PASSPORT & VISA | TENANT LIEU
APPLICATION PROCESS
All travelers must submit the following to apply for a visa: The visa application form below printed, completed and signed in blue or black ink. All requirements must be met for the DRC Government to process your application. A valid passport is required for all Visa applicants seeking to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Note: Visas application fees are non-refundable.As a general guideline, 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. See processing fees for each visa types below.
VISA INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN
For children under the age of 10 years old, the following four documentation must be provided for a Visa to be issued.
(1) Visa Application form duly filled and signed by one of the parents
(2) Copy of birth certificate,
(3) Copy of Parents passport, and
(4) Parental authorization.
For Applicants of Congolese Origin
1) One visa application form (Completed in full, dated and signed by applicant).
2) One passport-style photographs (2″x2″) taken within last 6 months.
3) Payment has to be made by money order, cashiers check or certified check addressed to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
4) Copy of yellow fever vaccination card.
5) Copy of flight itinerary (not an actual booking or ticket).
6) A valid, signed passport with at least two blank pages marked “Visas” side by side and at least six months of validity remaining.
7) A prepaid mailing envelope for the return of the applicant’s passport (using a service with tracking such as FedEx or UPS).
For safety reasons, kindly use paper clips or tape instead of staples with the applications.
Note:
- Please avoid submitting multiple applications and photos, only one of each is needed.
- Failure to submit the required documents will cause delay in the processing of the applications or return of the applications.
- Processing only starts once ALL documents are received, and requires at least one (1) business days.
DIPLOMATIC & OFFICIAL
Foreign officials’ requests can be processed on the same day or within 24 hours. For same day service, please allow 2 hours for processing. 1) One visa application form (Completed in full, dated and signed by applicant). 2) One passport-style photographs (2″x2″) taken within last 6 months. 3) Official letter from State Department stating purpose of the trip. 4) Copy of yellow fever vaccination card. 5) Copy of flight itinerary (not an actual booking or ticket). 6) Passport ID page copy, and copies of previous DRC visas (If applicable). 7) A valid, signed passport with at least two blank pages marked “Visas” side by side and at least six months of validity remaining. 8) A prepaid mailing envelope for the return of the applicant’s passport (using a service with tracking such as FedEx or UPS). For safety reasons, kindly use paper clips or tape instead of staples with the applications.Note:
- Please avoid submitting multiple applications and photos, only one of each is needed.
- Failure to submit the required documents will cause delay in the processing of the applications or return of the applications.
- Processing only starts once ALL documents are received, and requires at least one (1) business days.
- If you represent an agency, please ensure that your clients meet all the above-mentioned requirements before submitting their application to the embassy.
DOCUMENTS CHECK
including for applicants of Congolese origin ( Individuals of Congolese descent are not required to present an invitation.)
1) One visa application form (Completed in full, dated and signed by applicant).
2) One passport-style photographs (2″x2″) taken within last 6 months.
3) Payment has to be made by money order, cashiers check or certified check addressed to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
4) Invitation letter from your host or hotel reservation.
5) Company letter explaining the purpose of the trip ( For Business Travelers ONLY).
6) Copy of yellow fever vaccination card.
7) Copy of flight itinerary (not an actual booking or ticket).
8) Passport copy ( BIO page only) and copies of previous DRC visas (If applicable).
9) A valid, signed passport with at least two blank pages marked “Visas” side by side and at least six months of validity remaining.
10) A prepaid mailing envelope for the return of the applicant’s passport (using a service with tracking such as FedEx or UPS).
For safety reasons, kindly use paper clips or tape instead of staples with the applications.
Note:
- Please avoid submitting multiple applications and photos, only one of each is needed.
- Failure to submit the required documents will cause delay in the processing of the applications or return of the applications.
- Processing only starts once ALL documents are received, and requires at least two (2) business days.
- Processing only starts once ALL documents are received.
- If you represent an agency, please ensure that your clients meet all the above-mentioned requirements before submitting their application to the embassy.
FOR A “TENANT-LIEU” APPLICATION
If you are looking for BIRTH CERTIFICATE, the information is under Legalization of Documents.
We may be able to provide a travel document if you cannot get a replacement passport in time to travel to DRC. The travel document or the Tenant Lieu allows Congolese Nationals to travel one way to the DRC.
1) Completed “tenant-lieu de Passeport” application form.
2) Copy of your current/previous Congolese passport (please note that the passport cannot be valid for more than 6 months beyond the expiry date).
* If your passport is lost or stolen, please provide a written police report.
3) Two passport-style photographs (2″x2″) taken within last 6 months.
4) Copy of your proof of valid residence (Green card, study visa/I-20, work permit/employment authorization).
5) A pre-paid return shipping label or pre-paid return envelope with stamps and tracking number (to return your document when it is ready).
6) Payment has to be made by money order, cashiers check or certified check addressed to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
FOR A CONGOLESE PASSPORT APPLICATION
All passport applications are done in person at the Embassy of DRC in Washington DC.
Please be advised that the Embassy will not be able to provide a precise processing time as the average waiting time is up to 90 days. Please also note the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Kinshasa Congo issues all passports and the Embassy will forward all information to the MFA for processing. We thank you for your patience throughout this process.
1) Completed passport application form.
2) Copy of your current/previous Congolese passport (BIO page only).
3) If your passport is lost or stolen, please provide a written police report or a copy of your birth certificate.
4) Two passport-style photographs (2″x2″) taken within last 6 months.
5) Copy of your proof of residence (Green card, study visa/I-20, work permit/employment authorization).
6) The price for the biometric passport is $100.
7) A pre-paid return mailing envelope with stamps and tracking number to mail the passport to you once it is ready (FedEx, UPS or USPS).
8) For Refugee and Asylum, your I-94 and permit of transportation letter.
NON-US CITIZENS MUST ALSO INCLUDE: A copy of their Permanent Resident Card or U.S. Visa and I-94. Travelers who entered the US after April 26, 2013 should print the electronic I-94 form from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/.
BUSINESS TRAVELERS MUST ALSO INCLUDE: The letter must bear the original pen-to-paper signature of a company representative other than the applicant.
• A letter of invitation from the company or partners to be visited in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The letter must be on company letterhead and signed by a representative of the company, and should include the applicant’s name and the name, address, and telephone number for a contact person at the overseas company.
TOURIST TRAVELERS MUST ALSO INCLUDE: A letter of invitation from a tourism agency or private host in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• If the tourist is not using either a tourist agency or private host, the tourist needs to provide a letter stating the purpose of the trip, the site the tourist plans to visit and the duration of the trip. This letter should be notarized by local authorities in the U.S. You need to provide proof of sufficient funds for the trip as well as a travel itinerary and hotel reservation.
***Please note that all applications submitted to the embassy are reviewed by the DRC immigration services and the Immigration services reserve the right to issue or deny visas to any applicants. The issuance of visas, including visa duration and number of entries, is thus at the discretion of the immigration services.***
VISA TYPE |
Fees |
|---|---|
| AIRPORT | |
| Airport transit visa (One way) | $45 |
| Airport transit visa (Roundtrip transit) | $75 |
| SINGLE ENTRY | |
| Single entry (1 month validity visa) | $100 |
| Single entry (2 months validity visa) | $135 |
| Single entry (6 months validity visa) | $400 |
| MULTIPLE ENTRIES | |
| Multiple entries (1 month validity visa) | $120 |
| Multiple entries (2 months validity visa) | $150 |
| Multiple entries (3 months validity visa) | $160 |
| Multiple entries (6 months validity visa) | $450 |
All payments to the the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Visas, Passports, Laissez-Passer, Tenant Lieu, Birth Certificates and others) are made by money order, cashiers check or certified check.
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
1100 Connecticut Avenue N.W. Suite 725
Washington, D.C. 20036