DRC eVisa for Uganda Citizens

Are you planning to travel from the "Pearl of Africa" to the heart of the Congo? Whether you are heading to Kinshasa for business or exploring the lush landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), securing your travel documents is the most important part of your checklist.

For Ugandan passport holders, the traditional embassy visit has been largely replaced by the "Visa Volant" or Ordinary Flying eVisa. This digital system allows for a smoother entry through the skies. In this guide, we’ll answer every question you might have about applying for the DRC eVisa for Uganda Citizens.

Do Ugandan Citizens Need a Visa for the DRC in 2026?

Yes, citizens of Uganda are required to obtain a visa to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. While regional discussions regarding visa exemptions often occur within the East African Community (EAC), the current standard for air travelers is the Ordinary Flying eVisa. You must have your approved document ready before you board your flight from Entebbe.

Can I Submit a Group Application for My Family or Team?

Yes! If you are traveling as a family or a small business delegation from Uganda, you can submit applications for everyone through congo-evisa.com. While each person requires their own individual eVisa, our platform allows you to manage multiple applications easily, ensuring that the whole group receives their authorizations in time for the same flight.

Can Diplomatic Passport Holders Use the eVisa System?

No. Holders of Diplomatic or Official passports from Uganda generally cannot use the standard Ordinary Flying eVisa portal. Diplomatic travelers usually require a different protocol involving a Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and direct coordination with the DRC Embassy. If you hold a diplomatic passport, please contact the embassy directly to ensure you follow the correct official channels.

What are the Document Requirements for Ugandans?

To apply, make sure you have the following Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa Requirements:

• Passport Bio-Page: A high-quality, clear scan of your Ugandan passport.
• Passport-Size Photo: A recent digital photo with a plain white background.
• Application Letter: A formal letter addressed to the DRC immigration authorities explaining why you are visiting and how long you plan to stay.

How Should I Format My Application Letter?

The letter should be professional. Address it to the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM). State your full name, passport number, purpose of trip (e.g., "Tourism"), and your host’s address or your hotel name. Clearly mention your entry and exit dates to show you have a plan to return to Uganda.

How Long Does the DRC eVisa Processing Take?

We offer three processing speeds to fit your travel timeline:

• Standard Processing: 11 - 13 Working Days
• Rush Processing: 8 - 11 Working Days
• Super Rush Processing: 5 - 8 Working Days

Always remember that working days do not include weekends or public holidays in Uganda or the DRC.

Is the eVisa Fee Refundable if I Don't Travel?

It is important to be certain of your plans before submitting. Once the application enters the processing stage, the government and service fees are generally non-refundable. This includes fees for Rush and Super Rush services. We recommend double-checking all dates and passport numbers before you pay.

What is the Benefit of Using an Agent vs. the Government?

While a government portal exists, many Ugandan travelers prefer using a specialized agent like congo-evisa.com. The benefits include:

• Human Review: Our experts review your application letter and photo to catch errors that lead to automatic government rejections.
• 24/7 Support: Unlike government offices, we are available via WhatsApp or Live Chat to help you.
• Payment Peace of Mind: We use secure gateways that are often more reliable than local government systems which may reject certain international cards.
• Guided Process: We take the guesswork out of the "Visa Volant" application by providing clear, step-by-step instructions.

Which Currency Should I Use in the DRC?

The government currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF). Nonetheless, US Dollar (USD) is highly acceptable and in many cases preferred in hotels, restaurants and when making larger purchases. Carry the USD, but make sure that the bills are clean, crisp and issued after 2013 because the older or damaged bills are normally not accepted by the local businesses.

Are ATMs Widely Available for International Cards?

ATMs are available in major cities like Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma. Most take Visa or Mastercard. However, they can sometimes run out of cash or experience technical issues. It is highly recommended to carry a sufficient amount of USD cash as a backup, especially if you plan to travel outside of the main urban centers.

What Medicines are Allowed to be Brought into the Country?

You can bring personal medications into the DRC, but they must be in their original, labeled packaging. It is also wise to carry a copy of your doctor's prescription. Avoid bringing large quantities of any medicine that could be interpreted as "for sale." Basic over-the-counter meds like painkillers and malaria prophylaxis are highly recommended for your travel kit.

What are the Main Driving Rules for Foreigners?

If you plan to drive, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your Ugandan license.

• Drive on the Right: Unlike Uganda, people in the DRC drive on the right side of the road.
• Traffic Hazards: Be prepared for heavy congestion in Kinshasa and varying road conditions.
• Motorcades: If you see an official motorcade with sirens, you must pull over and stop completely until they have passed.

Are There Ride-Sharing Apps Like Uber in the DRC?

Although Uber is not the major competitor, Yango is a highly frequented ride-hailing application in Kinshasa. It is almost like Uber or Bolt where you can see the price in advance and follow your driver. It is deemed to be much safer and more open than catching a random taxi on the road.