It is very important to travel, to venture out and discover the world in its cultural, historical diversity. The DRC is a very warm country, rich in mineral and natural resources, its wonderful biodiversity is even more attractive. In this article of Congotalks243, we will find out: How to travel to DRC and how to get its citizenship? What are the obstacles to overcome? Are you ready? If so, let’s dive right in.
How to travel to Congo ( VISA requirements )
First of all, it is important to mention that the requirements for obtaining a DRC Visa depend on the diplomatic relationship between the DRC and your country of citizenship and also on the purpose of the trip or the object of staying in DRC. However, we will give you the most general requirements for any country and any type of trip.
To obtain a DRC Visa you must:
- Travel simply, for less than 6 months.
- Own a valid passport
- Have sufficient means of subsistence. This may mean having between $1500 and $2000 of monthly self-financing or much less depending on your lifestyle. The expenses for most foreign nationals may be a little higher than for nationals due to differences in lifestyles.
- Be supported by a local or legal person regularly established in the DRC.
- You must not exercise any remunerative activity.
But to settle in the DRC for studies, for work, or other long-term purposes, you generally must:
- Be remaining in the DRC
- Have stayed for 6 months (see the previous point)
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Present an international vaccination card (especially yellow fever)
- Present two certificates dating back at least 3 months:
- —The certificate of good conduct, life, and morals of his country of residence
- —The certificate of residence issued by the commune of residence
- Present 4 recent and identical passport photos
- Having sufficient means of subsistence, I would advise you to prepare $1500 to $2000 as means of monthly self-financing of your primary needs, housing, food, etc… The life of the DRC is generally cheaper compared to most Western countries, but it will depend on you to adapt. The more you adapt, the cheaper life becomes.
Theoretically you could choose to submit your visa application online, but it is advisable to visit a Congolese embassy near you to do this in person. Your experience there will of course depend on who you will meet there.
Congolese Citizenship ( How to obtain it? )
First of all, it is important to mention that the requirements for obtaining a DRC Visa depend on the diplomatic relationship between the DRC and your country of citizenship and also on the purpose of the trip or the object of staying in DRC. However, we will give you the most general requirements for any country and any type of trip.
By Descent
A child born on the territory of the DRC or abroad to one or two parents who hold Congolese citizenship are considered to be Congolese citizens. Note that being born in Congo does not entitle one to Congolese citizenship unless the parents are citizens. Also, a child born abroad to Congolese parents loses citizenship if the country of birth offers citizenship at birth and if the parents opt for that.
By Naturalisation
To obtain Congolese citizenship through naturalization, you must have lived in the DRC permanently for 7 years before the date of your naturalization application. You must also solemnly renounce your former citizenship as dual citizenship is not allowed. You must be of good character, and know how to speak one of the Congolese national languages: Tshiluba, Kikongo, Lingala, and Kiswahili.
By Registration
This mostly applies to married couples or legally adopted children of Congolese nationals. One can acquire Congolese citizenship by marrying a spouse who has Congolese citizenship. For this, it is necessary to be married for at least 7 years. A child legally adopted by a parent having Congolese citizenship may also be entitled to citizenship via registration but the process is almost the same as biological children. Of course, children can choose to renounce Congolese citizenship later by acquiring other citizenships as anyone else can.
Now that you know how you can obtain Congolese citizenship, consider reading our article about some of the most beautiful cities in the country.
CONCLUSION
The DRC is a fabulous country. Before you go there to stay or for tourism, we suggest that you contact the DRC consulate in your respective country for more information. As for traveling, like in any other country, you will need to have an acquaintance, a person already living in DRC to help you get there or stay there more seamlessly. The cultural, environmental, and climatic context will have to be considered because leaving your comfort zone is not a cup of tea for some, it requires big sacrifices, but you just have to be flexible to adapt.
Want to know more about the DR Congo in general? We recommend you follow us on your favourite social media platforms: Instagram (@congotalks243 and @yafelie), Twitter (@congotalks243), TikTok (@yafelie and @congotalks243), Facebook (@CongoTalks243) and LinkedIn (@CongoTalks243), and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
✅ How to support our works: PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/CongoTalks243
For business inquiries related to CongoTalks243, you can reach out at info@congotalks243.com.
