DRC e-Visa & Congo Tourist Visa — Step-by-Step Guide

How to apply for a DRC tourist visa (e-visa), step by step

1. 1

   Request a letter of invitation (LOI)

   Ask your licensed DRC tour operator, hotel or host to issue a signed letter of invitation confirming your identity, travel dates and who is responsible for you in the DRC. Partner operators usually issue an LOI within 2–5 working days of a confirmed itinerary or deposit.

2. 2

   Create an account on the official DGM e-visa portal

   Register on the official Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) e-visa portal rather than a third-party reseller, so you pay only the official tariff.

3. 3

   Complete the visa application form

   Enter your passport details, purpose of travel, arrival and departure dates, entry airport (Kinshasa FIH, Goma GOM or Lubumbashi FBM) and your address in the DRC.

4. 4

   Upload the required documents

   Attach your passport bio page (valid 6+ months with two blank pages), a recent passport photo, the letter of invitation, your yellow fever vaccination certificate, accommodation confirmation and a return or onward ticket.

5. 5

   Pay the visa fee online

   Single-entry tourist visas cost roughly US$100, rising to US$135–US$185 for longer or multiple-entry validity. Embassy applications may require a money order instead of a card.

6. 6

   Wait for the approval email

   E-visa approvals typically arrive in 3–15 business days; embassy applications take 5–20 business days. Apply 4–6 weeks before departure.

7. 7

   Print the approval letter and travel

   Carry the printed e-visa approval with your passport, yellow fever certificate and accommodation details. Immigration stamps the entry visa into your passport on arrival.