This guide provides detailed information on Rwanda visa options, fees, requirements, and how to apply. Rwanda, fondly known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is an increasingly popular travel destination in East Africa, offering extraordinary wildlife experiences, especially mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The country also boasts a clean, organized capital city (Kigali), scenic lakes, ancient rainforests, and rich cultural experiences. For travelers planning a safari, primate trek, or cultural tour, Rwanda offers one of the most welcoming and simplified visa policies on the continent. Whether you’re flying into Kigali or crossing by land from Uganda, Tanzania, or the DRC, getting a visa for Rwanda is straightforward.
Visa Categories
Rwanda has a highly inclusive visa system. Since 2018, all nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival, eliminating the need for pre-approval for most travelers. However, citizens of specific countries enjoy even more relaxed entry. Nationals of African Union member states, the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie countries are granted visa free access for up to 30 days. This includes citizens from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, Australia, India, the UK, France, and many Caribbean nations. In addition, East African Community (EAC) citizens can enter Rwanda using only their national IDs and stay for up to 90 days without a visa, facilitating easy movement within the region.
For travelers from countries outside those visa free zones, Rwanda offers a visa on arrival at all entry points, whether by air or land. This single-entry visa allows for a 30-day stay and costs $50 USD, payable in cash or by card. The process is quick and efficient, especially at Kigali International Airport. It is ideal for tourists coming for gorilla trekking, cultural exploration, or general sightseeing.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Rwanda is also part of the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) agreement, a regional initiative that enables travelers to visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda on a single multiple-entry visa. This visa is perfect for those planning a multi-country East African safari circuit. The EATV costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days. It can only be used for tourism purposes and requires travelers to start their trip in the country from which they applied for the visa. For instance, if you apply through Rwanda, your first point of entry must be Rwanda before proceeding to Kenya or Uganda. This visa provides great value and convenience for travelers aiming to explore mountain gorillas in Rwanda, the Big Five in Kenya, and chimpanzees in Uganda, all on one seamless itinerary.
Applying for a Rwanda Visa
There are three ways to obtain a Rwanda visa: on arrival, through an online eVisa application, or via the East Africa Tourist Visa. The visa on arrival process is the most convenient for most travelers. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or designated land border posts such as Gatuna (from Uganda) or Rusumo (from Tanzania), travelers present their valid passport, pay the visa fee, and are issued a 30-day tourist visa on the spot. Payments can be made in USD (cash is preferred), though some entry points may accept credit cards.
Alternatively, travelers can apply for a Rwanda visa online through the official government portal at irembo.gov.rw. The eVisa process is simple and takes approximately three working days to process. Applicants need to upload a copy of their passport’s biodata page, a recent passport photo, and a hotel booking or travel itinerary. After completing the application and paying the visa fee online, a visa approval letter is emailed, which should be printed and presented at the point of entry.
For those applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa, the application is also done through the Irembo portal. You must apply through the country you will enter first, Rwanda, in this case. Once approved, this visa allows travel across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda for 90 days without needing additional visas for border crossings between these countries.
Rwanda Visa Fees
Rwanda maintains a transparent and affordable visa fee structure. A standard single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days costs $50 USD. A transit visa, suitable for travelers passing through Rwanda for less than 72 hours, is available for $30 USD. If you require a multiple-entry visa for frequent travel into and out of the country within a month, it costs $70 USD. The East Africa Tourist Visa is available for $100 USD and offers multiple entries among Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. For travelers attending events or conferences, a specific conference visa is available for $30 USD. Children under the age of 16 accompanying their parents are not required to pay visa fees, making Rwanda a family-friendly destination.
Entry Requirements
To enter Rwanda, travelers must present a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and at least one blank page. If applying for an eVisa, it is crucial to carry a printed copy of the approval letter. While return or onward travel tickets are not always requested, it is advisable to have them available. Hotel reservations or other proof of accommodation may be required upon request. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries where yellow fever is endemic. As of 2025, Rwanda has lifted COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements, but travelers are encouraged to confirm current health protocols close to their travel dates.
Traveling with Children
Rwanda is accommodating for travelers with children. Minors under 16 years old do not need to pay visa fees if they are traveling with their parents. However, they must carry their own passports and may need to provide additional documentation such as a birth certificate or a notarized parental consent letter if traveling with only one parent or a guardian. It is important to ensure that all documentation is in order to avoid delays at immigration.
Visa Duration and Extensions
Tourist visas issued on arrival or through the eVisa platform are typically valid for 30 days. Travelers who wish to stay longer in Rwanda can apply for an extension through the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali. It is advisable to begin the extension process at least a week before the visa expires. Depending on your reason for extending your stay, the immigration office may grant an additional 30 to 60 days. Note that extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to the discretion of immigration authorities.
Overstaying Your Visa
Overstaying a visa in Rwanda is taken seriously. Penalties for overstaying may include daily fines of $20 USD or more, possible deportation, or being barred from re-entering the country. It is strongly recommended that visitors monitor their visa expiry dates and apply for an extension in good time if needed. Immigration officers are generally helpful and approachable, but they strictly enforce visa regulations.
Ports of Entry Offering Visa on Arrival
Travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, the country’s main international gateway. Land borders that issue visas on arrival include Gatuna and Cyanika (from Uganda), Rusumo (from Tanzania), Nemba and Bugarama (from Burundi), and La Corniche and Petite Barrière (from the DRC near Gisenyi). These entry points are fully equipped to handle international tourists and are especially convenient for those traveling by road across East Africa.
Tips for a Smooth Entry
To ensure a smooth immigration process, travelers should carry USD in small denominations for visa payments, particularly when entering via land borders where card payments may not be accepted. It is also helpful to dress neatly and approach immigration officers respectfully. Make sure all your documents passport, eVisa printout, accommodation details, return ticket, and health certificate (if applicable), are easily accessible. For those planning multi-country trips, applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa can save both time and money. Lastly, always double check visa rules and health requirements before travel, as regulations can change.
Start Planning Your Rwanda Safaris. Get In Touch With Us Now To Start Planning.
Cheetah Safaris has fantastic, experienced safari experts available and prepared to assist you in creating a once in a lifetime beach holiday experience. Fill in Our Contact Form with the details you want or send us a WhatsApp text to reach us at Call :- +254 729 744244.
