Dem Rep Congo tourist visa

[ollie j]

So, this summer I plan on visiting the DRC. I'll fly from Europe straight into Kinshasa.

I would like to know if anyone on here (or in this case, if anyone on here can put me in touch with a friend/family member) who has obtained a visa recently.

I will be going into the embassy in London soon to ask some of these questions but thought I may as well ask here (thorntree forum currently down).

First question is regarding flight tickets. Did you purchase these before applying for the visa or did you simply use a reservation? £800+ is a bit of a gamble to take on getting a visa.

Secondly, regarding the letter of invitation. I appreciate it has to be notarised in Kinshasa/by a border official but says that you have to provide the ORIGINAL copy. Is this correct that I have to get it posted from Kinshasa or will a photocopy or fax simply suffice?

Finally, again regarding the letter of invitation. I find it highly unlikely but one visa processing service (i never use these but look to them for advice) said that simply a hotel booking confirmation would be fine instead?

Any other help would be appreciated.

[trickywoo]

Why do you want to go there?

[blindswelledrat]

I looked into this for a fishing trip recently.
Sorry, I cant remember the full details but I recall it was easier than it looked.
What are you going for?

[ollie j]

I like going to places off the beaten track. Been to countries in East Africa before for a few months and went to NK last summer.
Have been reading about the DRC for a very long time now(both academic journals as well as novels.... Blood River, King Leopold's Soliloquy etc.), relevant to my course at uni etc.

Republic of Congo process is very easy and staff at the consulate couldn't be more helpful. Sadly a bit more difficult to get info from DRC embassy about the questions I've asked on this thread - as expected.

Blindswellrat - where were you hoping to fish, the Congo river? Sounds interesting.

[Bill]

The other place to ask is the HUBB: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/

[blindswelledrat]

ollie j said:

Blindswellrat - where were you hoping to fish, the Congo river? Sounds interesting.

Yes. There is a fish called the goliath tigerfish that can only be found there. The appeal of this plus the same compulsion to adventure you have has made me want to go there.
Long before Blood River I rad a book called Somewhere Down The Crazy River about a chaps attempt to navigate the Congo and find one of these fish. Doesn't even matter whether you like fishing, it is more of a travel book, and it is utterly compulsive reading. Thoroughly recommend it if you can find a copy. Ive read mine about 10 times and it still fills me with yearning every time I read it.

[ollie j]

Thanks. That book escaped my attention but has now been ordered.

I have been given more details on visa application by a visa help company (never use them but this is an exception).
She confirmed that a photocopy sent via email on headed paper fulfilling the criteria would do the job but as it has been a while since they've done a tourist visa, she thought this was only required for business visas.
So again, could someone confirm please?

(this is a shameless bump.... ANYONE been or know even a remote contact who has?! And thanks for the hub suggestion. I will enquire there in a few days)