Tourists can easily obtain a Rwanda visa upon arrival. Single-entry visas cost $50 each. This article guides you on how to make an online application, lists visa-free countries, and provides the requirements for a Rwanda visa application.
A visa is an official document that allows its holder to enter, leave, or stay in a specific country for a designated period. The most common types include tourist, student, work, and transit visas.
Rwanda visas are valid for 90 days and can be renewed if necessary. The visa processing time ranges from 4 to 14 days.
The East African Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days and costs $100, while a single-entry tourist visa costs $50 and is valid for 30 days.
How to Obtain a Rwanda Visa
Individuals interested in a Rwanda visa can submit their application either in person or online to the Rwanda embassy in their country. Required documents include a valid passport and a prepaid, self-addressed, traceable return envelope.
Travelers’ passports should have at least six months’ validity. If this requirement cannot be met, travelers may seek written permission from the embassy before making travel arrangements.
Types of Visas in Rwanda
The following are the main types of visas available in Rwanda:
- Class V-1(s) – Single-Entry Visas: These visas are issued to foreigners visiting Rwanda for non-work-related purposes. This excludes citizens of DR Congo, Mauritius, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore. Single-entry visas are intended for specific purposes other than recreation, sightseeing, visits, or holidays.
- Tourist Visas: Tourist visas are available in 11 classes, ranging from T1 to T12 (excluding T6). T1 and T2 are basic tourist visas, T3 is for family visits, T4 is for those visiting diplomats, T5 is for job seekers, T7 is a business visa, T8 is for medical treatment, T9 is for group tourists, T10 is for itinerant businesspersons, T11 is a bridging visa, and T12 is the East African Tourist Visa.
- Visitors’ Pass: This visa is free for East African Community citizens. Citizens of Uganda and Kenya need only present a valid national ID at Rwanda’s borders for entry. This pass allows a stay of up to six months, after which an appropriate resident permit is required for longer stays.
- Class Q1 – Transit/Crew Visas: This visa is issued to crew members, valid for 72 hours, and can be renewed once.
- Temporary Resident Permits: These permits are valid for only 15 days from the time of entry. If a stay exceeds this period, penalties apply. The permit types are based on the intended activities of the visa holder.
Rwanda Visa Costs
Visa costs vary depending on the type:
- Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visas: Both are valid for 30 days. Single-entry visas cost $30, while multiple-entry visas cost $60. Neither can be extended, but holders may apply to change visa status if they wish to stay beyond 30 days.
- Class Q1 – Transit Visas: Transit visas cost $30. They are non-renewable, except in exceptional cases, and may only be extended by an additional 72 hours.
- Class T1 and T2 – Tourist Visas: Tourist visas cost $50 and are valid for 90 days, with options to extend for an additional 90 days or change visa status.
- Class T3 – Family Visa: Family visas cost $50 and are valid for 90 days. Holders cannot work in Rwanda but may change visa status and extend the visa for up to nine months.
- Class T4 – Diplomatic Visa: Diplomatic visas are free, valid for two years, and permit work for up to 90 days. Extensions are not allowed; diplomats wishing to stay longer must apply for a new visa.
- Class T6 – Conference Visa: This visa includes T6-1 (single-entry) at $30 and T6-2 (multiple-entry) at $50. Work is not permitted beyond conference activities. Extensions are available in certain cases for up to 30 days.
- Class T7 – Business Visa: Business visas cost $50 and are valid for 90 days. Work is not allowed, though holders may upgrade to another visa class. The visa may be extended once.
- Class T8 – Medical Treatment Visa: This visa costs $20 and is valid for 90 days. Neither work nor a change of status is allowed, but the visa may be extended for another 90 days.
- Class T9 – Group Tourist Visa: Group tourist visas cost $100 and are valid for 90 days. No work or change of status is permitted, though extensions for up to 180 days are available.
- Class T12 – East African Multiple-Entry Visa: This visa costs $100 and is valid for 90 days. It allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda without needing additional visas. Work and visa extensions are not permitted.
Ease of Obtaining Rwanda Visas
Like other countries, obtaining a Rwanda visa requires certain documents: a valid passport, completed application form, prepaid return envelope, passport photo, hotel reservation, invitation letter, flight itinerary, and any other supporting documents.
With all necessary documents, it takes about 4 to 14 business days to process a Rwandan visa. Applications can be submitted online, with payment upon arrival at the airport.
