DRC eVisa for Brunei Citizens

Victor Leroy 20 Dec, 2025 19 mins read 32

A journey that most people only dream of is going out of the quiet, organized scenery of Brunei Darussalam to the wild, rough core of the Central African region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country of astounding proportions, its territory encompassing the second-largest rainforest in the world, the smoky mountains of Virunga as well as the mighty river Congo. But, until you are able to stand in awe of a silverback gorilla or wade through the traffic of the bustling streets of Kinshasa you must wade through the administrative demands.

The switching to the DRC eVisa system has been a game-changer to Brunei passport holders. The time when people had to post their physical passports to foreign embassies is over. Nowadays, this task is electronic, fast, and convenient. In this extended guide, we take a closer look at all details of the DRC eVisa for Brunei Citizens so that your trip could be as smooth as possible.

Do Brunei Citizens Need a Visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Yes, every Brunei Darussalam citizen will have to get a visa to enter the DRC. As of now, Brunei is in the list of eligible nationalities of the Ordinary Flying eVisa (VOP - Visa d’Entrée Permanent).

This system is a kind of pre-approval system. It enables you to leave your details online and you are issued with a “Notification of Visa Grant” (pre-approval letter). This paper is your golden ticket, otherwise, airlines will not give you permission to board your flight to the DRC. After landing, this pre-approval is transformed to a physical visa at the border.

What is the DRC Ordinary Flying eVisa and Who Can Apply?

The Ordinary Flying eVisa is a specialized short-term entry permit. It is designed for travelers who are arriving by air at major international hubs like N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa or Goma International Airport.

It is specifically intended for:

Tourism & Exploration: Witnessing the volcanic activity of Mount Nyiragongo or trekking for Eastern Lowland gorillas.
Business Engagements: Attending corporate meetings, signing contracts, or scouting investment opportunities in the DRC’s vast mineral or agricultural sectors.
Family Visits: Reconnecting with relatives or friends residing in the country.

The standard eVisa typically grants a 7-day stay upon entry. It is a single-entry permit and must be used within 90 days from the date it is issued.

What Passport Types are Accepted for the DRC eVisa?

A common point of confusion is whether special passports are required. For the DRC eVisa application online, the following applies:

Standard/Ordinary Passports: These are the most common and are fully supported for the eVisa process.
Diplomatic and Official Passports: Holders of these passports may be eligible for different visa-waiver agreements or may need to apply through official government channels. It is always recommended that diplomatic holders check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Requirement: Regardless of the type, your passport must be machine-readable and have at least two blank pages for the entry and exit stamps.

Which Documents Required for the DRC eVisa Application?

To avoid delays or rejections, your digital "folder" should be prepared with high-quality scans. The DGM (Direction Générale de Migration) is strict about document clarity.

Passport Biodata Page: A clear, color scan of the page containing your photo and personal details. Ensure no parts are cut off and there is no glare from the camera flash.
Digital Photograph: A recent, professional-quality photo. It must be taken against a plain white background, with a neutral expression and no headwear (unless for religious reasons).
Letter of Application/Invitation: This is a crucial document. It should be a formal letter stating your purpose of visit, your exact travel dates, and where you will be staying. If you are visiting a company, a letter on their official letterhead is preferred.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: You must upload a scan of your "Yellow Card." This is not just a visa requirement but a strict health entry requirement.

How Long is the DRC eVisa Processing Time for Brunei Travellers?

Your travel timeline will dictate which processing tier you should select. We offers three speeds to accommodate both planners and last-minute travelers:Note: Working days exclude weekends and DRC public holidays.

What is the Mandatory VAP Border Fee Upon Arrival?

It is vital to understand that the online payment covers the service and pre-approval processing. It does not cover the final entry tax. Upon arrival at the DRC border (airport or land crossing), every eVisa holder must pay a Mandatory Border Fee (VAP) of $90 USD.

Payment Method: This must be paid in cash.
Currency Condition: The DRC is very particular about USD notes. They must be crisp, clean, and printed after 2013. Notes with any tears, ink marks, or heavy folds may be rejected.

How Do I Apply for the DRC eVisa Online?

The application process is designed to be user-friendly:

Form Completion: Enter your name, date of birth, and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport.
Upload Phase: Attach your passport scan, photo, and invitation letter.
Tier Selection: Pick your processing speed (Standard, Urgent, or Super Urgent).
Secure Payment: Use a credit/debit card to finalize the service fee.
Download: Once approved, you will receive your PDF pre-approval via email. Print at least two copies before you head to the airport.

Can I Use an eSim in the DRC for Mobile Data?

For Brunei citizens used to high-speed connectivity, staying online in the DRC is a priority.

Is eSim available? Yes, several global eSim providers now offer data plans for the DRC. This is the most convenient way to have data the moment you land without searching for a kiosk.
Local Sim Cards: If your phone doesn't support eSim, you can buy a physical Sim card from providers like Airtel, Orange, or Vodacom at the airport. You will need to show your passport to register the Sim card.
Coverage: While 4G is common in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma, coverage can be spotty in rural or jungle areas.

How Much Cash Should I Carry and What are the Rules?

The DRC is still very much a cash-based economy, especially for tourism activities and smaller vendors.

Currency Choice: Carry US Dollars (USD). While the Congolese Franc (CDF) is used for small daily transactions, USD is the preferred currency for hotels, tours, and the $90 VAP fee.
Denominations: Bring a mix of large and small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100).
Cash Limits: You can generally carry up to $10,000 USD into the country without a formal declaration. However, for your safety, it is advised not to carry excessive amounts of visible cash.
ATMs: ATMs are available in major cities but can be unreliable or run out of cash. Always have a "stash" of emergency USD.

Can I Extend My Stay in the DRC Beyond the Initial 7 Days?

If seven days isn't enough to see the wonders of the Congo, you can extend your stay. You do not need to exit and re-enter. Instead, you must visit the local DGM (Direction Générale de Migration) office.

Process: Bring your passport and current eVisa.
Fee: There is a fee for extensions, which varies depending on the length of the requested stay. It is best to start this process 2-3 days before your current visa expires.

Is Using a Professional Agent for the DRC eVisa Recommended?

While a direct application is possible, many Brunei travelers prefer using congo-evisa.com for peace of mind.

Expert Review: They catch "simple" mistakes like a typo in a passport number that could lead to a boarding denial.
Language Barrier: The official DRC systems are often in French. An agent provides a clear English interface.
Tracking: You get proactive updates so you aren't left wondering about your status.

Is the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate Required for Entry?

Yes. This is non-negotiable. Health officers at the airport will check your "Yellow Book" before you even reach the immigration desk. If you have recently been vaccinated, ensure it was done at least 10 days before your arrival to be considered valid.

Can Brunei Citizens Get a DRC Visa on Arrival?

Technically, the "stamp" is put in your passport on arrival, but the pre-approval MUST be done online beforehand. If you show up at the airport in Kinshasa without the eVisa notification letter from the DGM, you will likely be deported on the next available flight.

Why Was My DRC eVisa Application Rejected?

Rejection is rare but usually stems from:

Low-Quality Scans: If the DGM cannot read your passport details, they will reject it.
Inconsistent Dates: Your application letter dates must match the dates entered in the online form.
Passport Validity: Having less than 6 months of validity remaining is a guaranteed rejection.