Do I Need a Visa to visit Rwanda?

Yes! A visa is one of the entry requirements for visitors with plans to visit Rwanda for a vacation or business trip. You can be denied access to Rwanda if you travel without a visa. It is what you present at the respective entry point to Rwanda. It can be at the border point for those of you who plan to use road transport to connect to Rwanda from say Uganda and by air, you will present it to the authorities at Kigali International Airport (KGL).

Can I get a Rwanda visa on arrival?

Effective 1st January 2018, the government of the Republic of Rwanda announced that all countries in the world can obtain their visas on arrival at Kigali International Airport and at all its national borders. Travelers can also apply for their visas online here. On arrival in Rwanda, you can obtain a visa that suits your travel desires for instance a tourist visa or business visa.

The Rwanda visa costs USD 50 for single-entry visas and multiple entry USD 70. Citizens from states not visa exempted can apply for the visas online or through the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission of the Country of residence before departure. In case you are applying online, then you can still pay online/on arrival. Take note, no single affiliated agent that is authorized to apply for Rwanda visas on your behalf but you can seek guidance to save time and resources.

The East Africa tourist visa

There is also an option of obtaining an East Africa tourist visa. This applies to visitors who desire to visit at least more than 2 countries within East African community states; Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The East Africa visa can be obtained online or upon arrival. In case you plan to obtain the East Africa visa, then take note of how it works. The East Africa tourist visa works in a way that when booking it before the actual date of travel, you ensure that the first entry point should be the country where you have applied for the visa. The East Africa tourist visa can be obtained at USD 100 and this can be valid for about 3 months. It offers multiple entry in East African destinations.

Which countries are visa-exempted in Rwanda?

Any citizen from the following states/countries is exempt from paying entry fees and can enter Rwanda without requiring a visa. The period for exemption applies to different countries. 6 months’ entry into Rwanda applies to East African Community state citizens. These include South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.

90 days visa-free entry to Rwanda for countries such as Cote D’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Angola, The Federation of Saint Christopher, Benin, Nevis, Guinea, Haiti, Philippines, Seychelles, Senegal, Sao Tome, Singapore, State of Qatar, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Chad. 30-day visa-free entry to Rwanda benefits nations such as Andorra, Algeria, Albania, Antigua, Armenia, and Barbuda.

Do German citizens require a visa for Rwanda?

As of November 1st, 2014, Germans were required to have visas. This can be acquired online, at the Rwanda embassy in Berlin, or on arrival.

Why are the Rwanda e-visas issued?

The e-visas in Rwanda are issued to foreign nationals with plans to visit Rwanda. The purpose of the visit varies and revolves around transit, tourism, visiting friends and family, short-term activities, or medical treatment.

How can I apply for a Rwanda Visa?

You can apply for the Visa by following a few steps below;

• Apply for your respective visas online
• Apply at the port entry to Rwanda
• Apply through the embassy of Rwanda in your respective countries.

Applying for visas online. Foreign travelers can apply for the e-visas online and key steps to take include;

• Check the official page of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration; or Irembo. 
• Fill out the application form
• Attach other essential documents
• Complete the application fee payment.
• Wait till you receive an email with your visa application result/details.

Applying for the visas at the port of entry

Anyone who desires to access Rwanda via its port entry needs a visa. This can be obtained at the port of entry and this kind of visa can be valid for 30-90 days.

Applying for Rwanda visa at the Rwanda Embassy

Follow these important steps to secure your visa at the embassy;

• Contact the closest embassy/consulate of Rwanda to book a visa appointment.
• Fill out the Rwanda visa application form provided.
• Collect all the required documents –the details are available on visa requirements for you to follow.
• Submit the requested documents to the Rwanda embassy/consulate.
• Complete the applicable visa application fee payment.
• Wait and you will receive a response about your application visa.

What are the requirements for applying for the visas in Rwanda?

Here are all the essential requirements for visa application in Rwanda.

1. A valid travel document, especially your passport which should be valid for at least 6 months.
2. A passport-sized photo, should be current and clearly show your identification.
3. A filled and signed Rwanda visa application form.
4. You should have Rwanda health insurance. Health insurance should cover the emergencies that take place while you are in Rwanda.
5. A bank statement document is also required.
6. A fee payment receipt is essential.
7. A return flight ticket showing the dates and flight number should specify the entry and exit date from Rwanda.
8. Accommodation proof should be availed to show evidence of where you plan to stay in Rwanda.
9. An invitation letter from a friend/family member in Rwanda should be provided.

What is the validity duration of a Rwanda visa?

A Rwanda visas usually valid for 1-6 months. However, the applicants can informed on the duration of their visas can be valid.

Processing period

A Rwanda visa can be processed within 7 days or 10 working days. The process can even be extended in case there is missing information or documents.

What visa types exist in Rwanda?

The available visa types in Rwanda to apply for include;

1. A tourist visa is available for booking for persons traveling for sightseeing or visit purposes.
2. Business visas – which address issues of business meetings and are ideal for companies.
3. Transit visa – this is issued to foreigners who require a visa to transit Rwanda on an ongoing trip.
4. Study visa – This is obtainable by international students in need of study in Rwanda.
5. Work visas – These are issued to applicants with plans to work in Rwanda.
6. Conference visas – This is essential for applicants who have plans to attend conference meetings or special events in Rwanda.

Residence permits

A residence permit is usually issued to foreigners with plans to stay longer in Rwanda. This category submits its application to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. The duration may vary depending on the residency you intend to apply for.

• Business investor –the residence permit is valid for 2 years.
• Business entrepreneur for 2 years
• Employment validity is 2 years
• Diplomat –depending on the accreditation period
• Study and research –valid for a year.

Overall, a visa is required for your entry into Rwanda. This presents you with a great opportunity to explore the wonders of Rwanda and also engage in a smooth business or other activities you plan to do.