From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders.
Citizens of countries members to the following international organizations; African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days.
A citizen of East African Community Member States shall be issued a pass/entry visa free of charge upon arrival to stay for the period of six months.
The following countries to be granted 90 days valid visa free of charge upon arrival: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore and the state Qatar.
Please click here to view the communiqué on new visa regime
Citizens of all countries that are not visa exempt, have also option to submit application online (Click here) or at the Rwanda Diplomatic Missions of the country of residence before departure. Those applying online have option to pay online or upon arrival.
Application for visa extension is submitted at Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration offices. Detailed requirements are set out in the Information for applicants for each class of visa.
Extension of a visa should be applied for whilst initial visas remain valid.
Visitors who wish to visit simultaneously the three countries (Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda) for tourism may apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) online at https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/web/dgie/east-africa-tourist-visa, upon arrival or from Rwanda Diplomatic missions abroad. If acquiring the EATV visa before travel, your first entry point must be the country through which you applied for the visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100, is valid for 90 days and is multiple entry (if staying within the three countries).
Note
There is no single affiliated Agent that is authorized to apply for visa on your behalf. Such Agents may mislead you and charge more than the visa fees.
The visitor’s and East Africa Tourist Visa should not be used for employment.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS SEEKING TO VISIT RWANDA ON A TOURIST VISA
Travel Document
An applicant should hold any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
Health Requirements
A vaccination certificate may be required at the border post. In the event of a major disease outbreak, specific requirements could be set and put to the knowledge of the public.
Visa Fees
These are fees for processing of applications. If applications are denied, or withdrawn by the applicant, refunds of fees will not be made.
Validity Of A Visa
The maximum and minimum period of validity of a visa is set out in the Information for Applicants for each visa class.
Single Or Multiple Entries
Whether a visa is issued for single or multiple entries is set out in the Information for Applicants for each visa class.
Financial Requirements
An applicant must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their stay in Rwanda. Evidence for such funds may be requested online, at the Rwandan foreign mission or at the entry point.
Extension Of A Visa For Some Classes
Some visa classes may be extended. Details are set out in the Information for applicants for each class.
Extension of a visa should be applied for whilst initial visas remain valid.
A grace period of 5 days after a visa has expired is allowed for a person to either depart or renew their visa without a penalty; otherwise the person will be subjected to a penalty and a visa extension may be denied.
Change Of Status For Some Classes
An applicant may apply to the Director General for another class of visa whilst they are in Rwanda and whilst their current visa remains valid.
For the group tourist visa change of status is not permitted. Information for applicants for the particular visa class will state if change of status is allowed.
