|
7 Sep 2016
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sheerness, Kent, UK
Posts: 91
|
|
DRC Embassy London
Hi
Has anybody recent experiences of the DRC embassy in London? I'm looking to apply in the next 2 weeks or so before I set off for Cape Town at the end of October
Any hints and tips? Naturally, i'll post my updates here however it goes
Cheers
|
7 Sep 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 293
|
|
I can only say it is very easy in Brussels. Only an adress and name and tel.numebr of a recepetionst of a hotel in DRC needed (not even a reservation). Same day service
|
16 Sep 2016
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sheerness, Kent, UK
Posts: 91
|
|
hardly an update, but i'll post.
I was in London for work yesterday and went by the DRC embassy at 2:30. Online I'd seen visa's are dealt with between 13:00 - 15:00 as the website below said
For VISA, LEGALISATION, ATTESTATIONS enquiries only :
Monday to Friday : 13h00' - 15h00'
Tel.: +44 (0) 74 4860 0034 or +44 (0) 79 6086 7689
eMail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DRC in the UK - la RDC au Royaume-Uni - Contacts
Anyway, got there the same details as on the link above were posted outside, the door was locked though. A a guy did come down but wouldn't open the door only to give me the 'finished' hand gesture, like a dead ball in cricket if that helps. I tried to get him to open to ask about the times, but no joy.
I've emailed as well, but ignored. I'll try to phone I guess before applying in about 10 days
|
17 Sep 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
|
|
Hi All,
If you are going to try and get a visa at the DRC embassy in London - all I can say is good luck!
To get the visa you need a 'Prise en Charge'. This is the magical yellow piece of paper which must be stamped by the DGM in Kinshasa. Apparently only the office in Kinshasa can stamp it, not Kisangani, not Lubumbashi, not Goma - Kinshasa only!
The cheapest I was quoted to get this Prise en Charge' was $200 USD per person.
Plus I believe you need a letter of invitation from a resident and a confirmed hotel reservation! The hotel reservation must be of a certain standard (ie a recognised 5 star hotel)
All of these requirements are quite liable to change of course, but this was my very recent experience. Not easy at all.
I spoke to Travel visa agency a few days ago and they said the DRC embassy had lost 4 peoples passports in recent months. In addition they said the staff at the embassy are so unhelpful that they are almost certainly going to stop offering a visa service for DRC.
As you know there's always a way, but this one has become particularly difficult in recent months....many suspect due to the Presidential elections fast approaching.
|
20 Sep 2016
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sheerness, Kent, UK
Posts: 91
|
|
Cheers Dave, its sobering and realistic advice fitting what I'm coming to believe. I'm thinking maybe don't apply and try to ship around. I don't know. I'll think
Additionally, I've tried to email them (ignored) and no trying to download the application form, the link is broken this morning. I don't really think that emailing them on this will fix it and I intend to set off on the 24th October, so must do it now really
Agreed about the politics, I cannot imagine an improvement given the situation, banning demonstrations isn't looking like they want to encourage foreigners right now
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...nne-tshisekedi
|
20 Sep 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
|
|
Hi pjmancktelow,
Gvdaa says that it is quite easy to get the visa in Brussels.
Therefore why not pop over there and get it? As an EU citizen (for the moment at least) you should be allowed to apply there, as you have the right to live (and work) in Belgium.
David
|
20 Sep 2016
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sheerness, Kent, UK
Posts: 91
|
|
time is not my friend right now sadly. I have a fixed leave date and would struggle to get over and do it, post is a potential I guess though.
Also, wouldn't it be a problem as its not my 'home' country? Bit concerned that I'd be rejected at the border itself if it was issued in my UK passport in Belgium.
|
20 Sep 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 285
|
|
Also possible in Abidjan ... usually!
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|