Rwanda visas
Whether you need a visa for Rwanda depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: since 2018 travellers of all nationalities can obtain an entry visa on arrival, while nationals of many African Union, Commonwealth, La Francophonie and East African Community states enter fee-free for short visits. Longer stays for work, study, family, investment or settlement require the relevant permit. All visas and permits are administered by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE), with applications handled online through the Irembo government portal.
Rwandan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Rwanda โ tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.5 visas
- Work visasComing to Rwanda to work โ the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Rwanda โ student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Rwanda.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Rwanda as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Rwanda long term โ residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Rwandan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to Rwanda
In the Republic of Rwanda, which is a member of the East African Community, nationals of all countries that are not visa free are permitted to receive a visa on arrival in the country. Additionally, they may get an e-Visa before to their trip by visiting the embassy's website. All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months and has at least one blank page. Rwanda allows Kenyans and Ugandans to enter the country without the need for a passport if they have an ID card. As of January 1, 2018, visas are issued upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders to nationals of all countries. Costs.
Entry into Rwanda
There are no COVID-19 restrictions on travel from Ireland to Rwanda. Passengers are not required to produce COVID-19 immunisation or testing certificates or to complete a Passenger Locator Form. The eastern portion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains unpredictable, while the situation in Burundi has become volatile as a result of the ongoing political crisis-related increase in tensions and violence. There is a persistent possibility that the security situation in the region could dramatically deteriorate. If you are near the DRC border, you should remain vigilant for the likelihood of military incursions, stray gunfire, and/or artillery fire entering Rwanda.
The crime rate in Rwanda is normally low and the country is generally safe. However, burglaries, thefts, and muggings have been reported in Kigali. You should safeguard your possessions and maintain vigilance.
Criteria to apply for a Rwanda Visa
You will need the following:
- Applicants must possess a valid passport or an acceptable alternative travel document.
- The validity of the document must be at least six months on the date of entry into Rwanda.
- Visas can be obtained by submitting an online application prior to departure, with the option to pay online or upon arrival.
Appointment Waiting Times
Waiting times for a visa appointment will vary depending on the time of year that you apply and your country of residence.
Who Can Visit Rwanda Without a Visa?
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from paying entry fees, and can enter Rwanda without a visa for up to the duration listed below:
- 6 months. Burundi. Kenya. South Sudan. Tanzania. Uganda.
- 90 days. Angola. Benin. Central African Republic. Chad. Cรดte d'Ivoire. DR Congo. Ghana. Guinea. Haiti. Indonesia. Mauritius. Philippines.
What To Do If Your Rwanda Visa is Refused
You have the right to contest this verdict. The consulate of the Member State that decided to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Rwanda visa and the reasons for the denial. You should consult the government website the appeal process.
Rwanda โ key facts
- Visa authority
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF)
- Time zone
- Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)
Rwandan visas โ people also ask
Visitors from anywhere in the globe can apply for a visa to enter Rwanda either online or upon arrival. This service is offered by the General Directorate of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE). The processing time for a visa is seven days, and the cost varies by visa category.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources ยท last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only โ not legal advice.
