For German travelers, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) represents one of the final frontiers of global travel. From the bubbling lava lake of Mount Nyiragongo to the dense rainforests of the Congo Basin, it is a destination that rewards the bold.
A traveler is holding a passport
However, entering the DRC requires meticulous preparation. Unlike travel within the Schengen Area or to many other international destinations where the German passport grants visa-free access, the DRC has strict entry protocols. Whether you are traveling for business in Kinshasa or adventure in Virunga, obtaining your Democratic Republic of Congo Visa for German Citizens (known as the Visa Volant) is mandatory.
Do German Citizens Need a Visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Yes, German citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There is no visa-free entry or simple “visa on arrival” without prior arrangement for holders of a German passport (Reisepass).
You must either apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Berlin or apply online for the “Ordinary Flying Visa”, which functions as an electronic pre-approval.
Should I Apply for a Business or Tourist Visa?
Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, visiting friends, or safaris. Requires a hotel booking or private invitation.
Business Visa: Required for meetings or trade. You must provide a letter from your German employer and a Notarized Invitation from the Congolese partner company, legalized by the DGM or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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) in Kinshasa.
It serves as an alternative to the traditional embassy visa. Instead of sending your physical passport to Berlin, you upload your documents to an online portal. Once approved, you receive an Electronic Authorization Letter. You must present this letter to the airline staff in Germany (e.g., at Frankfurt or Munich airport) to board your flight. The actual visa sticker is placed in your passport when you land at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa.
How long is a German passport valid for?
Before you even start your application, you must ensure your German passport meets the specific validity rules enforced by the DGM. This is the most common reason for boarding denial.
6-Month Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into the DRC. For example, if you plan to enter on January 1st, your passport must be valid until at least July 1st.
Blank Pages: You must have at least two completely blank visa pages available. The visa sticker is large, and you will receive additional entry/exit stamps.
Condition: Ensure your passport is in good condition with no water damage or tearing.
What is the validity period of a DRC visa?
Understanding the validity of the Ordinary Flying Visa is crucial to avoid overstaying fees.
Validity Period: The visa authorization is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. This is the window of time during which you must use the visa to enter the country.
Duration of Stay: Once you enter the DRC, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with an authorized stay duration. This is usually up to 90 days. However, in some cases, officers may grant a shorter stay (e.g., 30 days).
Extensions: If you are granted fewer days than needed, you can apply for a visa extension (prorogation de visa) at the DGM headquarters in Kinshasa or provincial offices.
How Do Arrival and Departure Dates Work?
When filling out your application, you will be asked for your Intended Date of Arrival.
Flexible Entry: You generally do not need to arrive on the exact specific day you listed, provided you enter within the 90-day validity period of your visa.
Do Not Arrive Early: You cannot enter the country before the “Date of Issue” listed on your authorization letter.
Departure: You must leave the country on or before the expiry date stamped in your passport upon arrival, unless you have obtained an extension.
What is the visa for DRC : Single vs. Multiple Entry
It is important to select the correct entry type for your travel plans:
Single Entry: The standard Ordinary Flying Visa is a Single Entry permit. This means once you exit the DRC (e.g., to cross into Rwanda or fly home), the visa is invalid. You cannot use it to return.
Multiple Entry: If you plan to leave and re-enter the DRC, you must explicitly request a Multiple Entry visa during your application or apply for a specific circular visa. Note that Multiple Entry visas are harder to obtain online and may require applying via the Embassy in Berlin.
Digital Photo: A recent biometric passport-style photo with a white background.
Application Letter: A formal letter addressed to the Director General of Migration. It must state your name, passport number, purpose of travel, and dates of visit.
What If I Make a Mistake on the Form?
Government Website: Once you click submit, your errors are final. A typo in your name or passport number can lead to a rejection or denial of entry upon arrival in Kinshasa.
congo-evisa.com: We act as your safety net. Our experts manually review every field of your application. If we see a mismatch or a potential error, we fix it or contact you immediately, ensuring your application is flawless before it reaches the government.
Why Choose congo-evisa.com?
Feature
Government Website (evisa.gouv.cd)
congo-evisa.com
Cost
Lower (Visa Fee Only)
Visa Fee + Service Fee
Photo Compliance
Strict (Risk of Rejection)
We Edit & Format For You
Support
Limited / Slow
24/7 Chat & WhatsApp
Language
French / English
Multilingual Support
Mistake Correction
None
Expert Pre-Check
Refund Policy
Non-Refundable
Refundable (Pre-Submission)
User Experience
Complex / Technical
Simple / Mobile-Friendly
What kind of photo is required for a visa?
Background: Plain white.
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed.
Format: High-resolution JPEG or PNG.
Recency: Taken within the last 6 months.
Glasses: Remove to avoid glare.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
Processing times vary based on the urgency selected:
Standard Processing: 11 – 13 Business Days.
Rush Processing: 8 – 11 Business Days.
Super Rush Processing: 5 – 8 Business Days.
Recommendation: German efficiency meets African bureaucracy here—delays can happen. We advise applying at least 3 to 4 weeks before your planned departure from Germany.
Traveling with Children: Do Minors Need a Visa?
Yes, German children (Kinder) require their own visa. The DGM enforces strict anti-trafficking rules:
Birth Certificate: Copy of the international birth certificate listing both parents.
Parental Consent:
If traveling with one parent, a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent is mandatory.
If traveling alone, a notarized letter from both parents is required.
Parents’ Passports: Copies of both parents’ passports.
Flight Routes: Getting from Germany to Kinshasa
There are no direct non-stop flights from Germany to Kinshasa (FIH). German travelers typically connect via neighboring hubs. Popular routes include:
Brussels Airlines: Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) -> Brussels (BRU) -> Kinshasa. (Very popular due to historical links).
Air France: Frankfurt (FRA) or Berlin (BER) -> Paris (CDG) -> Kinshasa.
Turkish Airlines: Frankfurt, Munich, or Dusseldorf -> Istanbul (IST) -> Kinshasa.
The German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) issues specific travel advice for the DRC.
Kinshasa: Generally accessible for business, but exercise caution (Vorsicht) against crime. Avoid demonstrations.
Eastern DRC (North/South Kivu, Ituri): The Auswärtiges Amt currently warns against travel (Reisewarnung) to these regions due to armed conflict. If visiting Virunga, ensure you are with an official park convoy.
Registration: It is highly recommended to register on the “Elefand” crisis preparedness list of the Auswärtiges Amt before traveling.
What Should I Do If I Lose My German Passport in DRC?
If you lose your passport in the Congo:
Police Report: Report the loss to the nearest Congolese police station immediately.
Contact the Embassy: Visit the German Embassy in Kinshasa (Deutsche Botschaft Kinshasa).
Location: 82, Avenue Roi Baudouin, Kinshasa-Gombe.
Services: They can issue a replacement travel document (Reiseausweis als Passersatz) for return to Germany.
What If I Lose My eVisa Authorization Letter?
Since the authorization is digital, you can:
Reprint: Log into the portal or check your email to reprint the PDF.
Backup: Always keep a digital copy on your smartphone and a physical copy in your hand luggage.
Conclusion
Securing a Democratic Republic of the Congo eVisa for German citizens opens the door to an extraordinary adventure. By following the specific requirements—especially the application letter, Yellow Fever proof, and carrying the correct cash for arrival—you can navigate the bureaucracy with confidence.
Whether you are departing from Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin, proper preparation is the key to a smooth entry into the heart of Africa.
