Apply for Rwanda Visa

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Woow, No Tourist Visa required on your trip to Rwanda.

Citizens of United States of America do not require visas for travel to Rwanda and as it is one of the visa exempt countries.

Rwanda

Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, is a beautiful East African country known for its rich culture, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. If you are planning to visit Rwanda, it is important to know about the Rwanda visa process. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive information on Rwanda visas, including types of visas, eligibility criteria, application process, requirements, and costs.

Types of eVisa and Visa Information for Rwanda:

To visit Rwanda, you need a visa for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. You can apply for an e-Visa online or obtain a visa on arrival if you're not from a visa-exempt country. Both options are available since 2018.

  • Rwanda E-Visa:Rwanda E-visa is an online way to obtain a visa for a trip to Rwanda. All nationalities are eligible for it. Rwanda offers four different types of E-visa.
    • Single-entry Visa: Allows a single entry to Rwanda for a maximum stay of 30 days.
    • Conference Visa: Allows a single entry to Rwanda for a maximum stay of 30 days and is meant for attending business meetings or conferences.
    • Multiple-entry Visa: Allows multiple entries to Rwanda with a maximum stay of 90 days.
    • East African Visa: Allows travel to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with just one visa for a maximum stay of 90 days. 
  • Rwanda Long-term Visa: If you plan to stay in Rwanda for a longer period, you can't apply for a long-term visa. Instead, you need to apply for a residence permit after entering Rwanda with your E-visa. The Rwanda Migration Department provides residence permits for those who need to stay longer for employment, study, family reunion, or other valid reasons. 

Requirements for Obtaining a eVisa for Rwanda:

To obtain a Rwanda visa, you need to meet certain requirements, including :- 

  • A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Rwanda
  • A recent passport-size photo in digital format(This requirement is applicable only when applying for the Conference Visa or East African Visa.)
  • A confirmed return/onward travel ticket
  • Payment of the visa fee using a valid credit card
  • Supporting documents such as a letter of invitation, hotel reservation, or business registration documents (if required for the type of visa)
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination (if applicable)

How to Apply for a eVisa for Rwanda:

You can apply for a Rwanda visa online through the eVisa website. The online application process is simple and straightforward. 

  • Visit the eVisa website and create an account.
  • Fill in the application form with the required personal and travel information.
  • Upload the necessary documents, such as passport photo, passport information page, and supporting documents if required.
  • Pay the visa fee using a valid credit card.
  • Submit the application and wait for the visa processing to be completed.
  • Receive the eVisa confirmation through email.
  • Print out the eVisa confirmation and carry it with you during your travel to Rwanda.
  • Present the eVisa confirmation and passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry to Rwanda.

Traditional Visa

Here is the process to apply for a traditional visa for Rwanda:

  • Obtain a Rwanda visa application form from the Rwanda embassy in your home country or download it from the embassy's website.
  • Fill in the application form with the required personal and travel information.
  • Gather the necessary documents, such as passport photo, passport information page, and supporting documents if required.
  • Pay the visa fee in cash or via a bank transfer, following the instructions provided by the embassy.
  • Submit the application and all the required documents to the Rwanda embassy in your home country or the nearest embassy if there is no embassy in your country.
  • Wait for the visa processing to be completed, which may take several days or even weeks, depending on the embassy's workload.
  • Once the visa is approved, collect it from the embassy or have it sent to you via mail, depending on the embassy's procedures.
  • Carry the visa with you during your travel to Rwanda and present it along with your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry to Rwanda.

Validity of a Rwanda eVisa:

The validity of a Rwanda visa depends on the type of visa you have applied for. A Rwanda visa can be valid for a period of one to six months, but the exact duration is determined by the authorities once the visa is granted.

Urgent Rwanda eVisa Application Process:

If you need to travel to Rwanda urgently, you can apply for an expedited visa. The urgent visa application process can take as little as 24 hours, but it is subject to an additional fee.

  • Rush processing time takes 1-2 business days with an additional fee
  • Super Rush processing time takes 1 business day with an additional fee.

Rwanda Visa Policy Map

 
Rwanda

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Rwandan visa policy map.

Visa Exempt Countries List

Citizens of some countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, are exempt from the visa requirement for Rwanda. However, if you plan to stay in Rwanda for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Rwanda

If you are not eligible for a visa exemption, you need to apply for a regular visa for Rwanda. The regular visa application process can take up to 5 working days, and you will need to provide all the necessary supporting documents.

Cost of a Rwanda eVisa:

Rwanda visa fees depend on the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's country. The fee tool provided above can be used to check the visa fee. It is recommended to check the fee and proceed with the application accordingly.

Explanation of the Rwanda eVisa Application Form:

The Rwanda visa application form is a simple online form that you need to fill out with your personal and travel details. You will also need to provide your passport details and upload your supporting documents.

E-Visa or Sticker-Visa for Rwanda:

An e-Visa is the most convenient and faster way to obtain a visa for Rwanda. It can be applied for online by visiting the eVisa website. The e-Visa is valid for 30 days, and it can be used for both single and multiple entries into the country. The sticker visa, on the other hand, can be obtained by visiting an embassy or consulate in your home country.

The differences between E-Visa and Sticker-Visa for Rwanda:

  • E-Visa is an electronic visa that can be obtained online, whereas Sticker-Visa is a physical visa that is obtained by applying at an embassy or consulate.
  • E-Visa can be obtained from anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection, while Sticker-Visa requires a visit to an embassy or consulate.
  • E-Visa is linked to the applicant's passport electronically, while Sticker-Visa is a physical sticker that is attached to the passport.
  • E-Visa processing time is generally faster than Sticker-Visa, as it can be processed and approved online within a few days, while Sticker-Visa may take longer due to the need for physical processing and delivery of the visa.
  • E-Visa is cheaper than Sticker-Visa in terms of application fees and other associated costs, as there are no costs associated with physical delivery or visits to an embassy or consulate.

Expired Rwanda eVisa: What to Do?

If your Rwanda visa has expired, you will need to leave the country and apply for a new visa before returning. Overstaying your visa in Rwanda is a serious offense, and you may face penalties or even deportation.

Extending a Rwanda eVisa:

If you are already in Rwanda and wish to extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at least 7 days before your visa expires. You can apply for a visa extension at the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

Working in Rwanda: Visa and Permit Requirements:

If you plan to work in Rwanda, you will need a work permit. The work permit application process can be initiated by your employer in Rwanda. Once the application is approved, you will need to obtain a residence permit, which allows you to live and work in the country legally.

Rwanda Visa Processing Time

The Rwanda eVisa application process offers three options for processing:

  • Normal processing time for Rwanda eVisa is 3 working days.
  • Rush processing time for Rwanda eVisa is 1 working day.
  • Super Rush processing time for Rwanda eVisa is 8 working hours.
  • Processing time for traditional visa is approximately 5-7 working days.

Rwanda Visa on Arrival: Process and Information:

Visitors who are eligible for a visa on arrival can obtain a visa at the port of entry in Rwanda. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of all countries except for a few African countries. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Requirements for Rwanda Visa on Arrival:

To obtain a visa on arrival, you must have a valid:-

  • A passport with a validity of at least six months
  • A return ticket or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation during the stay in Rwanda
  • Sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the stay
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country

Residence Permit for Rwanda: Information and Process:

A residence permit is required for visitors who plan to stay in Rwanda for more than 90 days. The application process can be initiated at the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. The permit is valid for two years and can be renewed upon expiration.

Reasons to Visit Rwanda:

Rwanda has a lot to offer to its visitors. It is home to several national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. These parks offer opportunities for gorilla trekking, game drives, bird watching, and nature walks. Rwanda is also known for its cultural attractions, such as the National Museum of Rwanda and the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Additionally, the country has a vibrant food scene and a growing arts and music scene.

FAQs about Rwandan eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies