Roberta Aguirre
Yes, you can get a visa at the airport in Rwanda. As of 1 January 2018, nationals of all countries are eligible to receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Citizens of countries with visa waiver arrangements, including African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie nations, can obtain a visa upon arrival without paying any fees and can stay for 30 days. However, it is important to note that visa requirements and fees may change, so it is recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before your travel. Additionally, all visitors must possess a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and has at least one blank page for entry stamps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries eligible for a visa at the airport | All countries |
| Countries eligible for a visa fee waiver | African Union, Common Wealth, La Francophonie, and East African Community Member States |
| Validity of visa | 30 days for single entry or 90 days for multiple entries |
| Visa fee | 50 USD for single entry |
| Visa fee exemption countries | Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore, Qatar, China, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Israel, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Russia, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates |
| Passport requirements | Valid for at least 6 months with at least one blank page |
| Other accepted travel documents | ID card for Kenyans and Ugandans |
| Additional requirements | Vaccination certificate, evidence of sufficient funds to cover costs of stay |
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What You'll Learn
Visa costs and exemptions
Rwanda offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries and members of specific international organisations. Citizens of countries that are members of the African Union, Commonwealth of Nations, and La Francophonie are exempt from visa fees and can obtain a visa upon arrival. This visa is typically valid for 30 days, but citizens of some countries, such as Angola, Benin, and the Central African Republic, are granted a 90-day visa. Additionally, citizens of East African Community Member States can enter Rwanda without a visa and stay for up to six months.
Some countries have signed mutual visa waiver agreements with Rwanda, including the Dominican Republic, Dominica, and the Bahamas. Visa exemption agreements for holders of diplomatic and service passports have also been established with countries like Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. These agreements are subject to ratification.
For those who are not exempt from visa requirements, there are options to obtain a visa on arrival or in advance. The cost of a single-entry visitor visa is typically 50 USD and is valid for 30 days. Nationals of countries with visa waiver arrangements, such as those mentioned above, are exempt from this fee. Multiple-entry visas are also available for 90 days, but the cost is not specified.
It is important to note that visa requirements and fees can change, so it is recommended to check the latest information provided by the Rwandan government or immigration authorities before planning your trip. Additionally, all visitors must possess a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
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Where to get a visa
As of 1 January 2018, nationals of all countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all Rwandan land borders. This includes citizens of countries that are members of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and La Francophonie, who are eligible for a free 30-day visa upon arrival. Nationals of the East African Community Member States can enter Rwanda without a visa and stay for up to six months. Additionally, citizens of certain countries, including Angola, Benin, and Indonesia, are granted a 90-day visa free of charge upon arrival.
For those who prefer to obtain a visa before travelling, there are a few options:
- Online: Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt can obtain an e-Visa or an East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) online before departure. The EATV allows visitors to visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda simultaneously for tourism purposes.
- Rwandan Diplomatic Mission: Visitors can also apply for a visa at a Rwandan diplomatic mission in their country of residence. This includes the Rwandan High Commission in London for those residing in the UK.
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: In some cases, visas can be obtained upon arrival at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Rwanda.
It is important to note that specific requirements, such as passport validity and vaccination certificates, must be met to obtain a visa for Rwanda. Additionally, visa fees and requirements may change, so it is recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before planning your travel.
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Required documents
To enter Rwanda, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your arrival date and has at least one blank page for entry stamps. Some countries' citizens are exempt from visa requirements and can enter Rwanda without a visa, including citizens of China, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Israel, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, who can stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of the East African Community Member States can also enter Rwanda without a visa and stay for up to six months.
However, if you are not from one of these countries or regions, you will need to obtain a visa. Citizens of all countries that are not visa-exempt can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. This includes a free 30-day visa for citizens of the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa online or at a Rwandan diplomatic mission in your country of residence before your departure. The cost of a single-entry visa is typically $50 USD.
If you are applying for a resident, business, or missionary multiple-entry visa, you must obtain a UK Police Certificate before travelling, which usually takes a minimum of 10 working days to process. You may also need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Rwanda. A vaccination certificate may be required at the border post, and specific requirements may be put in place in the event of a major disease outbreak.
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Visa extensions
Visitors to Rwanda intending to extend their stay must note that eligibility for visa extension depends on the type of visa they hold and not their nationality. Visa extension applications are submitted at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration offices.
The Tourist Visa (T2 & T3) can be extended for a maximum of one time, with a total stay not exceeding 90 days (including the initial visa period). The Family Visitor Visa (T3) offers more flexibility, allowing multiple extensions if the visitor intends to stay in Rwanda for more than nine months after their initial entry date.
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) can only be extended under exceptional circumstances. The Visitor's Visa and East Africa Tourist Visa cannot be used for employment.
The following documents are required for a visa extension application:
- A formal application letter requesting the renewal of your visa
- A copy of the biodata page of your passport
- A recent passport-sized photo with a white background
- A scanned copy of the original visa
It is recommended to apply for a visa extension at least a week before your current visa expires. A grace period of 5 days is allowed after a visa has expired to renew it without penalty. Penalties apply after this grace period, with delays of 6 to 15 days attracting a penalty fee of Rwf 50,000 or more.
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Vaccination requirements
While vaccination requirements are not a prerequisite for obtaining a visa, they are essential for entry into Rwanda. Here are the key points regarding vaccination requirements for travellers to Rwanda:
Yellow Fever:
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Rwanda if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This is typically in the form of an official yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is important to note that this requirement applies to travellers aged 1 year and above.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):
Although not specifically mentioned as an entry requirement, the MMR vaccine is highly recommended for travellers to Rwanda. Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. The MMR vaccine provides reliable protection and reduces the risk of infection.
Malaria:
Malaria is endemic in all regions of Rwanda, and there is currently no vaccine available. However, travellers are strongly advised to take antimalarial medication, regardless of their destination or itinerary within the country. It is important to consult a travel health specialist to determine the most suitable antimalarial for your trip, as malaria in Rwanda is chloroquine-resistant. Additionally, take measures such as using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
Other Recommended Vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B: Vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are often advised for travellers to Rwanda.
- Meningococcal Meningitis: Meningitis vaccination is recommended, especially during the dry season (December to June), as epidemics may occur during this period.
- Rabies: Rwanda is considered a high-risk country for rabies. The rabies vaccine is recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come into contact with animals.
- Influenza and COVID-19: Vaccination against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 is advised for travel to all regions.
- Pneumonia: The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for individuals over 65 or those who are immunocompromised.
- Typhoid: The risk of typhoid is higher in areas with limited access to safe water and adequate sanitation.
- Chickenpox: This vaccine is given to those who have not had chickenpox previously and are unvaccinated.
It is always advisable to consult official health and travel advice for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding vaccination requirements for Rwanda.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you must have a visa to enter Rwanda as a visitor. However, citizens of all countries that are not visa-exempt can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. This includes citizens of countries that are members of the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie, who can get a visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of up to 30 days.
The Rwanda visitor visa is typically valid for a period of 30 days for single entry or 90 days for multiple entries. Citizens of some countries, such as Angola, Benin, and the Central African Republic, are granted 90 days visa-free upon arrival.
The requirements for the Rwanda visitor visa include having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and having at least one blank page for entry stamps. Additionally, you may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Rwanda.
