How do I apply for Rwanda visas? Rwanda now issues visa on arrival for all visitors (although online application is available too).
UPDATE: October 2024. Visa on arrival is still available for visitors to Rwanda.
You have to hand it to the Rwandans, these guys are serious about tourism! Rwanda has opened its borders to travelers from all countries. Everyone can apply for #VisaOnArrival (and for many nationalities, there’s no charge!)
Here is the official communique on the new visa regime. Letter dated March 2020 (and still valid at the time of updating this post, October 2024).
The muzungu’s understanding is that: nearly all nationalities can enter Rwanda at no cost. What differs is the amount of time you get: from 30 / 60 or 90 days, depending on your nationality.
To summarise the official Rwanda government site “If you’re a citizen of a country in the African Union, the Commonwealth or La Francophonie (French-speaking countries), not only can you get visa upon arrival, but visa fees are waived for a visit of 30 days.”
The same page also states that “A citizen of one the eight East African Community states shall be issued a visa on arrival free of charge for a stay of up to six months.”
The following countries can get a visa on arrival free of charge for up to 90 days: 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 of Qatar. Check this list on Rwanda’s immigration site.
“Citizens of all countries that all not visa-exempt have the option to apply online or at Rwanda Diplomatic Missions of their country of residence before departure. Those applying online can pay online or upon arrival in Rwanda. NOTE: No agents are authorised to apply for a visa on your behalf. Beware: such agents may mislead and overcharge you.” The visa fees for this category of traveller are $50 USD (single entry visa) or $70 USD (multiple entry visa).
Click here to apply at the Rwanda Government Portal, Irembo. Here you have full guidance on what you need to apply. (Allow at least 7 days before you travel).
How do I apply for Rwanda tourist visas in 2024?
You can just rock up!
The ability to get visa on arrival in Rwanda sends a clear and positive message to tourists and it reaffirms ease of movement for East Africans within the region. It’s easier for Rwanda-based expats to travel in and out of the country too. This announcement makes it easier for the Rwandan diaspora (travelling on passports from other countries) to visit their home country as well. It’s an inclusive approach, and I like it.
You can also apply online in advance for your Rwanda tourist visa
Go to the Rwandan government’s Irembo website. Scroll down to Immigration and click on Visa application. Visa processing time is 7 days.
Note that the only two websites that issue Rwanda tourist visas are Irembo and Rwanda Government Immigration site. There have been cases of fraudsters tricking people into parting with money and not issuing visas. There are also companies that pretend to be official sites and organise visas for you (but take a large commission in a rather underhand way). Use either of the two above links and avoid the scammers and extra charges.
Which nationalities need visas to enter Rwanda?
Click here for a list of countries who are exempt from needing tourist visas for Rwanda; rules for Rwandans with dual nationailty; foreign residents in Rwanda; children below 16 years. Letter dated March 2020.
Got a question about visas? Read my blog about Ugandan tourist visas and my Definitive Guide to the East Africa Tourist Visa. I update these tourist visa blogs frequently and regularly answer travelers’ questions. Feel free to ask in the comments or contact me directly. Thanks to everyone who has shared their visa application experiences!
DISCLAIMER: My name is Charlotte Beauvoisin. I am a Uganda resident and I regularly travel to Rwanda. I update this page regularly based on my personal travel experiences, feedback from expats, tourism industry colleagues and visitors, supported by the advice of an immigration expert. I can’t promise this info is always accurate – but I try my best! Things can change quickly and without notice. I take no responsibility for content on external websites. I work closely with the tourism industry so if you need any information on travel to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya (or wider East Africa) I’m your woman! What is Diary of a Muzungu all about?
Good ideas.
You have to hand it to the Rwandese – when it comes to tourism, they really think BIG.
Can I get the East Africa Tourist Visa upon arrival in Rwanda without prior application (and still for $100 US)?
Hi Chris, yes you can. One month ago my friend got an East Africa Tourist Visa in person at the Uganda / Rwanda border so it is easier than ever to get visas to the country, whether standard single entry tourist visa or East Africa Tourist Visa. EATV is $100.
Good Morning,
A group of friends are travelling to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in the summer. First point of entry is Rwanda, can we obtain an East African Visa at the Rwanda airport when we arrive?
Thank you
Hi Sharon, yes you can get your East Africa Tourist Visa on arrival in Kigali (or you can apply for your visa approval in advance online).
Good morning!
Besides our passports, do we need to bring other documents when purchasing East Africa Visa in Kigali Airport upon arrival?
Hi Kat, all you need is your passport and $100 cash for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV).
Note: some people have asked me whether Yellow Fever vaccination is required for Rwanda. According to CDC (the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) Yellow Fever vaccination ‘is generally not recommended for travelers to Rwanda’ i.e. you don’t need to have the jab.
I have never been asked to show my Yellow Fever certificate when travelling from Uganda to Rwanda.
According to the Ministry of Health, “although Rwanda does not require Yellow fever vaccinations for visitors coming from non-endemic countries, they are required for travellers coming from endemic countries and before travelling to most East African countries.”
If you are buying the EATV and traveling on to Uganda and / or Kenya, you will need to show a Yellow Fever certificate to enter both those countries – and they do check. Uganda does provide a vaccination service at Entebbe Airport. Cost $40. Kenya also provides a Yellow Fever vaccination programme at its airports. Cost $35.
For the latest health advice, follow the Rwandan Ministry of Health on Twitter.