Rwanda eVisa – Apply Online
Rwanda offers a visa on arrival and eVisa to citizens of ALL countries worldwide. The Rwanda eVisa allows tourism, business, and transit visits. Valid for 30 days with single entry.
What is the Rwanda eVisa?
The Rwanda eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration of Rwanda. Rwanda is one of Africa's most welcoming countries — it offers visa on arrival AND an eVisa to citizens of all nationalities. The eVisa allows a 30-day stay and is accepted at Kigali International Airport and land border crossings. Rwanda is known for its gorilla trekking, clean cities, and extraordinary biodiversity.
Important: The Rwanda eVisa does NOT guarantee entry into Rwanda. Final admission is determined by Rwandan immigration officers at the port of entry.
Who Needs a Rwanda eVisa?
The eVisa is available for:
Citizens of ALL countries worldwide — Rwanda offers a visa to every nationality, either on arrival or via the online eVisa portal
Travelers visiting for tourism, gorilla trekking, business meetings, or transit
Travelers who prefer to secure their visa before arrival for a faster entry experience
Who Does NOT Need a Rwanda eVisa:
- Citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries — Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan — enjoy visa-free access to Rwanda
- Citizens of certain African Union member states may also be visa-free under bilateral agreements
- Check the official Rwanda Directorate of Immigration website for the full list of visa-free nationalities
Rwanda eVisa Types & Purposes
Choose the eVisa that fits your travel purpose
Tourist eVisa (Single Entry, 30 Days)
For tourism, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, and Lake Kivu. Single entry, stay up to 30 days.
Business eVisa
For attending business meetings, conferences, and short-term commercial activities in Rwanda. Not valid for employment.
Visa on Arrival
Available at Kigali International Airport for all nationalities. Pay the fee in USD cash or by card upon arrival. Convenient but applying online in advance saves time.
East African Tourist Visa
Covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa. Ideal for multi-country East African trips. Note: Tanzania is NOT included in this visa.
How to Apply for a Rwanda eVisa
Follow these steps to complete your Rwanda eVisa application
Complete the Online Form
Fill in personal details, passport information, travel purpose, and accommodation details
Upload Required Documents
Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio-data page
Pay the Application Fee
Pay the eVisa fee online using a credit or debit card
Receive Your eVisa
Applications are processed within 3 business days. You will receive your eVisa confirmation by email
Required Documents
Prepare the following before starting your application
eVisa Fee & Validity
Validity Period
The Rwanda eVisa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, allowing a single entry stay of up to 30 days. Extensions can be arranged through the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time.
Note: The eVisa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you choose not to travel.
Important Information
Apply at least 5 business days before your travel date to allow sufficient processing time, even though most applications are processed within 3 business days.
Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries in Africa. Plastic bags are banned — do not bring them into Rwanda. Customs may confiscate plastic bags at the border.
The East African Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on one visa. If you plan to visit multiple East African countries, this may be a more economical option.
Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park must be booked in advance separately from your visa — they sell out quickly and cost USD 1,500 per person.
Rwanda uses a single-entry visa system. If you exit Rwanda and wish to return, you will need a new visa unless you have a multiple-entry permit.
Our Rwanda eVisa Assistance Service
While you can apply directly on the official Rwanda eVisa portal, we offer professional assistance for travelers who prefer support in their own language.
Our Rwanda eVisa Assistance Service Includes:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Rwanda eVisa?
Most Rwanda eVisa applications are processed within 3 business days. We recommend applying at least 5 business days before your travel date to allow extra time for any processing delays.
Can I extend my Rwanda eVisa?
Yes. You can extend your Rwanda visa at the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration office in Kigali. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days at a time.
Does Rwanda offer Visa on Arrival for all nationalities?
Yes. Rwanda offers a Visa on Arrival at Kigali International Airport to citizens of all countries. The fee is USD 50 for a 30-day single-entry visa. However, applying online in advance is faster and avoids queues.
What is the East African Tourist Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa (EAC visa) allows multiple entries into Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa for USD 100. It is valid for 90 days. Note: Tanzania is NOT included.
Are plastic bags really banned in Rwanda?
Yes. Rwanda has one of the world's strictest bans on plastic bags. Do not bring plastic bags into the country — customs officials will confiscate them at the border.
What if my Rwanda eVisa application is rejected?
If rejected, you will be notified by email. You may reapply with corrected information, apply for a Visa on Arrival at Kigali Airport, or contact the Rwanda High Commission in your country.
Disclaimer: This is a private third-party service not affiliated with or endorsed by the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration or any Rwandan government agency. For official eVisa applications, visit irembo.gov.rw