your departure to the DRC. Do not rely on VOA to enter the country.
Conclusion:
The Congo eVisa (Ordinary Flying eVisa) is a major effort by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to systematise entry of international visitors into the country including tourists, business people, and the ones who visit family. By placing the whole procedure of application online, the DRC has helped make exploring its own rich culture, vast natural resources, and emerging economy more easily accessible than ever.
