Rwanda Visa Requirements & Fees
Apply online or get a visa on arrival - Rwanda's visa policy is one of the most open in the region.
Online, on arrival, or at a Rwandan mission
Apply at irembo.gov.rw, at a Rwandan diplomatic mission before departure, or on arrival at the border. Online applicants can pay online or pay on arrival.
There's no authorized agent who can apply on your behalf - be wary of third parties offering to do this for a fee.
Apply at irembo.gov.rw
Free entry for AU, Commonwealth and Francophonie citizens
Citizens of countries belonging to the African Union, Commonwealth or La Francophonie get a visa on arrival free of charge for a 30-day stay - a long list including most African nations, the UK, Canada, Australia, France and dozens more.
East African Community citizens (Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan) get free entry for up to six months. Everyone else not otherwise exempt still gets a visa on arrival for a fee, without needing to apply in advance.
What each visa costs and covers
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Transit | $30 | Up to 72 hours |
| Tourist/Holiday (single entry) | $50 | 30 days |
| Tourist/Holiday (multiple entry) | $70 | 90 days |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 | 90 days, multiple entry |
| Group Tourist (4-10 people) | $150 | 30 days, single entry |
Rwanda visa - your questions answered
Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?
Possibly not - citizens of African Union, Commonwealth or La Francophonie member countries get a free 30-day visa on arrival, and East African Community citizens get free entry for six months.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
A $100 multiple-entry visa covering Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda together, ideal for combined safari and gorilla-trekking itineraries. Your first entry point must match the country where you applied.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Yes, for most nationalities not otherwise exempt - you can pay the fee at the border rather than applying in advance online.
Is the visa fee refundable if I'm denied?
No - visa fees are non-refundable whether an application is denied or withdrawn by the applicant.
What happens if my visa expires while I'm still in Rwanda?
A 5-day grace period allows you to depart or renew without penalty. Extensions should be applied for while the original visa is still valid.
Can I use a third-party agent to apply for my visa?
No authorized agent exists to apply on your behalf - be cautious of anyone offering this service, as they may charge more than the actual visa fee.