Visitors of every nationality can get a Rwanda visa on arrival, or apply online in advance through the government’s Irembo portal. A single-entry tourist visa costs US$50 and is valid for 30 days. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member states receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, and East African Community citizens enter free. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Here is what you need to know before you fly.
Rwanda visa types and fees at a glance
| Visa | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa, single entry | US$50 | 30 days |
| Tourist visa, multiple entry | US$70 | 90 days |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya) | US$100 | 90 days, multiple entry between the three countries |
| African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie citizens | Free | 30 days |
| East African Community citizens | Free | Up to six months |
Fees as published by Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration and on Irembo, checked October 2026.
Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?
Most visitors need a visa, but the process is simple. Rwanda allows citizens of all countries to obtain a visa on arrival, without applying in advance. Some nationalities receive it free of charge:
- African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member states: a free visa on arrival for a 30-day visit. Commonwealth members include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India.
- East African Community citizens: free entry for up to six months.
- Countries with a visa waiver agreement with Rwanda: a free visa for up to 90 days. The list is published on the Visit Rwanda and immigration websites.
Everyone else, including citizens of the United States and most European Union countries, pays the standard visa fee of US$50 for a single-entry tourist visa.
How to apply: online or on arrival
Online in advance. You can apply through Irembo, the Rwandan government’s online services portal. You will need a scan of your passport, a passport photo and your travel details. Applying ahead means less to arrange at the airport.
On arrival. You can also get the visa at Kigali International Airport or at a land border. Have your passport, your return or onward ticket and your accommodation details ready, and be prepared to pay the fee.
Apply only through the official government channels. There is no single agent authorised to apply for a Rwanda visa on your behalf, so be wary of websites that charge extra fees.
The East Africa Tourist Visa
If you plan to visit Uganda or Kenya on the same trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa may suit you. It costs US$100, covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, and allows multiple entries between the three countries for 90 days. It is usually applied for through the country you enter first. If you are only visiting Rwanda, the single-entry tourist visa is simpler and cheaper.
Other entry requirements
- Passport: valid for at least six months from your date of entry, with blank pages for stamps.
- Yellow fever: a vaccination certificate may be required if you are travelling from, or have recently been in, a country with a risk of yellow fever. Check before you fly and carry the certificate with your passport.
- Return or onward ticket: keep a copy to hand at immigration.
- Plastic bags: Rwanda bans plastic bags, so pack your belongings without them, as they may be removed on arrival.
- Travel insurance: not a visa requirement, but essential for every trip.
What it means for your safari
On all of our journeys, your driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport after immigration. The visa fee is not included in our package prices, so budget for it alongside your flights and insurance. See how much a Rwanda safari costs for everything that is and is not included, and our guide to safety and health in Rwanda for vaccinations and other preparation.
Rwanda visa: frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Rwanda?
Yes. Citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders. You can also apply online in advance through Irembo.
How much does a Rwanda tourist visa cost?
A single-entry tourist visa costs US$50 and is valid for 30 days. A multiple-entry tourist visa costs US$70. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member states receive a free 30-day visa.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
UK citizens need a visa, but as the United Kingdom is a Commonwealth member, they receive it free on arrival for a 30-day visit.
Do US citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes. US citizens can get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival or online through Irembo for US$50, valid for 30 days.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
A US$100 visa covering Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, with multiple entries between the three countries for 90 days.
How long must my passport be valid for Rwanda?
At least six months from your date of entry.
Related guides: gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the best time to visit Rwanda, how many days you need in Rwanda, what a Rwanda safari costs, Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park.
Written by the Epic Rwanda Safaris team in Kigali. Checked in October 2026 against the websites of Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, Irembo and Visit Rwanda. Visa rules and fees can change, so always confirm with the official sources before you travel.
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