Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa for Canada

Are you a Canadian citizen planning an expedition to the heart of Africa? Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast heading to Virunga National Park to see the mountain gorillas, a business professional attending meetings in Kinshasa, or visiting family in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) offers a travel experience like no other.

However, for Canadians departing from Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), or Vancouver (YVR), the visa process can be confusing. The internet is full of conflicting information about “Visas on Arrival” versus “Flying Visas,” and mixing up the DRC (Kinshasa) with the neighboring Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) is a common mistake.

This comprehensive guide answers every question travelers have about the Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa for Canada. We break down the requirements, costs, and the specific documents you need to upload to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for Democratic Republic of Congo?

Yes. Canadian passport holders require a visa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

There is no visa-free entry or automatic “visa on arrival” for Canadians. You must obtain authorization before you board your flight. If you attempt to fly without a valid visa or a “Flying Visa” authorization letter, airlines (such as Air France, Brussels Airlines, or Ethiopian Airlines) will deny you boarding in Canada or at your transit point.

What is the DRC “Flying Visa” (Visa Volant) for Canadians?

The “Ordinary Flying Visa” (or Visa Volant) is the DRC’s version of an electronic visa (eVisa).

• It is not a sticker (yet): You apply online and receive an official Authorization Letter (PDF) via email.
• It becomes a visa later: You print this letter and present it upon arrival at N’djili International Airport (Kinshasa). There, immigration officers will verify your approval and place the physical visa sticker into your Canadian passport.

This system is designed to make travel easier for those who cannot easily visit an embassy in person.

What is the Correct Visa Type to Select?

When applying on the official portal, you must select the correct category to avoid rejection.

• Visa Type: Ordinary flying visa – 90 Days, Single entry
• Validity: This visa allows you to enter the DRC once and stay for up to 90 days.

Can Canadians Get a Visa on Arrival in Congo?

This is a frequent point of confusion.

• Technically: Yes, the physical visa is placed in your passport on arrival.
• Practically: No, you cannot just show up. You must have the printed eVisa authorization letter in your hand. Without this pre-approved letter, you will be deported on the next flight out.

Applying for DRC eVisa from Canada

The process is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Select Visa Type: Choose “Ordinary flying visa – 90 Days, Single entry”.
2. Fill Out Your Data: Enter your Canadian passport details exactly as they appear.
3. Upload Documents: Upload clear scans (see checklist below).
4. Pay the Fee: Use a credit card (Visa/Mastercard).
5. Wait for Email: Wait for your PDF approval based on the processing time selected.
6. Print: Print 2 copies of the approval PDF in color.

What is the primary difference in affiliation between the two sites? 

The Official DRC Government Site (evisa.gouv.cd) is run directly by the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) of the DRC government. congo-evisa.com is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with the government.

Which option provides help if I make a mistake or upload a blurry document? 

congo-evisa.com provides a valuable pre-submission document review by experts. If errors, incomplete forms, or unclear documents are found, they will contact you to correct them, greatly reducing the risk of rejection. The Official Government Site is self-service; if your application has an error, it may be delayed or rejected without personal assistance.

Documents Required for Canadian Applicants

According to the latest Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Requirements, you must have digital scans of the following three items ready for upload:

1. Passport Bio Page (Sample): Upload a clear scan of the bio page of your passport, showing all your details. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
2. Attach an Applicant Photo (Sample): Upload a recent passport-sized photo of yourself. The photo should be in color with a white background.
3. Application Letter (Sample): An application letter is a formal document addressed to the Director General of Migration (DGM). You must write, sign, and scan this letter.

(See the template below for the Application Letter).

How to Write the DRC Visa Application Letter (Template)

You cannot download this form; you must write it. Here is a template for Canadians:

To: The Director General of Migration Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

From: [Your Full Name] Date: [Current Date]

Subject: Application for Ordinary Flying Visa

Dear Director General,

I, [Your Name], a citizen of Canada holding Passport Number [Passport Number], respectfully request a [Tourist / Business] visa to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I plan to arrive in Kinshasa on [Arrival Date] and depart on [Departure Date].

During my visit, I will be traveling to [City/Location] for the purpose of [Tourism/Business]. I will be staying at [Name of Hotel or Address].

I confirm that I have sufficient funds for my stay and will respect all local laws.

Sincerely,

(Sign Here)

[Your Printed Name] [Your Phone Number]

Visa Requirements for Minors (Children)

Traveling with children requires additional documentation to prevent human trafficking and ensure parental consent. If you are applying for a minor (under 18 years old), you must include:

1. Birth Certificate: A copy of the child’s long-form birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
2. Parental Authorization Letter: If the child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent is mandatory. If the child is traveling alone or with a guardian, authorization from both parents is required.
3. Parents’ Passports: Copies of the bio pages of both parents’ passports.

Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

You can choose the processing speed that suits your travel plans. Be aware that “Working Days” exclude weekends and holidays.

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

Pro Tip: Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to account for any unforeseen delays.

How Much Does the DRC Visa Cost for Canadians in 2025?

DRC Visa Fees are generally charged in USD, even for Canadians.

• Rush/Super Rush: Expect higher fees for expedited services.
• Arrival Fee: Note that in some cases, a separate administrative fee might be charged at the airport upon arrival for the physical sticker, though often the online fee covers everything. Always carry cash just in case.

Flights from Canada to Kinshasa: Best Routes

There are no direct flights. Most Canadians fly via Europe or East Africa:

• Air France: Montreal/Toronto -> Paris (CDG) -> Kinshasa (FIH). Most common.
• Brussels Airlines: Montreal/Toronto -> Brussels (BRU) -> Kinshasa (FIH).
• Ethiopian Airlines: Toronto -> Addis Ababa (ADD) -> Kinshasa (FIH). Often cheaper.
• Turkish Airlines: Montreal/Toronto/Vancouver -> Istanbul (IST) -> Kinshasa (FIH).

Safety Advisory: Is It Safe for Canadians to Visit DRC?

The Government of Canada issues travel advisories for DRC.

• Exercise High Degree of Caution: In Kinshasa (petty crime, checkpoints).
• Avoid All Travel: To the eastern provinces (North/South Kivu, Ituri) due to armed conflict, unless on a tightly secured tour with a reputable operator (e.g., Virunga National Park security convoy).
• Registration: It is highly recommended to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service before you go.

What to Expect at N’djili Airport Upon Arrival?

Arrival can be intense.

1. Health Check: Show your Yellow Fever card immediately.
2. Immigration: Go to the “Visa Volant / eVisa” booth. Hand over your passport and printed PDF.
3. Wait: It may take 15-30 minutes for them to verify and stick the visa.
4. Baggage: Keep your baggage claim tags handy; they are checked at the exit.

Conclusion: Start Your Adventure Correctly

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a challenging but rewarding destination. For Canadians, the “Flying Visa” is the most accessible gateway to this incredible country. By preparing your Application Letter, ensuring your Yellow Fever shot is up to date, and printing your documents in color, you can navigate the bureaucracy with confidence.

Safe travels to the Congo!