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3 ways to enter

DR Congo visas

DR Congo tourist visa

Tourists can apply through a DRC embassy or diplomatic mission. Some visitors qualify for visa-free entry, an online visa or a visa on arrival.

Ways to get a DR Congo tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe qualify. Zimbabwean transport drivers must get a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days

  2. Visa from an embassy

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa can apply through a DRC diplomatic mission.

    1. Get a legalised invitation letter. If you are a tourist with no local contact, get a hotel booking confirmation instead.
    2. Submit your visa application through a DRC diplomatic mission in your country of residence.

  3. Tourist visa arranged through Virunga National Park

    Other permit

    Tourists visiting Virunga National Park can arrange a tourist visa through the park.

Who needs it

Visitors need a visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry.

Who doesn't

Citizens of Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Zimbabwean transport drivers have a separate visa requirement.

How to apply

  1. Get a legalised invitation letter from a person or organisation in the DRC. Tourists with no local contact can use a hotel booking confirmation instead.
  2. Apply through a DRC embassy or diplomatic mission in your country of residence.

What to bring

  • Legalised invitation letter from a person or organisation in the DRC, or a hotel booking confirmation if you are a tourist with no local contact

Good to know

  • A visa issued outside your country of residence may lead to refused entry. It is accepted only if there is no DRC embassy in your country of residence.
  • Online visas and visas on arrival have separate eligibility rules.
  • The visa-free agreement signed with Chad has not entered into force.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for the DR Congo?

Visitors need a visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry. Citizens of Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Zimbabwean transport drivers have a separate visa requirement.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for the DR Congo?

There are 3 options: Visa-free entry (no visa at all); Visa from an embassy (a visa from an embassy); Tourist visa arranged through Virunga National Park (a special permit).

Who can go to the DR Congo without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe qualify. Zimbabwean transport drivers must get a visa.

What documents do I need for a the DR Congo tourist visa?

Legalised invitation letter from a person or organisation in the DRC, or a hotel booking confirmation if you are a tourist with no local contact.

How do I apply for a the DR Congo tourist visa?

1. 1. Get a legalised invitation letter from a person or organisation in the DRC. Tourists with no local contact can use a hotel booking confirmation instead. 2. 2. Apply through a DRC embassy or diplomatic mission in your country of residence.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for the DR Congo?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the DR Congo visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for the DR Congo be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest the DR Congo tourist visa rules?

On the DR Congo's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in the DR Congo?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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