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Be warned: DRC visa regulations change
It appears that the Democratic Republic of Congo has only recently changed its visa regulations, and the current rule is that you can only enter the country with a visa issued in your country of residence, or the nearest country with a DRC embassy. We rolled up to the border in Luvo/Lufu (Angola/DRC) with a visa issued in Windhoek, and they refused to accept it. We spent 10 nights on the border, with embassies and foreign ministries involved, but no success. In the end we re-entered Angola (with exit stamps already in our passports, which is now a major problem).
It is not a matter of corruption or bribes, but total nonsense Congo-style. We are not the first ones to face the problem, but those before us managed to get through after 2-3 nights of waiting since they had their nationalities represented in Kinshasa by their embassies. We have no DRC embassy in our country nor our embassy in Kinshasa and none of the high guys in DRC apparently have education to address this issue, even French embassy confirmed us that the immigration officials are imbecils in DRC and don't understand the system themselves so for them it's just easier to say "no". :taz: So if you have a DRC visa done outside your country and don't have your country's embassy in Kinshasa, don't even bother - spending a week or more on the border with nothing available is just ridiculous. |
Sorry to hear that guys - what nationality are you?
What border crossing is this? Into Matadi or Songololo? There is at least one other border crossing you could try as well further east. If you find a non computerised one you might be ok. Maybe try a boat across the mouth of the Congo from Songo to Banana - some Spanish did it last year the other way around - and it will be harder for them to send you back and is not a normal entry point etc. Worth a try. I know last year they were gearing up to do biometric passports and visas - being used as guinea pigs by European/American companies who wouldn't be allowed to do the same things in their own countries (yet). Certainly the border crossing at Songololo was computerised. It seems much of Africa is now doing this so it must be instructions from on high, probably something to do with the war of terror. Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia all doing the same etc. Just so we are clear, you did offer them a few hundred dollars etc? |
Hey Margus,
Sorry to hear about your bad experience on trying to get into the DRC. I passed through that crossing last year and I remember the head guy was unhelpful even in letting me through late in the day as he had already sat down for a beer. Spending a whole week waiting there must have been frustrating to say the least. What are you going to do now? You could try a smaller crossing further east as they may not be as familiar with the new rules and probably don't see any foreigners crossing. The crossing south of Matadi is larger so you would probably get the same answer as at Luvo. The stamped out visa for Angola could pose problems though at a different crossing when you try to re-exit Angola. If you are back in Luanda, you could try to get an extension to your Angolan visa or better yet, a dual entry visa which would allow you to take the Soyu-Cabinda ferry. Hopefully they can be reasoned with and can be helpful. If you are considering the Cabinda route, I'm not sure if you require a Congo-Brazza visa ahead of time, but you can get one in Luanda, I picked one up last year. I assume that you already know about the yacht club for free camping while you sort everything out. Best of luck, and let us know what you end up doing. |
Margus,
I've had no problem crossing in Kasumbalesa (Lubumbashi), so it's probably not a government policy, more like some moron playing boss with the tourists. I've reached Kin yesterday, there's a cold Tembo waiting for you guys if you make it before I leave for Brazza in a couple days beer. Hopefully this can be solved by using another border / another border official. Please ignore the previous comment of throwing money at them, it'll just make it harder for the next ones to resist them. It seems I've been lucky the Angolans rejected my visa application :oops2: If I can be of any help you can reach me at 0971156487. I'm staying at Procure St-Anne; they currently don't have rooms as they're rebuilding half of them, but you can camp in the lawn and shower on a bucket, and there's free Wifi (did I mention Primus and Skol too ?). Good luck! Laurent |
DRC Visa
Hello Margus,
Sorry to hear your problems regarding the congolese visa. We tried to get our visa's in Yaoundé where we got refused, for the reason you're telling. We read a letter of the Congolese ministry that embassies are forbidden to give visa to tourists that demand visas outside their home countries. It ended with an alinea that stated that the people who do not follow this law will be sent back to the DRC and will be punished for it. The letter was dated on the 11 of June, 2011.... So quite recent. We will go to Brazzaville and probably send our pasports to the Netherlands for an application. Hope this will do! Maybe we'lle meet up somewhere? We are in Franceville now, heading for Brazzaville. Good luck, Erik |
I am just wondering how that works if you are a resident of a country which has no DRC embassy, e.g. Australia?
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Guess it has to do with the presidental elections in november. Dammit, this sucks big times !!!
Does anybody know how much it is to send a passport from germany to congo brazzaville oder cameroon ??? greetings from ghana ( they let me in without carnet de passage, even didnt want me to pay a laisser passez. Maybe I have to add I do ride a classic 125cc Vespa ) chris |
Hi
I traveled the whole westcoast with no carned but skiped ghana ;) Amazing that your vespa took you so far :) dhl.de tells me a package from germany to kamerun etc. is 16,90 Euro including insurance up to 500 Euro + 3 Euro if they come to pick up the 2 kg package. I hope to get the visa for angola will be easyer for you as it was for me. In germany i did not get it for 6 Weeks even they kepd laying to me "yes tomorrow tomorrow" and in Southafrica i had to wayt another two months even i used a expensive visa agency for the invitation letter and personal phone calls every day :( Travel save Tobi http://www.adventure-travel-experien...=en_westkueste |
Moin moin Tobias !
Just saw your country, seem like we have a language in common I am from Hamburg / Germany ! ;-) Don´t plan to go to Angola or even south africa, will cross the DRC to Uganda then Tanzania,Kenya,Sudan,Saudi Arabia,Jordan,Syria and back to germany. The problem is, the cheap dhl rate is NOT fast it can take up to 2 weeks and if it arrives is not sure. There are special very expensive express rates where you pick up the passport at the dhl office, the normal rate ends up at local postoffice. Currently waiting for a parcel with spare parts for my carburator and its on his way for 13 days with a poste restante adress, hope to find it when I arrive in Lome. If anybody has any news about this problem, please let me know. greetings from Kumasi / Ghana, Chris |
I do have a second passport in germany told the officials I will go to israel and so still need my old one, how will the officials react when I arrive at the border with a passport that has no exit stamp of Congo Brazzaville and just a proper 2month Congo Kinshasa Visa in it ?
Is it legal to carry two passports ? cheers, chris |
Hi,
>> Just saw your country, seem like we have a language in common I am from Hamburg / Germany ! ;-) I know science you have written oder instead of or ;) >> Don´t plan to go to Angola or even south africa, will cross the DRC to Uganda Wow that means crossing the mining areas. I have heared you can only go there with a special permit. >> then Tanzania,Kenya,Sudan,Saudi Arabia,Jordan,Syria and back to germany. Make a little trip to malawi as well. So far i think malawi with the big freshwater lake is one of the nicest country's in africa Think about it and please tell us your website URL where we can see pictures of your trip :) LG, Tobi |
From South Sudan to DRC
I crossed DRC border 4 days ago between Yei and Aba.
I had no visa, and there are no DRC embassy in Estonia, so I got temporary travel permit for 90 days. They had no visa stickers in that border and also in next city, Aba Travel permit cost was 100 USD, and 40 USD some kind car tax (first they asked 60). |
DRC visa - our experience this year
Hi folks,
We traveled North to South from Congo into DRC and got our DRC visa in Brazzaville. Took a morning to get, no issues at all - it was a tourist stamp in the passport. Sounds like going from South to North is more tricky. We crossed into DRC in less used border post west of Brazzaville (north of the Congo river) and entered DRC with now problems (although they did try and ask for $20 "fee" several times - we paid nothing). We crossed the Congo river at a remote crossing and headed for Songo / Luvu crossing into Angola At the border into Angola we got some grief by the Angolan folks as they stamped the passport that evening and therefore we effectively lost 1 day of our 5 day transit visa. The Angolan guys don't stamp passports on a Saturday because they have some sort of mass people movement due to a weekend market at that border post. They then wrote over the date in pen with the next days date!! Nick |
Thanks for the info Nick. We'll be heading south next year.
Where's the best place for the Angolan transit visa these days? I haven't heard it mentioned for a while. Happy travels Sam |
Angolan visa
Hi Sam
We got our Angolan visa in Nigeria (Abuja). It takes 3 days - sumbit Monday and pick up Wednesday. You have to get to embassy early and try to avoid the "blagging" that goes on to get in the line.... you get there first but end up being No.13 in the line!!! Apart from that its well organised. The lady that runs the "hatch" is pretty strict so don't annoy her ;-) You get a 5 day transit visa that you can extend in Luanda.... BUT the rules on this changed this year - we tried to extend in Bengula and they stopped doing it. 5 Days makes the crossing of Angola a mission BUT its doable. Tourist visas are tricky and you need to apply in your country of origin but I have heard of expats getting them in Cape Town. Angola was a great country and we wished we had more time to explore the South. Roads in North are variable. Roads South of Luanda are good - nearly all tar on the main sections south. HTH Nick |
Thanks very much indeed Nick, that's great.
The whole queuing process sounds very familliar from previous trips.....trying to keep your cool in the midday sun when you've not moved for hours....everyone else has sharper elbows.....it's just not cricket!! Heard a couple of years ago it was the done thing to overstay the transit visa by a few days, didn't seem to cause anyone major issues. Do you know if this is the case? |
Niva
I would not recommend overstaying your visa in Angola.... it simply leaves you open to a bribe when you leave. I have heard a few stories of people that overstayed by accident (car broke down, illness etc...) and they were "let out" FOC. Your chances increase if you go to a busy exit border, say peak time into Namibia. If you go to a quiet crossing like we did, they have LOTS of time to check things out and keep you waiting. So as a general rule I would say, don't chance it. They have recently changed the rules on extending 5 day transit visas, which I think can only be done in Luanda now BUT don't rely on that. 5 days is fine to cross the country but not to explore. Southern Angola is great and we will go back one day. HTH Nick |
Thanks again Nick, that makes sense.
It's a real shame, as 'I wish we had more time in Angola' seems to be a guarenteed response from everyone who's traveled the west route. Sam |
The regulation change is VERY recent. Apparently a month or two ago max. So the information you got before that is irrelevant.
Yes, DRC is a big country, non-existant infrastructure and thus poorly governed. So you MAY get through some border posts that haven't been informed yet or just wanting to make a little money with some "semi-illegal" stunts to get you in and out again without Kinshasa noticing it. The 30-day travel permits etc seem to be outdated or created by corrupt officals to make some money (they also can make you fake visas when entering from Zambia, on the border) and I bet you probably get arrested if you ever show up with any of them in Kinshasa. The information we got is that Kinshasa has sent out letters to all DRC embassies and consulates abroad to NOT to issue visas for non-residents anymore and also noted that they will legally punish any DRC embassy who still does. That letter just happened to be at Windhoek's DRC embassy a week after we had DRC visas in our passports but we still got sent back at the border with perfectly valid visas. And also, we have no DRC embassy in our country but that didn't ring the bell for any of the imbecils in DRC's ministry of interior. By the time we'd spent a week at the border a message came through that we should have applied in the country nearest to our home country (or, maybe a country in Schengen space would have worked as well). DRC officials claim the new visa system is supposed to bring order but it's brought chaos to them. Especially with European citizens where many don't have embassies etc. To cut it short: there appeared to be a huge scandal in Kinshasa because of us being stuck on the border for ten nights - in the end, the DRC's foreign ministry was involved and being very pissed off about the interior ministry's new visa regulation that damages DRC's reputation, the French embassy claiming they've drawn the image that the Congolese are simply imbecils on higher levels, putting people into inhumane conditions being stuck on the border, and they need to change the system, since EU is too important economical partner for the DRC. Well, I guess with DRC everything is wishful thinking, but we can foolishly hope they'll change it again soon. It seems however, that they still do issue transit visas for non-residents - we met Germans in Brazzaville on the way to Kinshasa who got a transit visa to supplement their regular visas (issued elsewhere than their home country) for DRC in Brazzaville, but they already had their Angolan visas. Not sure though if they actually got into the country with those transit visas. Time will tell. As to what we did in the end - we rode to Soyo (with the exit stamps still in our passports, which we managed to get cancelled after some talks with the immigration chief in Soyo), took a "ferry" to Cabinda (did not have any problems with the single-entry visa as they only checked passports but did not stamp them) and from there, entered Congo-Brazzaville. Now BEWARE, this "ferry" does take motorcycles, but it is by no means a roll on - roll off service. With all the luggage taken off, we could barely squeeze the bike onto the ferry, and on the Cabinda side, the unloading took place right in the middle of a bay, from this ferry into a wooden boat. Not sure if they would take bikes going the other way as they'd have to lift them (lowering is tricky enough as we are speaking about some two meters difference here), and cars/trucks are out of the question. But if you bikers opt for the ferry, it leaves Soyo three times a week and the ticket costs 45 000 kwanza (same for the bike). The tickets are sold at the Capital Outsourcing building on the main street, opposite a fuel pump, and the ferry is called "Navio Tschizo". |
Can confirm the rule-change, however recently we got our visa's in Brazza, and crossed near Luozi, where its only 1 (corrupt) man on the job. So he let us through. But we met others who were refused entry at Matadi and also at Kinshasa.
Regarding Angola visa, we tried Matadi, and the consul was away for 4-6 weeks so we got it in Kinshasa. Couple of people we were with got tourist visa's in Kinshasa easily , just so long as you have a letter of invitation. for a transit visa they want a letter from your embassy, which can be a pain for some. Oh and the visa prices were much lower than expected. around $35ea bier |
we just got a 45 day multi entry visa for DRC in Pretoria.
it was straight forward and the folks at the embassy were helpful. you need to deposit the appropriate funds into their bank account, then go to the embassy with the application form, 2 x photographs and a copy of your accommodation confirmation. the visa was issued in 24 hours. will let you know what happens at the border in early October. |
I'll be departing from Paris heading to Cape town mid october '11 and I'm trying to arrange all visas required prior to arrival here in Paris. I'll be travelling with a german pass.
Already managed to get the visa for Gabon but now I´m stuck with visa for RDC: I got the reservation from the hotel. Signed and stamped by the hotel crew. I got that even without paying nothing in advance. But the embassy here is requesting this reservation to be stamped by the city authorities. Some hotels have replied to me saying they won´t do it. Can anyone help me with that? Any suggestions? Thanks a lot. |
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Then when you get to Brazzaville, you can get your DRC visa same day. Good luck with your Angolan visa in Kinshasa! |
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South to North: (both were 30 day single entry visas, both I overstayed my welcome, but didn't pay any fine on exit) Lusaka, ZAMBIA - October 2010 Luanda, ANGOLA - 2009 North to South: (transit visa issued for 72 hours, overstayed that by 5 days waiting for a transit visa for ANGOLA in Matadi) Brazzaville, CONGO - January 2010 If one can show evidence that you had already left and were "on the road" before the new regulations came into effect - they usually make an exception... |
Good news?
In terms of the DRC visa I might have some good news.
We went to the DRC High Commission in Maputo/Mozambique today to find out what the story is. And they showed us the letter dated end of July 2011 from Kinshasa, the one that was written about earlier in this post. The letter said that only residents of the country where the respective DRC embassy is located can obtain a visa and threatens the embassy staff with disciplinary action if they issue a visa to non residents. So for us there was no visa to get in Maputo. BUT: There was another, newer letter from Kinshasa, dated 25/08/2011 which said that visas for non residents can be obtained in countries neighboring the DRC. The letter explicitly stated Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda as examples where embassies can issue a DRC visa to non residents. And the friendly lady also called the embassy in Lusaka/Zambia. The guy there said he would be able to issue a DRC visa to two Germans/Australians there and then and even said 'no problem' at the end. If it helps you I put down the phone numbers here so you can give the two embassies a call to inquire yourself. DRC High Commission in Maputo: talk to Liliane (+258) 826884570 DRC Embassy in Lusaka: talk to Gaston (+260) 977808256 I hope it all works out and we will try to get the DRC visa later when we get to either Rwanda or Zambia. Will let you know if it works. |
Just been to the DRC ambassy in Cotonou / Benin and they said its no problem to issue a visa ! Asked about this no resident problem, but when I said I have 2 month multiple entry visa for benin everything was fine.
Prices : 1 month single entry : 50.000cfa 1 month double entry :70.000cfa 2 month single entry : 78.000cfa 2 month double entry : 100.000cfa Told it will be 3 days to proceed the visa, gotta inform you guys how it worked out, going to hand over the passport tomorrow ! Visa is valid for entry in the country for 3 month and starts with the entry stamp in the passport, would be pretty perfect. Any recent experiences in other countrys ? cheers, Chris |
DRC visas... the saga continues
Hi
Currently in Franceville, Gabon. Word coming to us from Brazzaville is that no visas are being issued there to tourists for DRC because of upcoming DRC elections on 28th Nov. Also people having great trouble securing Angolan visas (as usual). We are going back to Libreville to try the embassy there and look into shipping around as it seems like DRC and Angola are real obstacles at the moment. Always knew it would be tricky, but we have hit it at a bad time with potential unrest in the DRC before the first elections since 2006. We will update any info we get about DRC and angola in the next few weeks - both from us and info from those down the road in Congo. We missed getting DRC visas in yaounde, but t was potentially possible - new rules were 15000cfa for one month, takes 5 working days. Will write again soon! Emily London to Cape Town 2011 - home |
I have run into some engine troubles so waiting for a parcel with spareparts to arrive while exploring benin with backpack and hitchhike at the moment. Didnt apply for drc visa yet, thinking about doing it in 1,5 weeks. From where have you got the information that the 1 month single visa is only 15000CF in yaounde? could you find out how much a 2 month visa is ? Wont be in Brazaville bevor 6th december when they announce the result of the elections so thinking about what to do right now.
greetings from Parakou Chris |
Visa granted
For those of you who travel north: we just got our visa for the DRC in Lusaka in Zambia. Even though we were not residents in Zambia (we're Australian) they issued it to us within a week. One month visa for us$65 worth of Zambian Kwacha. A two month visa would have costed US$125 in Lusaka.
First they insisted on a letter of invitation but we convinced them otherwise. Apparently a letter of invitation is not necessary for tourist visa. So don't let them turn you away too easily! |
DRC/angola visa oct 2011
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that information was from the DRC embassy in yaounde. i went there myself about 11 sept, there was a new 'memo' from 5th sept that stated the information as above. we could not wait that long to apply cos i had to fly back to the uk for a week and we didnt want to jeopardise my passport being held or any such nonsense. we were in libreville, but didnt try there cos we thought we could secure DRC visas in brazza. however, just before we left gabon to cross into the congo we heard from someone in brazza that DRC visas are not being issued to tourists without an angolan visa cos they dont want tourists in the DRC during election time without an exit point. [this is the catch 22 - brazza is NOT giving out angolan visas and we were refused angola in abuja (an across-the-board refusal at that time at the end of august) - so without it, we would also be refused DRC and so cant get thru to chance angola visas in either kinshasa or at the border. i hope that makes sense. anyway, we are back in libreville looking at shipping. arrived yesterday, long road in the wrong direction. apparently tho, 2 swedish bikers were here and did get DRC visas here this past week...? i have no further info, sorry. cheers, emily London to Cape Town 2011 - home |
Anybody gotany news on the situation on getting hold of DRC visas in Cameroon, Gabon or Republic Congo ??
greetings from Calabar, Chris |
Hi Chris.
We got DRC visa in Yaounde in the beginning of December. 30 day single entry 70.000 CFA same day service. but we had to have a long talk to the ambassador before convincing him. Good luck Morten |
Holy s***, that is a big bunch of money for one month ! Going there in 2 weeks and have a try what they demand for 2 month ( going to take a barge from Kinshasa to Kisangani to cross into Rwanda )
Did you managed to enter with that visa and at which border ? Anybody knows about prices in Gabon or Rep. Congo ? Have a good party tonight everybody ! greetings from Limbe / Cameroon |
Currently in Yaounde, the 2 month single entry visa is 75.000cfa, thats at least what the paper tells. They even have a 10 day transit visa and the one month is 57.000cfa.
Still the no go for non residents regulation but after some nice talking and charming the secretary told me to come back on friday. Now the question, did anybody have recent experiences with sucessfully entering the DRC with a visa issued in Cameroon or Gabon ? greetings from yaounde Chris |
Hey
Just got a message from my two friends - they crossed successful into DRC via Cabinda on a DRC visa from Yaounde :thumbup1: Cheers Morten |
Jelga
It appears things could be settling down. We intend driving north from ZA in March. We are New Zealanders, any suggestions on where it's best to get DRC visas, Pretoria or Windhoek?
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I don't know about Pretoria, but I bought one in Windhoek very easily. That was about 6 months ago. It may be even cheaper to get it in Lusaka, if that is on your route, but I have no first-hand information on this.
Laurent |
Got the visa yesterday in Yaounde, 100.000cfa, 2 month stay, single entry ! ( 85.000cfa visa, 15.000cfa administration/toilet-paper fee )
They let me wait 1,5 weeks, been there 4 times, the reception girl jacky in the end told me to come on the 18th, because the ambassador is going to travel and somebody else would be less strict so I could get it ! It was still something like " fill all paperwork, give money and then I ask him" ! The passport was handed over with a visa 15 minutes later and she whissled something like "tell nobody you got this here, NEVER show up in kinshasa with it" ! Told here that i´ll enter DRC on a small border north from kinshasa and wait in a small village for a barge to kisangani. True, but i am going to wait for that barge in ... ups ... kinshasa ! Hope this helps somebody ! greetings from Yaounde, Chris |
Hi Chris.
Just be careful NOT to use Brazza/Kinshasa river border - two Czech guys in a Skoda got send back two weeks ago - not having a DRC visa from home... Im back in Brazza. going for Dolisie for Angola transit visa X2 Best of Luck Morten |
angola transit visa
hi
did you manage to get the transit visa in Dolisie; we are currenlty in brazza now leaving to dolisie tomorrow, any tips? thanks |
Hi A2A.
Yes i did get the Transit visa to Angola in 48 hours in Dolisie. Be ware that i had a lot of noise leaving DRC in Luvo. Big boss immigration was angry that i was let in at Caninda / DRC border with a DRC visa from Yaoonde - and made a lot of phone calls. Good Luck Morten |
got my DRC visa in libreville gabon. 40000 cfa for 1 month got it in 2 days no hassle no worries. just librevillle is crazy expensive
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angola and drc situation!
it has been one week in brazza, trying to get a visa for angola,i failed too,and my drc visa expired, now trying to renewed,l have been still waiting,they kept my passport and made me paid,then keep telling me 'come back tomorrow, coz we are waiting confirmation from kinshasa !'
so i am stayin in hippocampe,waiting,i had applied angola visa a month ago in ghana (accra)finially they said your visa ready,bring your passaport to issue it.i wanted to fly to Accra but it is very expensive(around 1000us)so i convinced the accra embassy to send my passport to them wich will cost also 250us:(.soo i am waiting to cross to kinshasa! :helpsmilie: |
more current info?
Still watching this thread if anyone has current info please post. I could try to get the DRC visa at home, but have not idea for how to get the letter of invitation and I was quite unsuccessful to do that for Angola.
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I am also very curious to learn if anybody has recent information about getting into DRC with a visa which has not been issued at an embassy 'at home'. Any information is welcome!
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That the DRC Visa better should be taken at home, that was i know till yesterday.
Today does i know, that it is possible on the way. You find a list of travellers who are currently on the way - in my blog. Some of them (Maria and Robert) was able to pickup the visa on the way, in the last weeks :rolleyes2: I would say: if you able to pick them up at home - do it. I have done it last week, without trouble. But it seems to be (still or again) possible now - also on the way. Surfy |
Hi,
Question to all who are familiar with the DRC customs/borders: we will be travelling south to north and hope to get a transit visa in Africa. Just in case we succeed: which border posts (Angola and Congo Brazzaville) would you recommend to take to avoid problems as much as possible (given the fact that the visa in that case will have been issued in Africa)? To the travellers who got problems at the DRC border with their African issued DRC-visa: did you have an invitation letter (and if so, was it notarized and stamped by DRC migration)? Thanks a lot! |
I had a link list there:
Trans-Africa: Gerade Unterwegs... They seems to have collected the Visa on the way. Details i don't remember - translate them to English with Google Translate, i suggest! Maria und Robert (German) ruessbrugg retour ond es bizzli meh..... They have too good pictures! :thumbup1: Surfy |
I have done a fast rescan of the informations provided. They seems to have the authorization for the angola visa - and hopes to get the Kongo Visa on the way.
So maybe we have to wait some days - and get then actual information where they get em - or not :confused1: Therefore they dont seen a problem there, i thoght they has them already... Surfy |
thanks for this information - much appreciated. I would like to collect the DRC visa at home (USA), but can't find a way to get the letter of invitation..
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All: once you have a visa for DRC, you should get in, wherever they issued it. The problem is only that some embassies will refuse to issue it based on the regulation, but once you have a visa, there is absolutely no reason to not let you in (well, apart from hoping for money of course). If they really act difficult, you can always say that you are a resident in the country where the visa was issued (not sure if they will buy it of course) or registered there at the consulate of your country - in general, if they start selling bullshit, you can see and try to outsell them...
I live in DRC, so you can consider this as reliable. cheers/jef |
And by the way, whatever they may ask, the ONLY thing you need is your passport, a visa and of course your yellow card. All the other things they ask (invitation letter, ...) is utter and complete bullshit.
The Congolese authorities will literally try everything - I have known cases where they tried asking for a visa for a dog, where they said that 3 free pages in the passport was not sufficient, where they claimed a yellow card had to be in French - if you can make it up, the Congolese have tried it before you. Just smile, insist, if needed get other people involved, show that you are sure and not afraid (utterly important that one, they can SMELL fear), and make sure the official loses his time with you so he can't get other bribes while he is dealing with you. One note however: be careful to get higher authorities involved, this can often only make things more of a problem (read: more expensive) to solve. Rather get other "clients" involved - they will tend to sympathise with you if they are local, or they might be able to help you if they are "muzungu". Ah, how I love Congo - but how fecking happy I will be to leave the country in a few weeks... cheers/jef |
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