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Are you planning an adventure to the heart of Africa? For citizens of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) offers a world of untamed nature, vibrant culture, and burgeoning business opportunities. However, before you can witness the majestic Congo River or explore the sprawling streets of Kinshasa, you need to secure your Ordinary Flying eVisa.

This guide acts as a comprehensive roadmap for Bahraini travelers, explaining the DRC eVisa for Bahraini Citizens and covering processing speeds, financial requirements, local laws, and everything needed for a smooth, stress-free journey.

What is the DRC Ordinary Flying eVisa?

The Ordinary Flying eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization that allows Bahraini citizens to enter the DRC for short-term stays. This system was introduced to modernize the immigration process, moving away from the need for physical passport stamps at an embassy.

The eVisa is typically issued for tourism. It acts as a "pre-approval" certificate. Once you land at a major international hub like N'djili Airport in Kinshasa, immigration officers verify your digital record and finalize your entry. It is important to note that this visa is specifically for those arriving by air.

Do Bahraini Citizens Need a Visa for the DRC?

Yes. Currently, Bahrain is not on the list of visa-exempt countries for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All Bahraini passport holders—whether traveling for a quick business meeting or an extended safari—must obtain a valid visa before boarding their flight.

Boarding a plane without a printed eVisa approval can result in being denied boarding by the airline or immediate deportation upon arrival. The eVisa system is the most efficient way to obtain this permission without the logistics of visiting a Congolese diplomatic mission in person.

What Documents are Required for the DRC eVisa?

To ensure your application is processed without a hitch, you must prepare high-quality digital scans that meet all Congo visa documents requirements, ensuring each file is clear, accurate, and correctly formatted.

• Passport Copy: A clear scan of your bio-page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry.


• Passport Photo: A recent, high-resolution color photo with a white background. Avoid wearing hats or glasses that obscure your face.


• Motivation Letter: This is a crucial document. It must be a formal letter directed to the Direction Générale de Migration (DGM) in the DRC. It should detail your specific purpose of travel, your planned itinerary, the dates of stay, and your host’s information (if applicable).

How Long Does DRC eVisa Take?

The DRC government offers tiered processing speeds to suit both planners and last-minute travelers, and understanding the Congo visa processing time helps Bahraini citizens choose the option that best matches their travel timeline.

1. Normal Processing (11 - 13 Working Days): Best for those who have planned their trip months in advance. It is the most cost-effective option.


2. Rush Processing (8 - 11 Working Days): A middle-ground option for those who need their travel authority within a fortnight.


3. Super Rush Processing (5 - 8 Working Days): The fastest available service. This is ideal for emergency business trips or urgent family matters.

Tip: Always account for Congolese and Bahraini public holidays, as these do not count as working days.

How to Apply for the DRC eVisa Online?

The application process is entirely digital and can be completed from your home in Manama or anywhere else in the world:

1. Enter Personal Data: Fill in your full name, passport number, and contact details exactly as they appear on your documents.


2. Upload Attachments: Upload your passport scan, photo, and the motivation letter.


3. Pay: Pay the fee using a secure credit or debit card.


4. Download and Print: Once approved, you will receive a PDF via email. You must print a physical copy to show at the airline check-in counter and to the immigration officer upon arrival.

Can I Convert my Entry on Arrival?

A common point of confusion for travelers is the Entry Convert on Arrival. Even after receiving your eVisa approval online, you may be required to pay a fee at the airport to "convert" or finalize your entry permit into your passport. This is often referred to as a VAP (Visa à l'Arrivée). Ensure you have enough cash (clean US Dollars) to cover these administrative costs at the border.

How Can I Prove My Financial Credibility?

Immigration officers want to ensure that visitors have sufficient funds to support themselves without seeking local employment. While there isn't always a strict "minimum balance" mentioned on the application, carrying Bank Statements from the last three months is highly recommended.

A healthy balance that shows you can afford $100–$150 USD per day of your stay is generally considered sufficient proof of financial credibility. If a company is sponsoring your trip, a letter of guarantee from them can also serve this purpose.

What are the DRC Airport Transit Rules?

If you are flying through Kinshasa to another African destination:

• No Visa Needed: If your layover is less than 24 hours and you stay within the international transit lounge.


• Transit Visa Needed: If you need to switch airports, collect luggage that isn't checked through, or if your stay exceeds 24 hours. You must show proof of your onward ticket and a valid visa for your final destination.

Can I Apply for a Group of Application for my Family?

Yes, Group Applications are common. While each individual (including children) must have their own unique eVisa and passport, you can often submit them together.

This ensures that the immigration department sees you are traveling as a single unit, which can make the verification of your motivation letter and itinerary more seamless.

What are the Driving Rules in the DRC for Tourists?

For the brave Bahraini traveler looking to drive:

• Side of Road: Traffic flows on the right side.


• License: You must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your Bahraini license alone is not sufficient.


• Safety: Road conditions in the DRC can be unpredictable. Outside of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, paved roads are rare. It is highly recommended to hire a local driver who understands the local checkpoints (known as barrières) and "informal" traffic rules.

Which is better for DRC eSIM or a physical SIM Card?

Connectivity is vital for modern travel.

• eSIM: If your phone supports it, an eSIM is highly recommended for convenience. It allows you to have data the moment you land without swapping physical cards, though local physical SIMs often offer better data rates for long-term stays.


• Physical SIM: Local providers like Vodacom, Airtel, and Orange offer very cheap data packages. You can buy these at the airport or in city centers. In many remote areas of the DRC, a physical local SIM will have significantly better reception than a roaming eSIM.

What to do if I Lose My Documents in DRC?

Losing your documents in a foreign country is stressful. If this happens:

1. Police Report: Immediately go to the nearest police station and obtain a "Report of Loss."


2. Contact Consulate: Since Bahrain does not have a large diplomatic presence in the DRC, you should contact the nearest Bahraini Embassy (often in Cairo or Nairobi) or a friendly GCC mission (like the Saudi or UAE embassy) for assistance.


3. Cloud Backup: Always have your eVisa and passport scan saved on Google Drive or your email. This makes the replacement process much faster.

What are Alcohol Rules in DRC?

Consumption is generally legal in the DRC. In cities like Kinshasa, there is a thriving nightlife. However, avoid drinking in public places not designated for it, and always be respectful of local customs.

What are Currency Exchange Option in DRC?

The local currency is the Congolese Franc (CDF), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions.

• Exchange: Always use banks or official "Bureau de Change." Avoid street money changers.


• Conversion on Arrival: It is wise to convert a small amount of USD into CDF at the airport for taxis and small tips.

Do I Need Bank Statements When Applying DRC eVisa?

While the online application might not always demand bank statements upfront, it is highly recommended to carry proof of financial credibility. Immigration officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., recent bank statements or a credit card) to cover your stay in the country.

How Do I Avoid Common eVisa Mistakes?

Many applications are rejected for simple, avoidable reasons:

• Data Mismatch: Ensure your date of birth and passport number are 100% accurate.


• Blurry Scans: If the officer cannot read your passport number on the scan, they will reject it.


• Incomplete Motivation: Do not just write "Tourism." Write "Tourism - visiting Virunga National Park from Oct 10 to Oct 15."

What Happens if I get an eVisa but Don’t use it?

The DRC eVisa usually has a validity period of 90 days. If your trip is cancelled and you do not travel within that window, the visa becomes void. Fees are non-refundable. You cannot "transfer" the visa to a new date; you must start the application process from scratch for your next trip.

Final Thoughts

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a destination for the true explorer. By securing your eVisa early and following these guidelines, you can focus on the incredible experiences the country has to offer.