In March 1999, the U.S. State Department warned travelers to stay away from Congo because of the continuing civil war. But if you still must go, a passport, a visa and a vaccination certificate showing valid yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required for entry into Congo. Before Mobutu's fall, visas were not issued to nationals of countries practicing "discriminatory" visa policies toward the Congolese. Although the government did not name the countries to which this edict was applied, U.S citizens did have difficulty obtaining tourist visas. DP talked with the new brass at the Congo embassy in Washington and was told "no problem" regarding the availability of tourist visas. Keep in mind that some travelers have been obliged to transit Brazzaville in neighboring Republic of the Congo to reach Kinshasa, which means a Congo (Brazzaville) visa may also be necessary. U.S. citizens should apply at the Congo embassy in Washington, D.C., well in advance of any planned trip. Visa fees range from US$45 for a transit visa to US$360 for a six-month multiple-entry visa. Most visitors will opt for the one-entry, one-month visa for US$75, or US$120 for multiple entries for the same period.
You will need a valid passport, proof of inoculation against yellow fever, a copy of your return ticket as well as application forms and two passport photos. If you show up in person, it takes 48 hours for a visa to be issued or 24 hours if you are a diplomat.
For more information, the traveler may contact the following:
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo
1800 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel.: (202) 234-7690/91
Congo's Permanent Mission to the UN
2 Henry Avenue
North Caldwell, NJ 07006
Tel.: (201) 812-1636
Border Crossings
A special exit permit from Congo's immigration department and a visa from an embassy of the Congo are required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, in the Congo. Unofficially, expect to see a special visa price be invented on the spot, and don't be surprised if your money disappears quickly into the same official's pocket.
There are three ferry crossing points for overland traffic between Congo and the Central African Republic. They are located at Bangui, Mobaye and Bangassou.
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