All travelers planning to visit Rwanda—including infants and children—are required to obtain a valid e-Visa or entry authorization before their arrival, unless they are citizens of visa-exempt countries. Applications must be submitted through the official Rwanda Immigration portal, irembo.gov.rw.

Most applications are processed within 3 business days, but it is recommended to apply at least 1 week in advance in case additional information is required. For travelers from countries eligible for visa-on-arrival, you may still choose to apply online to save time at the airport.

For questions or help, contact Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration at info@migration.gov.rw or call +250 722 172 974.

Required Documents

Gather the following documents before you start your application:

For All Travelers:

A passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date, with at least one blank page
A recent passport-style color photograph
A scanned copy of your passport bio page
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) or invitation letter from a host in Rwanda
Return or onward travel ticket
Your email address and phone number
A credit or debit card for payment

Depending on Your Purpose of Travel, Additional Documents May Be Needed:

For Conferences:

Invitation letter from the conference organizer or host institution

For Business Visits:

Invitation letter from the Rwandan company or organization
Copy of the inviter’s business registration certificate

For Family Visits:

Invitation letter from your host with their contact details
Copy of your host’s Rwandan ID or residence permit

For Transit:

Proof of onward travel to your final destination

For Medical Treatment:

Referral letter from your physician and acceptance letter from a medical facility in Rwanda

Application Steps

Follow this step-by-step process to complete your Rwanda e-Visa application:

Create an Account: visit irembo.gov.rw and register a secure account.
Choose Your Visa Type: select the appropriate visa category to match your trip.
Fill Out the Online Application: enter your personal information, passport details, and travel plans.
Upload Supporting Documents: attach your passport scan, photograph, and any additional required files.
Review Your Application: carefully check all entries to avoid mistakes.
Pay the Application Fee: make a secure payment using your credit or debit card.
Submit Your Application: you will receive an email acknowledgment and tracking reference.
Receive Approval: approved e-Visas are sent by email. Print your authorization and carry it with you.

Cost:

Single-Entry Tourist Visa:

$50 USD

Transit Visa:

$30 USD

Conference Visa:

$50 USD

East Africa Tourist Visa:

$100 USD

Visa on Arrival:

Same fees apply if paying on arrival at the airport.

Types of Rwanda e-Visas

Rwanda offers several e-Visa categories tailored to different travel needs:

Single-Entry Tourist Visa
For leisure travel, visiting family and friends, or short-term business
Valid for 30 days from date of entry

Conference Visa

For attending conferences, meetings, or workshops
Valid for 30 days

Transit Visa

For travelers transiting through Rwanda to another destination
Valid for up to 72 hours

East Africa Tourist Visa

A joint visa that allows travel within Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda on a single visa
Valid for 90 days, multiple entries within the three countries
Must be applied for in the country of first entry

Multiple-Entry Visa

For travelers requiring frequent visits to Rwanda
Validity and requirements vary—supporting documents required

Visa on Arrival (Optional):
Rwanda grants visa on arrival to all nationalities for tourism and short visits. However, applying for an e-Visa before travel ensures a smoother experience and shorter wait times at the airport.
Before applying, confirm which visa type suits your plans.

Important:
All documents must be clear and legible. Incomplete applications can cause delays or rejections.

Who Is Exempt From a Rwanda e-visa?

Travelers in the following categories do not need to apply for an e-Visa:

Citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan) traveling with national IDs or passports
Nationals of countries that have visa waiver agreements with Rwanda (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo, Singapore, Mauritius, Philippines, etc.)
Holders of diplomatic or official passports on official duty
For a full, up-to-date list of exempt countries, visit the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration website

Benefits of the Rwanda e-visa

Simple Online Process: No embassy visit required
Quick Approval: Most applications processed within 3 days
Smoother Entry: Avoid long queues at arrival
Secure Payments: Pay online safely
Peace of Mind: Confirmation of your entry authorization before you travel

Terms & Conditions

Non-Refundable Payments

Once payment is made, your fee cannot be refunded or transferred.

Accuracy of Information

It is your responsibility to ensure all details are correct before submission. Any errors require a new application and fee.

Liability Disclaimer

We strive to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee that regulations will not change. We are not responsible for losses arising from reliance on this content.

Minors

Applications for children must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.

Privacy Policy

Your data will be processed securely in compliance with Rwandan data protection laws and may be shared with authorized agencies.

Use of Information

By applying, you consent to your data being used for eligibility assessment, official record keeping, and travel-related communications.

Application Edits

Applications can be updated before payment. After payment, you must submit a new application to make changes