The DRC will launch an e-Visa system in early 2025 to modernize the tourist entry process, facilitating online visa applications. This initiative aims to transform the DRC into a top tourist destination in Africa and align with the national tourism policy focused on sustainable development. The government expects this reform will attract millions of international visitors and enhance economic diversification.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) service in early 2025, according to announcements made by Minister of Tourism Didier M’piamba. The e-Visa system, which will be accessible through the portal evisa.gouv.cd, aims to streamline tourist entry, allowing visitors to apply for their visas online.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign to revitalize and modernize tourism in the DRC, aiming to bolster the country’s profile as a prime tourist destination in Africa. Minister M’piamba emphasized that this reform is vital for alleviating the challenges foreigners face, such as the costs and processes associated with acquiring a visa. The e-Visa will reduce bureaucratic obstacles and expedite the entry process for visitors, making it easier for the country to attract international tourists and investors.
The DRC government views this move as instrumental in transforming its substantial natural and cultural assets, which include UNESCO World Heritage sites like Virunga and Salonga National Parks, into economic opportunities. Currently, tourism contributes merely 1% to the national GDP, underlining the unexploited potential of the sector.
Furthermore, the e-Visa initiative aligns with the newly enacted national tourism policy that focuses on sustainability, community enhancement, and job creation. With plans to establish tourist villages and improve airport reception services, the DRC is committed to modernizing its tourism infrastructure.
Minister M’piamba stated the importance of this initiative for reshaping the international perception of the DRC, emphasizing that the country possesses wonders worth discovering. By pursuing these developments, the government aims to harness tourism as a pivotal economic driver that can lead to diversification and job creation, thereby anticipating millions of annual international visitors by 2030.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced plans to launch an electronic visa (e-Visa) system by early 2025, a significant step in modernizing its tourist entry process. Historically, acquiring a visa for entry into the DRC has been cumbersome and filled with bureaucratic hurdles, deterring potential visitors. The introduction of e-Visa is part of a larger strategic vision termed “Explorez la RDC, cœur de l’Afrique” (Explore the DRC, the Heart of Africa) that seeks to reposition the country as a premier tourist destination by enhancing its infrastructure, promoting its rich cultural heritage, and simplifying entry processes.
The introduction of the e-Visa in the DRC marks a pivotal moment in the country’s tourism strategy, aimed at attracting international visitors and investors alike. By addressing the barriers associated with visa acquisition and facilitating easier travel, the DRC hopes to leverage its unique cultural assets and natural beauty for economic development. Minister Didier M’piamba’s commitment to improving the DRC’s global image as a tourist destination highlights the government’s aspiration to transform tourism into a major economic sector that generates jobs and increases revenue for the nation.
Original Source: visasnews.com
