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9 ways to enter

Rwanda visas

Rwanda tourist visa

Some travellers can visit without a visa. Others can get a visa on arrival or apply before travelling.

Ways to get a Rwanda tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry for 6 months

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda can enter without a visa or entry fee.

    Stay
    6 months.
    Fee
    No entry fee.

  3. Visa-free entry for 30 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the listed countries can enter without a visa or entry fee.

    Stay
    30 days.
    Fee
    No entry fee.

    Passports that qualify (86)

  4. Visa-free entry for Hong Kong citizens

    No visa needed

    Hong Kong citizens can enter without a visa.

    Stay
    1 month.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  6. Visa-free entry with a Chinese public affairs passport

    No visa needed

    Chinese citizens with passports endorsed "for public affairs" do not need a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  7. Visitor visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Visitors from all countries can get a visa on arrival if they need one.

    Valid for
    90 days for visitors from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa countries who are not visa-exempt; 30 days for other visitors.
    Fee
    Fees are waived for nationals of African Union, Commonwealth of Nations or La Francophonie member states. Other fee amounts are not specified.

  8. Online entry visa

    eVisa

    Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt can apply online before departure.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.
    Valid for
    Up to 30 days.
    Entries
    Single entry.
    Processing
    Within 3 working days.

  9. Visa from a Rwandan diplomatic mission

    Visa needed

    Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt can apply at a Rwandan diplomatic mission if they prefer.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the countries listed below can enter without a visa for 6 months, 90 days or 30 days. Hong Kong citizens can enter without a visa for 1 month. Some special passport holders also qualify.

What to bring

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least one empty page.
  • Kenyans and Ugandans may use an ID card instead of a passport.

Good to know

  • Visa-free entry and a visa with no fee are different entry options.
  • Visa waiver agreements with the Dominican Republic, Dominica and the Bahamas are described as awaiting ratification. Dominica and the Bahamas also appear in the 30-day visa-free list.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Rwanda?

Visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visa. Citizens of the countries listed below can enter without a visa for 6 months, 90 days or 30 days. Hong Kong citizens can enter without a visa for 1 month. Some special passport holders also qualify.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Rwanda?

There are 9 options: Visa-free entry for 6 months (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for 90 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for 30 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for Hong Kong citizens (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a diplomatic or service passport (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a Chinese public affairs passport (no visa at all); Visitor visa on arrival (a visa at the border); Online entry visa (an online visa); Visa from a Rwandan diplomatic mission (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Rwanda without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda can enter without a visa or entry fee. Citizens of the listed countries can enter without a visa or entry fee. Citizens of the listed countries can enter without a visa or entry fee. Hong Kong citizens can enter without a visa. Holders of diplomatic or service passports from the listed countries do not need a visa for up to 90 days, unless otherwise stated. Chinese citizens with passports endorsed "for public affairs" do not need a visa.

Can I apply online for Rwanda?

Yes: Online entry visa. Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt can apply online before departure.

How much does a Rwanda tourist visa cost?

Visa-on-arrival fees are waived for nationals of African Union, Commonwealth of Nations or La Francophonie member states. Other fee amounts are not specified.

How long is a Rwanda tourist visa valid?

Visas on arrival are valid for 30 days, or 90 days for visitors from Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa countries who are not visa-exempt.

What documents do I need for a Rwanda tourist visa?

A passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least one empty page.; Kenyans and Ugandans may use an ID card instead of a passport..

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Rwanda?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Rwanda visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Rwanda be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Rwanda tourist visa rules?

On Rwanda's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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