Not on the decision to either travel to Colombo on the tropical beaches, or on a venture to explore the vast territories of Central Africa, but the first thing to know is the entry conditions. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a great land of opportunity, and to the Sri Lankans, entry is strictly controlled.
With the introduction of the Ordinary Flying e Visa, it has made the journey very easy. Sri Lankan travelers can now use the online platform to obtain their travel authorization as opposed to travelling to a far off embassy. Here is your complete guide about the DRC eVisa for Sri Lanka.
Do Sri Lankan citizens need a visa for the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Yes. All Sri Lankan passport holders are required to obtain a valid visa before arriving in the DRC. The Ordinary Flying eVisa is the most convenient option for those arriving by air. It serves as a pre-authorized entry permit that allows you to board your flight and receive your official clearance upon landing at major airports like Kinshasa (N’djili).
What are the document requirements for Sri Lankan applicants?
Passport Bio-Page: A clear scan of the page containing your personal data.
Passport-Size Photo: A recent color photo with a plain white background.
Application Letter: A signed formal letter addressed to the DRC authorities explaining your trip.
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
What is the Ordinary Flying eVisa for Sri Lanka?
This is an online travel security that is specifically created to cater to visitors who access the DRC through air. It can be used in tourism, family outings or in an exploration business trip. The eVisa is done electronically and e-mailed to your mailbox unlike a traditional stamp visa which makes the process of application a lot quicker to the traveler in Sri Lanka.
How long does the DRC eVisa processing take?
We offer three different processing speeds to accommodate various travel schedules:
Standard Processing: 11 – 13 Working Days
Rush Processing: 8 – 11 Working Days
Super Rush Processing: 5 – 8 Working Days
Are Sri Lankan travelers allowed to bring medicines?
Yes, you may carry your own drugs, but they must be personal. To avoid issues at customs:
Keep all medicines in their original packaging.
Bring a prescription (in English or French) by a physician of any special or chronic drug.
As a general rule, it is better to avoid carrying huge amounts of generic over-the-counter drugs since it can lead to the assumption of commercial motivations.
Health Tip: Always carry a basic first-aid kit and any specific stomach medications, as the local cuisine and water may differ from what you are used to in Sri Lanka.
How to apply for a DRC eVisa online from Sri Lanka?
The process is straightforward and can be completed from your phone or computer:
Enter Details: Fill out the online form.
Upload Documents: Attach your passport scan, photo, and application letter.
Secure Payment: Pay the fees using a credit or debit card.
Get e Visa: Your official paper will be forwarded to your email account in PDF format.
Can tourists use credit and debit cards in the DRC?
In spite of the increased use of cards, the DRC is still a very cash-based economy.
Where the cards are accepted: Visa and mastercard are common in high end hotels, large super markets and foreign airline offices in Kinshasa.
Card failures: Local markets, smaller restaurants and taxis will only take cash.
Notice: Tell your Sri lankan bank about your travel dates to DRC before your card is blocked due to suspicion activity.
What are the best currency exchange options?
The local currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions.
Exchange at the Airport: You can find exchange bureaus at N’djili Airport upon arrival.
Banks vs. Street: Use official banks or authorized “Bureau de Change” for the best rates. Avoid street money changers to ensure you receive genuine notes.
Note: Ensure your USD bills are crisp, new (post-2013), and have no tears or markings, as older or damaged bills are often rejected.
How does the DRC eVisa work for minors?
In the case of children traveling, each minor should possess his or her own separate Ordinary Flying eVisa.
Requirements: To obtain the birth certificate of the child, you might be required to present his birth certificate besides the other standard documents.
Consent: In cases where the minor is traveling with one parent, a notarized parental permission letter by the non-travelling parent is not uncommon with both the Sri Lankan departure authorities as well as the DRC immigration.
Choosing an Agent (congo-evisa.com) vs. Government Portals
Many travelers wonder why they should use an agent instead of attempting the government process alone. Here is the breakdown:
Government Portals: These can often be slow, technically difficult to navigate, and offer no customer support if your application gets stuck or rejected.
Agent (congo-evisa.com): We provide a human layer of security. We review your application letter and photos to ensure they meet the strict DGM standards before submission.
Support: While the government does not offer a help desk, we provide 24/7 Live Chat and WhatsApp support to answer your specific questions in real-time. The service fee you pay ensures a stress-free experience and a much higher success rate.
What are the hotel stay rules for tourists in the DRC?
