Rwanda visa information – requirements and application. A visa is an important tool that allows tourists to access Rwanda for various purposes- tourism or business. This is in addition to the valid yellow fever certificate or vaccination required of travelers entering Rwanda.
In 2018, new changes on visa application were made with travelers having opportunity to obtain their visas on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all the land borders. However, due to outbreak of COVID-19 and efforts to curb its wide spread, applicants can apply in advance for visas online.
How much are visas in Rwanda?
Different visa type has a different rate: a single entry tourist visa for Rwanda can be obtained at US Dollars 50 exclusive of selected countries. This kind of visa is valid for about a month or 30 days.
A single entry conference visas valid for 30 days and cost US Dollars 30.
A multiple entry business visas valid for 1 year and costs US Dollars 50 while the East African Tourist visas – EATV- this type of visa allows travelers to visit 3 partner states in East Africa- Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. It costs US Dollars 100 and valid for 90 days.
Entry requirements for Rwanda
The important entry requirements for Rwanda: applicants for Rwanda visas should have valid passport/another acceptable document. The document should be valid 6 months from the day you enter into Rwanda. Other requirements include tourist visas, business visa and vaccinations.
Rwandan visas can be applied for prior departure – submit an application online and payment can also be made online or on arrival. As a result of outbreak of COVID-19, Rwanda visas can be applied for online instead of when you arrive.
Exempted countries from applying for the Rwanda visa in advance;
They include New Zealand, South African, Sweden, UK, Germany, USA, Australia and Israel. The countries allowed to travel to Rwanda without a visa – Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, D.R. Congo, Mauritius, Philippines, Canada, Hong Kong.
Getting Rwanda Visas
There are two options for travelers to acquire Rwanda visa and that is via online visit www.migration.gov.rw or www.irembo.gov.rw (government portal). Alternatively, you can walk to the nearest embassy of Rwanda back in your home country. Obtaining visas on arrival was put on halt due to outbreak of coronavirus and you are advised to book your online and should be early enough prior actual date of visiting Rwanda.
Acceptable travel documents
- Valid passports or acceptable travel document is required.
- The passport must be valid 6 months from the time you enter Rwanda.
Visa extension
Rwanda visas can be extended. This should be done early prior expiry of your Rwanda visa and the authorities will give you strictly 5 days grace period. In case your visa expires prior contacting authorities to extend your visa, you will incur a charge and there are higher chances for your request to be turned down.
Paying for your Rwanda visa
You can pay your single visas to Rwanda using the account details provided to you by the Rwanda High Commission. The East African Tourist Visa can be paid for using the Rwanda High Commission bank account details of the East African Tourist visas. Usually, payment for the visas is reached after you have completed the entire process of applying for the visa and then you will be asked to make payment.
There is also an alternative of buying visas online using debit or credit cards/PayPal accounts. Where the Rwanda High Commission doesn’t accept cash, applicants can pay via cheques or postal orders- always seek first from the commission the acceptable mode of paying for Rwanda visa before effecting payments to any account.
Document verification
The following should be original for clearance purposes- your birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption certificate and others. Note, there is also an option of applying for another visa even when you are in Rwanda.
Other than Rwanda visas, the other essential entry requirement to Rwanda include yellow fever vaccination. A negative PCR test certificate (COVID-19 test) is required for you to be allowed to enter Rwanda via its main borders like Kigali International Airport or land borders. Arriving travelers should have taken the test 72 hours prior departing for Rwanda.
