Quick answer
To apply for a DRC Business Visa (for non-US citizens), you must submit a completed application form [1], one passport photo , payment by money order/certified check , a notarized invitation letter and a company letter explaining the trip purpose , a yellow fever vaccination card , a flight itinerary , a copy of your passport bio page and previous DRC visas if any , a valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months validity , and a prepaid return envelope . Non-US citizens must also include a copy of their Permanent Resident Card or US visa and an I-94 form if applicable . Processing takes at least two business days . Applications must be received no more than three months before travel [5]. Visa fees vary by type and are non-refundable .
Key facts
| Processing time | At least 2 business days after receipt of complete application[11] |
| Advance submission limit | Not more than 3 months before travel[12] |
| Visa validity and entries | Multiple options available (single/multiple entry, 1-6 months validity); fees range from $45 to $450[13] |
| Payment method | Money order, cashier's check, or certified check payable to 'Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo'[3] |
| Non-US citizen requirement | Copy of Permanent Resident Card or US visa, plus I-94 if entered after April 26, 2013[10] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and have two blank visa pages side by side.
One completed and signed visa application form (blue or black ink) plus one recent 2x2 inch passport photo.
Copy of the yellow fever vaccination card (International Certificate of Vaccination).
Copy of round-trip flight itinerary (not an actual ticket).
For tourists: a notarized letter of invitation from a host/tourism agency, or a notarized letter stating purpose of trip, hotel reservation, and travel itinerary.
Letter from a host or tourism agency in DRC, notarized.
Notarized letter explaining trip purpose, planned sites, hotel reservation, and duration.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip (no minimum amount specified; discretion of immigration).
Payment by money order, cashier's check, or certified check payable to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fee varies by visa type (see fee table on website).
A prepaid mailing envelope with tracking (e.g., FedEx, UPS) for return of passport and visa.
Copy of Permanent Resident Card, US visa, or I-94 (for non-US citizens applying from the United States).
Documents you'll need
All travelers
- Visa application form completed, printed, dated, and signed in blue or black ink [1]
- One passport-style photograph (2x2 inches, taken within last 6 months) [2]
- Payment by money order, cashier's check, or certified check payable to 'Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo' [3]
- Copy of yellow fever vaccination card [5]
- Copy of flight itinerary (not an actual booking) [6]
- Copy of passport bio page and copies of previous DRC visas (if applicable) [7]
- Valid, signed passport with at least two blank visa pages (side by side) and at least six months validity remaining [8]
- Prepaid return mailing envelope with tracking (FedEx, UPS, or USPS) [9]
Business travelers (all)
- Notarized invitation letter from your host in DRC [4]
- Company letter explaining the purpose of the trip, on letterhead, with original pen-to-paper signature of a representative other than the applicant [4]
- Letter of invitation from the company or partners in DRC, including applicant’s name and contact details of the overseas contact [4]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Complete and print the visa application form, signing it in blue or black ink [1].
- 2
Prepare all required documents: application form, photo, payment, invitation and company letters, yellow fever card, itinerary, passport copies, and prepaid return envelope [2-9].
- 3
If you are a non-US citizen, include a copy of your Permanent Resident Card or U.S. visa and the I-94 form [10].
- 4
Submit the complete application package to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (address and payment details as specified) [3][9].
- 5
Allow at least two business days for processing after receipt of all documents [11].
- 6
Applications received more than three months before travel will not be processed [12].
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
General application form requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Passport photo requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Payment method and address
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Invitation letter and company letter for business
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
Yellow fever vaccination card
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Flight itinerary
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Passport copy and previous visas
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Passport validity and blank pages
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Prepaid return envelope
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Non-US citizen additional documents
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
Processing time for all other travelers
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
Maximum advance submission
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
Visa fees vary by type
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Congo, Democratic Republic of the's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Congo, Democratic Republic of the's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.