Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
About the Embassy
Welcome to the DRC Embassy in Washington DC!
As the Ambassador, I am honored by the opportunity and proud to represent our Government in the United States of America. In this role, I have the responsibility of advancing the Democratic Republic of Congo strategic partnership with the Government of the United States of America, and ensuring our citizens’ interests. While committed to strengthening our bilateral relations, I am serving as the primary liaison between the U.S. and the DRC Government in Kinshasa.
From its nation to its natural resources, the DRC is a rich country that has progressively worked to advance democratic values and has become an emerging market economy with immense potential for Foreign Direct Investment and Diaspora engagement in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and tourism. These are hallmarks of a nation that aims to prosper and build a stronger future along with regional partners, and increase its development and investment in the DRC. We are part of the promise for intra-Africa trade and we continue to develop the DRC to uplift the 86 million Congolese people.
Based in Washington, DC and with regular travels throughout the United States, on behalf of the DRC Government and the Embassy team, I welcome you to Embassy website.
Sincerely,
AMBASSADOR Marie-Hélène Mathey Boo Lowumba
THE EMBASSY WILL BE CLOSED DURING THESE DAYS.
DRC Holidays
Friday, January 4th, 2019: Day of the Martyrs
Thursday, January 16th, 2020: President Laurent Desiree Kabila Day
Friday, January 17th, 2020: P.M. Patrice Emery Lumumba Day
Friday, May 1st, 2020: Labor Day
Monday, May 18th, 2020: Liberation Day
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020: Independence Day (DRC, Sunday June 30th)
Friday, July 31st, 2020: Parents Day (DRC)
Global
Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, December 25th, 2020 – Christmas Day
USA Holidays
Monday, January 20th, 2020: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (USA)
Monday, February 17th, 2020: Washington’s Birthday (USA)
Monday, May 25th, 2020: Memorial Day (USA)
Friday, July 3rd, 2020: Independence Day (USA)
Monday, September 7th, 2020: Labor Day (USA)
Monday, October 12th, 2020: Columbus Day/ US Indigenous People’s Day (USA)
Wednesday, November 11th, 2020: Veterans Day (USA)
Thursday, November 26th, 2020: Thanksgiving Day (USA)
Please note:
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For the USA – *Inauguration Day is an eleventh holiday designated by Congress for observance every four years on January 20 following a U. S. presidential election. It is only observed by government employees in Washington D.C. and the border counties of Maryland and Virginia.*
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When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is usually observed on the preceding Friday. When the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is usually observed on the following Monday.
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Due to inclement weather during the winter months, the embassy is closed on certain days in accordance with the Federal government guidelines for snow and dismissal procedures. We advise all visitors to consult the OPM (Office of Personnel Management) website for days when government is closed. Visitors may click on the following link
OUR CONSULAR SERVICES
Visa application drop-off: Monday to Friday
From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Visa application pick-up: Monday to Friday
From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
VISA | PASSPORT | TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Visa for all travelers including foreign applicants, passport or travel document for Congolese Nationals, legalization of documents and power of attorney.
CIVIL AFFAIRS FOR DIASPORA CONGOLESE
The DRC Government is committed to facilitating the travels of Congolese Nationals living abroad and the Embassy in the US will assist Congolese Nationals with DRC Passport issuance, renewals and “Tenant-Lieu”.
THE EMBASSY
Ambassador François Nkuna Balumuene has been appointed by President Joseph Kabila and is responsible for the direction of the Embassy and its consulates in the U.S. He has the responsibility of representing the interests of the DRC and its citizens while advancing our nations’ bilateral relations and serving as the primary liaison between the U.S. and the DRC government in Kinshasa.
INVESTING IN THE DRC
The DRC’s investment agency namely the National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI), provides investment facilitation services for initial investments over $200,000 and is mandated to simplify the investment process, make procedures more transparent, assist new foreign investors and improve the image of the DRC as an investment destination.
ABOUT THE DRC
As the second-largest country on the African continent, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is emerging as a stable and promising leader in Africa, with improved security, a growing economy, and a commitment to democratic governance.
DRC REPRESENTATIONS
The DRC Government is committed to assisting with Visa for visitors and Investors as well as passport and Tenant Lieu for it's Congolese Nationals leaving abroad. We are found in many countries to make your DRC consular process seamless.
MEET OUR EMBASSY DIVISIONS
The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents the DRC interests’ in the United States of America. The Embassy staff engages interested stakeholders on a range of diplomatic, security and economic issues related to the DRC and the U.S.A. while providing consular assistance to Congolese nationals, investors and those seeking to travel to the DRC.