Find the right Rwanda Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time
Rwanda Visa Types
Did you know that you can apply for Rwandan online visas through VisaHQ? You can apply for an e-visa for tourism, business, or transit and the East African Tourist Visa. We review the unique features of each visa in this section so you are better informed when deciding on the one to apply for.
- rTourist E-visarequired
- rConference E-visarequired
- rEast Africa E-visarequired
- rTransit E-visarequired
Rwanda Transit e Visa
Suppose you are an international traveler planning to make a brief stop in Rwanda before continuing your journey to a third country. In that case, you can apply for a transit visa if your nationality allows it. A transit visa is the only document allowing international travelers to exit the airport before their connecting flight is ready. Conventional transit visas are valid for only three days, but if you have an e-visa, you can stay outside the airport much longer since it allows holders up to 30 days.
More than a transit e visa is required to leave the airport area; you will also need to show a confirmed air ticket for your next flight. In some cases, the immigration authorities may also request to see your valid visa or resident permit document if you are not a citizen of the country you are heading to.
Port of Entry
Here are the approved routes for e-visa holders.
Airports: Kigali International Airport – Kamembe Airport
Border Crossing: Rwanda – Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda – Tanzania, Rwanda – Uganda
East African Tourist Visa
Another visa you can apply for if you have Rwanda in your sight is the East African tourist e visa. This is a multiple-entry visa with a longer stay than the Rwandan e-visa. The visa allows you to visit three East African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. It is strictly for tourism and leisure and is valid for up to 90 days. Holders can visit any of these countries to enjoy the wildlife, culture, and scenic locations at any time of the year, but they must first visit the country that issued the visa before traveling to the other two.
As part of the conditions for getting it, you must prove that you have enough funds to cover your trip and also show a detailed itinerary of the places you wish to visit and how long you intend to stay at the different locations. Kindly note that the visa is not for work or study but only for leisure.
Port of Entry
Here are the approved routes for e-visa holders.
Airports: Kigali International Airport – Kamembe Airport
You cannot connect Uganda only through Entebbe International Airport and any of the international airports in Kenya and the approved border should you wish to visit both countries.
Passport copy. A clear scan of the information page of your valid, signed passport.
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Proof of accommodation. A copy of hotel reservations or other lodgings for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on the reservation.
Passport copy. A clear scan of the information pages of your passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Itinerary. Copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip (Applicant's name must be on itinerary), as well as a formal commitment from the traveler, not to depart before the intended date of departure.
Passport copy. A clear scan of the information page of your valid, signed passport.
Passport-type photograph. A digital passport-type photograph taken within the last 6 months. This may be taken using a cell phone against a white wall provided if it meets the standards of a passport-type photograph.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary. As well as a formal commitment from the traveler, not to depart before the intended date of departure
Yellow fever . A copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. To learn more about the yellow fever vaccination or to locate a vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC's yellow fever resource page .
Passport copy. A clear scan of the information pages of your passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Passport-type photograph. A digital passport-type photograph taken within the last 6 months. This may be taken using a cell phone against a white wall provided if it meets the standards of a passport-type photograph.
Conference invitation. If attending a conference or seminar, a letter of invitation from the organization in Rwanda which is hosting the event and a day-by-day itinerary of the event.
Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for
A visa is not required for this destination.
Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for Tourist E-visa
Additional steps you may take:
- Check the current validity of your passport and the availability of blank visa pages
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Rwanda
Take advantage of our extensive embassy and consular database to find the nearest one. Upon contacting the embassy confirm the required documents, the time it takes to process the visa and whether the consulate accepts applications by mail.
- Rwanda Visa for the citizens of United States of America is electronic. No documents need to be sent to VisaHQ by post. You will receive your visa by e-mail.
- Rwanda Visa for the citizens of United States of America is electronic. No documents need to be sent to VisaHQ by post. You will receive your visa by e-mail.
- Rwanda Visa for the citizens of United States of America is electronic. No documents need to be sent to VisaHQ by post. You will receive your visa by e-mail.
- Rwanda Visa for the citizens of United States of America is electronic. No documents need to be sent to VisaHQ by post. You will receive your visa by e-mail.
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Rwanda Visa Policy
The Republic of Rwanda is a sovereign nation and a member of the East African Community with an expansive visa policy that covers the requirement, eligibility, and duration of stay for foreign nationals who wish to visit the country. All foreigners coming to Rwanda must obtain a visa before they will be granted access unless they are from any of the approved countries on the visa waiver list. Visas are issued in three ways; through any of Rwanda’s foreign missions, visa on arrival, or online.
All visitors are advised to hold valid passports for at least six months, and the passport must contain at least a blank page. However, Ugandans and Kenyans may enter using a valid ID card if they don’t have passports.
Rwanda Visa Exemption
Citizens of selected countries who qualify for visa exemptions may enter Rwanda without paying fees, and they can stay in the country for different durations depending on their nationality. The length of stay ranges from 90 days to 180 days.
Visa On Arrival
Under the country’s visa policy is a special visa on-arrival class for eligible visitors. This program is open to Southern and Eastern African citizens, including a few other non-African countries. These nationals who do not qualify for visa-free access will get valid visas at the port of entry for 90 days of visits, while others get the same for 30 days. Nationals from Commonwealth Nations and the African Union are exempted from visa fees on arrival. Also, citizens from La Francophone countries are exempted from paying fees for arrival visas.
East African Tourist Visa
Under a joint agreement between the government of Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, the East African visa is issued to tourists who wish to visit all three countries. The visa is valid for 90 days and is issued to the visitor in advance. The visa is strictly for tourism and commands a visa fee. The visa is a multiple-entry visa that can be used several times for entry, but it is not renewable at expiry or upon your exit. Holders are also expected first to enter the country that issued the visa before traveling to another country.
Rwanda Electronic Visa
Still, the visa policy of Rwanda is the electronic visa (e-visa). This is an online visa for foreigners who do not qualify for visa-free entry due to their nationality. The visa is a single entry document for visits for at least 30 days. The processing time is fast in three working days or less and issued via email to the applicant. The applicant must fill out and apply online after paying an application fee. E visas are issued for tourism and business, but you may get one for transit as well; it is not a work or study visa, and you can’t use it for residing permanently in Rwanda.
Note: Only eligible nationals may apply for e-visas or visas on arrival. If your country still needs to be added to the eligibility list, kindly submit your visa application to the nearest Rwandan foreign mission.
Key Information About Rwanda e Visa
Before applying for an electronic visa or traveling to Rwanda, here is some vital information to note.
Travel With The Same Passport: Ensure that the passport you used for the e-visa application is the same one you travel with. Note that the visa is linked to your passport, so a different passport will not generate any data if checked by the immigration officers. If you discover that your current passport will not qualify you for the trip, endeavor to get a new one and use it to ally for the visa.
Print A Copy: Once the visa is delivered to your email address, please print out a copy and travel with it. The authorities will request for before stamping your passport to let your through. The visa will also come in handy during your stay in the country.
Application Fee: Also note that the application fee is an important requirement. Without paying the application fee, you will not be allowed to submit the application form. This fee is solely for processing and is not a certainty that you will get the visa if you don’t meet the requirements.
Apply Early: You want to apply for your visa at least 4 days before your planned departure date to get at least a 24-hour headstart. The process takes only three working days, so apply for it at the start of the week so you are on time by the weekend.
Apply Outside Rwanda: You can only apply for this visa outside Rwanda. If your visa is fast approaching the expiration date and you wish to reapply, you must leave the country first before submitting another application. Applications within Rwanda are prohibited.
You Cannot Extend The East African Tourist Visa: You can’t extend the East African tourist visa before it expires. To stay much longer, you must leave Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya before applying for a new one.
Rwanda Visa Online – Get your Rwanda e-Visa with VisaHQ
If you are planning a trip to Rwanda in the Eastern part of Africa, you should consider applying for an online visa if your nationality qualifies you for one. E visas take less time to apply for and are approved in just a few days, which is much better than applying for a visa at the Rwandan foreign mission.
How To Apply For A Visa With VisaHQ
If you have been looking for a faster way to get a visa for Rwanda, you are in luck because of the opportunity we offer. You can complete the online application form from the comfort of your office or home as long as you have an internet connection and a device like a computer or a smartphone. Just follow these simple steps.
Complete the form: Start by completing the online application form and make sure each section is filled with accurate information.
Upload your documents: Depending on the specific documentary requirements you are applying for, scan and upload the documents in the boxes provided. After uploading, you will need to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card and then submit it for approval.
Get your visa: After 24-72 hours, the visa will be forwarded to your email.
Why Use VisaHQ?
There are so many reasons to use VisaHQ for your online visa applications. We offer
- 24-hour technical support
- The opportunity to apply for multiple online visas to save time
- Access to online application tracking
- Save your data for future use
We have the experts and resources to help you complete your application in record time. Navigate to the application page now to get started.
Rwanda COVID-19 travel restrictions
- Entry is openRwanda has opened its borders for international flights, and many domestic restrictions have been lifted.Prior to arrival requirementsValid passport. Valid national passport with at least 6 month remaining validity after the date of departure.Valid visa. Please see the instructions above if visa is needed and apply.Upon arrival restrictions😷Masks are required in public spaces and transport.
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To read about Rwanda Visas
Frequently Asked Questions about Rwanda visa
Rwanda Embassy list in United States of America
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For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest Rwandan Embassy.