Schengen visa from Kinshasa: the documents to prepare

The short-stay Schengen visa allows you to travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area countries. A complete and consistent file is the first condition for maximising your chances.

Which country should you apply to?

You apply to the country that is the main destination of your trip, i.e. where you will spend the most time. If you spend equal time in several countries, you apply to the country of first entry.

Each country may have its own application arrangements in Kinshasa (embassy, consulate or authorised application centre). Always check the current procedure on the official website of the country concerned.

The basic documents

These are the documents generally required for a short-stay visa. The exact list depends on the country and the purpose of travel.

• A passport valid for at least three months after the planned return date, issued within the last ten years and with at least two blank pages.
• The visa application form, completed and signed.
• A recent passport photo that meets the standards.
• Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical and repatriation costs, valid throughout the Schengen Area for the duration of the stay.
• A return flight reservation.
• Proof of accommodation for the whole stay: hotel booking or invitation letter.
• Proof of funds: recent bank statements, proof of income.
• Proof of your situation in the DRC: employment certificate, approved leave, trade register, school enrolment, etc.

Depending on the purpose of travel

A business trip will require a letter from the inviting company and a travel order. A medical stay requires a certificate from the healthcare facility and proof that costs are covered. A family visit requires an invitation letter and, depending on the country, a certificate of accommodation.

It is the consistency between the purpose, the itinerary, the length of stay and your financial means that convinces the consular authority.

Timing and fees

You can apply no earlier than six months before departure and, in principle, no later than fifteen days before. Processing usually takes fifteen days, but it can take longer depending on the period and the file.

The visa fee for an adult is set at European level, at €90 at the time of writing. Service fees may be added when you apply through an authorised centre. As fees may change, check them before applying.

Our advice

Book, don't buy: for the file, a flight and hotel reservation is usually enough. Buy your final ticket once the visa is granted.

Only submit genuine documents. Any forged document leads to refusal and may expose you to an entry ban.

Pay attention to consistency: dates that do not match between the booking, the insurance and the form are a frequent cause of refusal.