Rwanda Tourist Visa – Requirements, Application and Fees
You can get the Rwanda Tourist Visa on arrival without prior application. The visa is valid for either 30 days for single entry or 90 days for multiple entries. The cost of the visa is $50.
Citizens from all countries can obtain the visa upon arrival. However, certain groups of people can enter Rwanda without a visa. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member countries can enjoy free visas. They can stay in Rwanda for up to 30 days.
East African Community (EAC) member states also benefit from free visas. They can stay in Rwanda for six months without needing a visa.
Visitors from some countries can receive a 90-day visa free of charge. These countries include Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore, and Qatar.
If you are from a country that does not have visa exemption, you have two options. You can apply for the visa online or at a Rwanda Diplomatic Mission in your country of residence. If you apply online, you can pay either online or upon arrival in Rwanda. Be aware that there is no agent authorized to apply for the visa on your behalf.
Tourist Visa Requirements and Application Process
To apply for the Rwanda tourist visa, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Rwanda visa application page.
- Fill out the necessary forms and submit the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee either online or upon arrival, depending on your application method.
Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements for a tourist visa. These include:
- A recent passport-size photo with a white background.
- A copy of your passport’s biodata page.
- An application letter.
- A detailed tour itinerary, for example, a 7-day Rwanda safari.
- A Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
The cost for a single-entry tourist visa is USD 50.
East African Tourist Visa
If you plan to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda during your trip, consider applying for the East African Tourist Visa. This visa allows you to travel freely between these countries without restrictions. The East African Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days. However, you cannot renew it after it expires or once you exit any of these countries.
The East African Tourist Visa is also available on arrival in Kigali. No prior application is required. The visa fee is USD 100.
It is important to note that the country where you first enter should issue your East African Tourist Visa. For example, if Rwanda is your first stop, you will need to get the visa upon arrival in Kigali.
East African Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for an East African Tourist Visa, you must provide the following documents:
- A passport-size photo with a white background.
- A copy of your passport’s biodata page.
- An application letter.
- A detailed tour itinerary, such as a 10-day Uganda-Rwanda safari.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate for Uganda.
- A return ticket.
- A Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
Additionally, your passport photo should be in jpeg or jpg format, and it should not exceed 200KB in size. Other attachments must be in pdf format and not exceed 500KB.
Important Notes
- Ensure that all your documents meet the required specifications. Incorrectly sized photos or documents may delay your visa approval.
- Be mindful of the expiration dates on your visa, especially for the East African Tourist Visa, as it is not renewable once it expires.
- If you are unsure about the visa process or have specific questions, visit the official Rwanda visa website or contact a Rwanda Diplomatic Mission.
