How do I apply for Rwanda visas? Rwanda now issues visa on arrival for all visitors (although online application is available too).
You have to hand it to the Rwandese, these guys are serious about tourism! #Rwanda has opened its borders to all travelers from all countries. Everyone can apply for #VisaOnArrival.
UPDATE: January 2021. Visa on arrival is still available for visitors to Rwanda.
(Previously, only African passport holders and a few other countries could get Rwanda visas on arrival).
Here’s a copy of the official announcement letter from Rwanda’s immigration department:
Listed below are costs of Rwanda visas. These are still in effect (June 2018).
How do I apply for Rwanda tourist visas in 2021?
You can just rock up!
This move sends a clear and positive message to tourists and it reaffirms ease of movement for East Africans within the region. It’s easier for Rwanda-based expats to travel in and out of the country too. This announcement makes it easier for the Rwandan diaspora (travelling on passports from other countries) to visit their home country as well. It’s an inclusive approach, I like it.
You can also apply online in advance for your Rwanda tourist visa
Go to the Rwandan government’s Irembo website. Scroll down to Immigration and click on Visa application. Visa processing time is 7 days. This is a useful ‘contact free’ option during the pandemic.
Note that the only two websites that issue authentic visas are Irembo and Rwanda Government Immigration site. There have been cases of fraudsters tricking people into parting with money and not issuing visas. There are also companies that pretend to be official sites and organise visas for you (but take a large commission in a rather underhand way). Use either of the two above links to guarantee you avoid the scammers and extra charges.
Which nationalities need visas to enter Rwanda?
Good ideas.
You have to hand it to the Rwandese – when it comes to tourism, they really think BIG.
Can I get the East Africa Tourist Visa upon arrival in Rwanda without prior application (and still for $100 US)?
Hi Chris, yes you can. One month ago my friend got an East Africa Tourist Visa in person at the Uganda / Rwanda border so it is easier than ever to get visas to the country, whether standard single entry tourist visa or East Africa Tourist Visa. EATV is $100.
Good Morning,
A group of friends are travelling to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in the summer. First point of entry is Rwanda, can we obtain an East African Visa at the Rwanda airport when we arrive?
Thank you
Hi Sharon, yes you can get your East Africa Tourist Visa on arrival in Kigali (or you can apply for your visa approval in advance online).
Good morning!
Besides our passports, do we need to bring other documents when purchasing East Africa Visa in Kigali Airport upon arrival?
Hi Kat, all you need is your passport and $100 cash for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV). For the single entry Rwanda tourist visa, it is just $30. No photos or forms needed.
Note: some people have asked me whether Yellow Fever vaccination is required for Rwanda. According to CDC (the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) Yellow Fever vaccination ‘is generally not recommended for travelers to Rwanda’ i.e. you don’t need to have the jab.
I have never been asked to show my Yellow Fever certificate when travelling from Uganda to Rwanda.
According to the Ministry of Health, “although Rwanda does not require Yellow fever vaccinations for visitors coming from non-endemic countries, they are required for travellers coming from endemic countries and before travelling to most East African countries.”
If you are buying the EATV and traveling on to Uganda and / or Kenya, you will need to show a Yellow Fever certificate to enter both those countries – and they do check. Uganda does provide a vaccination service at Entebbe Airport. Cost $40. Kenya also provides a Yellow Fever vaccination programme at its airports. Cost $35.
For the latest health advice, follow the Rwandan Ministry of Health on Twitter.