Quick answer
The Family Visa (Marital) for the Democratic Republic of Congo is not a separate visa category; applicants should apply under the 'All Other Travelers' (visitor) visa type, providing a notarized invitation letter from the spouse/host in DRC[1]. Required documents include a completed visa application form, passport-style photo, yellow fever vaccination card, flight itinerary, valid passport with 6 months validity and two blank pages, a prepaid return mailing envelope, and payment by money order/cashier's check. Tourist/family visitors must also provide proof of sufficient funds, hotel reservation, and a travel itinerary if not using a host. Processing starts once all documents are received and takes at least 1–2 business days[4]. Fees vary by visa type (e.g., single entry 6-month visa costs $400) and are non-refundable. US citizens have a special reciprocity agreement allowing a 2-year multiple-entry visa for tourism/study/business for $185.
Key facts
| Processing time | Minimum 1–2 business days after complete application received.[4] |
Requirements
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One completed, dated, and signed application form in blue or black ink.
One 2×2 inch passport-style photograph taken within the last 6 months.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay and have two blank visa pages.
Payment by money order, cashier’s check, or certified check payable to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fees vary by visa type (e.g., single-entry 1 month: $100, multiple-entry 6 months: $450).
A notarized invitation letter from a host or company in the DRC. Business travelers must also include a company letter explaining the trip purpose.
Copy of your yellow fever vaccination card.
Copy of a flight itinerary (not an actual booking or ticket).
A prepaid mailing envelope with tracking (FedEx, UPS, or USPS) for returning your passport.
Non-U.S. citizens must include a copy of their Permanent Resident Card, U.S. visa, and I-94 form.
If not using an invitation from a host or agency, you must provide proof of sufficient funds for the trip, along with a travel itinerary and hotel reservation.
Documents you'll need
All travelers
- One visa application form printed, completed, and signed in blue or black ink[1]
- One passport-style photograph (2"x2") taken within last 6 months
- Payment by money order, cashier's check, or certified check addressed to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Copy of yellow fever vaccination card
- Copy of flight itinerary (not an actual booking or ticket)
- Valid, signed passport with at least two blank pages marked “Visas” side by side and at least six months of validity remaining
- Prepaid mailing envelope for return of passport (FedEx or UPS with tracking)
- Passport copy (BIO page only) and copies of previous DRC visas (if applicable)
Family/Marital visit
- Notarized invitation letter from host/spouse in DRC
- Proof of sufficient funds, travel itinerary, and hotel reservation
Family/Marital visit (alternative)
- If not using a host: letter stating purpose of trip, sites to visit, hotel reservation, duration, notarized by local US authorities
Additional requirements
- For non-US citizens: copy of Permanent Resident Card or I-94 form
Children
- For children under 10: visa application signed by one parent, copy of birth certificate, copy of parents’ passport, parental authorization[7]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Complete the visa application form (writable or standard) and sign in blue or black ink[1].
- 2
Gather all required documents: passport, photo, yellow fever card, flight itinerary, invitation letter (if family visit), payment, and return envelope[34-42,84-87].
- 3
Ensure payment is made by money order, cashier's check, or certified check payable to the Embassy of DRC.
- 4
Submit the complete application package to the Embassy (in person or by mail) along with the prepaid return envelope.
- 5
Wait for processing (minimum 1-2 business days after complete submission)[4]. Note: applications received more than 3 months before travel will not be processed[5].
- 6
Receive visa decision – issuance, duration, and number of entries are at the discretion of DRC immigration services.
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 visa application process for all travelers
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Visa types and fees schedule
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
Processing times and non-refundable fees
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Payment methods and mailing instructions
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.