Located in East Central Africa, the country of Rwanda is unique in every way. From the beautiful views, friendly and respectful locals to different activities you can do throughout the day.
Foreigners who want to visit the country will surely experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To visit Rwanda, first, visitors must check if they need a visa. For further information regarding the Rwanda visa policy, read the article below.
Who Needs a Visa for Rwanda?
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Rwanda:
- Angola
- Guinea
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Benin
- Haiti
- Senegal
- Burundi
- Indonesia
- Seychelles
- Central African Republic
- Kenya
- Singapore
- Chad
- Mauritius
- South Sudan
- Ivory Coast
- Philippines
- Tanzania
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Qatar
- Uganda
- Ghana
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
Other Visa Exemptions
Here are some other nationalities that are exempted from the requirements of a Rwanda visa:
- Holders of a diplomatic and service category passports of the following countries:
- China
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- India
- Israel
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Apply online.
- Apply at the port of entry.
- Apply at the embassy of Rwanda.
- Enter the official page of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
- Fill out the application form.
- Attach other required documents.
- Finish the application fee payment.
- Wait until you receive an email with your visa application result.
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Rwanda and book a visa appointment.
- Fill out the Rwanda visa application form.
- Gather all the required documents. See ‘Rwanda Visa Requirements’ for further information.
- Submit the requested documents to the embassy or consulate of Rwanda.
- Finish the applicable visa application fee payment.
- Wait until you receive a response for your application visa result.
Rwanda Visa Requirements
Here are the documents you need to provide to apply for a Rwanda visa:
- A valid travel document. Your passport should at least have six month of validation.
- A passport-sized photo. Photos should be identical and follow Rwanda visa photo requirements.
- A fully completed and signed Rwanda visa application form.
- Rwanda valid health insurance. Your health insurance must cover your emergencies that may occur while you stay in Rwanda.
- A bank statement document.
- A fee payment receipt.
- A return flight ticket. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Rwanda.
- An accommodation proof. You will need to show evidence of your accommodation in Rwanda when applying for visa.
- A letter of invitation from a friend or a family member in Rwanda.
Note: You may be required to submit other additional documents depending on the type of Rwanda visa you are applying for. Also, remember that any missing or false information can lead to your visa refusal.
Duration of a Rwanda Visa
A Rwanda visa is valid from one to six months. However, the applicants will be informed about their visa duration once their visa is granted.
Rwanda Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Rwanda visa is between seven to ten working days. The visa processing time can be extended if any information or document is missing.
Rwanda Visa Fees
Here are the Rwanda visa fees:
| Visa Types | Fee Amount |
| A single entry tourist visa | $50 |
| A single entry conference visa | $30 |
| A multiple entry visa | $50 |
Important: The visa fee payment amount is nonrefundable and can change depending on the country you come from.
Rwanda Visa Types
Here are all the Rwanda visa types you can apply for:
- Tourist visa. A tourist visa is valid for visit and sightseeing purposes.
- Business visa. A business visa is issued for business purposes, such as business meetings with companies in Rwanda.
- Conference visa. A conference visa is issued to applicants who must attend a conference meeting in Rwanda.
- Transit visa. A transit visa is issued to foreigners who need a visa to transit in Rwanda while on an ongoing trip.
- Work visa. A work visa is issued to applicants who want to work in Rwanda.
- Study visa. A study visa is issued to international students who want to study in Rwanda.
Note: Each visa type has different visa requirements.
Residence Permit for Rwanda
A Rwanda residence permit is issued to foreigners who want to stay longer in the country. Applicants who want to apply for a residence permit must submit the application to The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
A Rwanda residence permit duration depends on the residency you are applying for:
| Permit Residence Types | Valid |
| Bussines Investitor | Two years |
| Bussines Entepreneuter | Two years |
| Employment | Two years |
| Diplomat | Depends on accreditation period |
| Dependents | Same validity as of the principle |
| Study and Research | One year |
| Other Permits | Two years |
Why Should You Visit Rwanda?
Here are a few things you should know before visiting the unique country of Rwanda:
- Rwanda is known for being the land of a thousand hills.
- The country is home to mountain gorillas that visitors can safely visit.
- The locals are very friendly and will try to help you in any situation.
- Rwanda is known for its coffee, food and unique drinks.
- The weather is sunny.
- It has an incredibly rich wildlife and unique species.
- It has volcanos and sweeping plains.
- Unique music and dancing style.
- There are different car-free zones in the country to promote a healthy living style.
- There are no plastic bags allowed.
- The last Sunday of the month is dedicated to the country by helping with community service.