The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains one of the world’s most enigmatic and adventurous destinations. For travelers from the United Kingdom, it offers everything from the pulsating rhythms of Kinshasa to the mist-covered peaks of the Virunga Mountains.

However, visiting the DRC requires careful preparation. Unlike many other destinations where British citizens enjoy visa-free access, the DRC has strict entry protocols. Whether you are traveling for a gorilla trek or a business venture in the mining sector, securing your Democratic Republic of Congo E-visa for United Kingdom Citizens (often called the Ordinary Flying Visa) is the first step.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Yes, UK citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. British passport holders are not exempt from visa requirements.

You cannot obtain a visa on arrival without prior arrangement. You must either apply for a standard sticker visa at the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in London or apply online for the “Ordinary Flying Visa” (eVisa), which grants you authorization to fly and receive the visa stamp upon landing.

What is the DRC “Ordinary Flying Visa” (eVisa)?

The Ordinary Flying Visa (or Visa Volant) is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM).

It is designed for travelers who do not have access to an embassy or prefer the convenience of an online application. Instead of sending your physical passport to the embassy in London, you upload your documents to an online portal. Once approved, you receive an authorization letter via email. You present this letter to the airline in the UK to board your flight, and the actual visa stamp is placed in your passport when you arrive at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa.

What Documents Do British Citizens Need for a DRC eVisa?

To successfully apply for the eVisa from the UK, you must prepare digital copies of the following documents. Ensure your scans are clear and legible to avoid delays.

1. Valid British Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry and have at least two blank pages for stamps.
2. Digital Passport Photo: A recent, color passport-sized photo with a white background. (No hats or sunglasses).
3. Application Letter: A formal letter addressed to the Director General of Migration. It must state your name, nationality (British), passport number, purpose of travel, and dates of visit.

What Are the Photo Requirements for the DRC eVisa?

One of the most common reasons for visa rejection is a non-compliant photo. When uploading your digital image, ensure it meets these Democratic Republic of The Congo Visa Photo Requirements criteria:

• Background: Must be plain white or off-white. Photos with busy or colored backgrounds will be rejected.
• Expression: Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling.
• Format: The file should be a high-resolution JPEG or PNG.
• Recency: The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
• Accessories: Remove glasses to avoid glare. Headwear is not permitted unless worn daily for religious reasons, and it must not obscure the face.
• Dimensions: While digital uploads are flexible, the aspect ratio should match a standard passport size (35x45mm or 2×2 inches).

How Can UK Travelers Apply for the DRC eVisa Step-by-Step?

1. Select Visa Type: Choose “Ordinary flying visa – 90 Days, Single entry”.
2. Enter Details: Input your personal information exactly as it appears on your UK passport.
3. Upload Documents: Attach your passport bio page, photo, application letter, and yellow fever card.
4. Pay the Processing Fee: Pay securely using a credit or debit card.
5. Receive Authorization: Wait for the approval letter to arrive in your email inbox.
6. Print Copies: Print at least two color copies of the authorization letter (one for the airline in London/Brussels, one for immigration in Kinshasa).

Do Minors Need a Visa for DRC and What Documents Are Required?

If you are traveling with children under the age of 18, the DGM requires additional documentation to prevent child trafficking. In addition to the standard passport and photo, you must provide:

• Birth Certificate: A copy of the child’s full birth certificate showing the names of both parents.
• Parental Consent Letter (Notarized):
  • Traveling with one parent: A notarized letter of consent signed by the non-accompanying parent is mandatory.
  • Traveling alone: A notarized letter signed by both parents authorizing the trip.
• Parents’ Passports: Copies of the bio-data pages of both parents’ passports.

Failure to present these documents at the airport in the UK or on arrival in Kinshasa may result in denied boarding.

How Long Is the DRC Visa Processing Time for UK Citizens?

The processing time depends on the urgency option you select during the application. For UK travelers planning ahead:

• Normal Processing: 11 – 13 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: 8 – 11 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: 5 – 8 Working Days.

Pro Tip: African bureaucratic processes can sometimes be unpredictable. We recommend applying at least 3 weeks before your intended departure date from the UK.

Can I Get a Refund If I Cancel?”

• Government Website: No. Once you make the payment on the government portal, it is 100% non-refundable, even if your visa is denied or you decide not to travel.
• congo-evisa.com: Yes, we offer protection. If you wish to cancel your application before we have submitted it to the government authorities, we will refund our service fee. This gives you flexibility that the official site does not offer.

Will You Help Me If I Don’t Speak French?”

• Government Website: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a Francophone country. While the official site has an English option, many notifications, support emails, or specific instructions may still be in French, leading to confusion for non-French speakers.
• congo-evisa.com: We speak your language. Our platform and support team provide full multilingual assistance, ensuring you understand every step of the process without needing a translator.

Is There Someone I Can Talk To?”

• Government Website: Support is limited. You may find an email address or a phone number, but responses can be slow or unavailable outside of local business hours.
• congo-evisa.com: We are always here. We offer 24/7 Customer Support via Live Chat, WhatsApp, and Email. Whether you have a question about your passport validity or need an urgent status update, a real person is ready to help instantly.

Do I Need to Pay Extra Fees Upon Arrival in Kinshasa?

This is a critical detail often missed by travelers. When you use the Flying Visa (eVisa) system, the fee you pay online covers the processing of the authorization letter.

Upon arrival at Kinshasa airport, you may be required to pay an additional $90 USD government fee at the immigration counter to have the physical visa stamp affixed to your passport. Always carry this amount in cash (new US Dollar bills) just in case, as card machines at the airport are often unreliable.

Which Airlines Fly from London to Kinshasa?

There are no direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) to Kinshasa (FIH). The most popular routes for UK travelers include:

1. Brussels Airlines: London -> Brussels (BRU) -> Kinshasa. (Most popular connection).
2. Air France: London -> Paris (CDG) -> Kinshasa.
3. Turkish Airlines: London -> Istanbul (IST) -> Kinshasa.
4. Ethiopian Airlines: London -> Addis Ababa (ADD) -> Kinshasa.

Ensure you have your Visa Authorization Letter printed and in hand when checking in at the UK airport, as staff will verify it before your first leg.

Should I Apply for a Business or Tourist Visa?

If you are traveling on behalf of a UK company:

• Tourist Visa: Requires a simple hotel booking or friend’s invitation.
• Business Visa: Requires a Notarized Letter of Invitation from the Congolese partner company and a letter from your UK employer stating the purpose of the trip. The invitation often needs to be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa.

Is it Safe for UK Citizens to Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides specific safety advice for British nationals.

• Kinshasa: Generally considered accessible for essential travel, but remain vigilant against street crime. Avoid traveling at night.
• Eastern DRC (North/South Kivu, Ituri): The FCDO currently advises against all travel to many eastern provinces due to armed conflict and instability. If you plan to visit Virunga National Park, ensure you are using official park transport and have checked the latest security reports.

What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid When Applying for a DRC Visa?

• Booking Flights Before Visa: While you need a flight itinerary for the application, avoid paying for non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved.
• Old Dollar Bills: In the DRC, US dollars printed before 2013 or with any tears/marks are often rejected. Bring only crisp, new notes.
• Blurry Documents: Ensure your passport scan is high-resolution. Glare or blurriness is the #1 reason for delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DRC Visa

Can British citizens get a visa on arrival in DRC?

Only if they have obtained the “Visa Volant” authorization letter online beforehand. You cannot simply fly to Kinshasa and request a visa at the desk without this pre-approval.

Where is the DRC Embassy in the UK?

The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is located at 45-49 Great Portland St, London W1W 7LD. You can apply there in person if you prefer not to use the online system.

How long is the DRC eVisa valid for?

The standard Ordinary Flying Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. It is typically a Single Entry visa.

Can I travel to Goma with this visa?

Yes, the visa covers the entire country. However, if you are entering directly via Goma (land border with Rwanda), ensure your visa specifically allows entry at that border post, or check if the Virunga National Park has a specific tourism visa arrangement active.

Conclusion

Securing a Democratic Republic of the Congo eVisa for UK citizens is a straightforward process if you follow the rules carefully. The modernized “Flying Visa” system allows you to arrange your travel authorization from the comfort of your home in Britain.

By preparing your application letter, ensuring your Yellow Fever certificate is up to date, and carrying the correct cash fees for arrival, you can look forward to a smooth entry into one of Africa’s most fascinating nations.