Rwanda
Rwanda visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish passport holders need a visa for Rwanda – obtain a 30 USD visa on arrival or an e‑visa before travel; stay up to 90 days, longer stays require a visa extension.
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GuideRwanda
Key facts
- Visa on arrival feecheck
- 30 USD (approx. 42 RWF)
- Maximum stay without visa
- 90 days
- Electronic travel authorisation
- Not required; e‑visa optional
Visa requirements summary
All listed nationalities must have a visa to enter Rwanda. The simplest method is a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport or land border points, payable in USD or RWF. An e‑visa can be applied for online in advance, which saves time at the border.
The visa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions can be requested at the Rwanda Directorate of Immigration Services.
No separate electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is needed; the visa itself is the entry permit.
- US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland – visa on arrival or e‑visa
- Fee: US$30 (cash or card)
- Stay: up to 90 days per entry
How to obtain a visa
At the airport, follow signs to the visa desk. Present a passport valid at least six months beyond the intended stay, pay the fee, and receive a stamped visa. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
For an e‑visa, visit the official Rwanda Immigration portal, fill in passport details, upload a photo, and pay the fee online. The e‑visa is emailed as a PDF; print it and present it on arrival.
| Method | Where to apply | Processing time | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | Kigali Airport, land borders | Immediate | 30 |
| e‑visa | Online portal (immigration.gov.rw) | 24–48 h | 30 |
Stay duration and extensions
The standard visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. If you need a longer stay, apply for an extension at the Directorate of Immigration Services in Kigali before your current visa expires. Extension fees are paid in RWF.
- Apply at least 7 days before expiry
- Extension fee: approx. 20 USD (check)
- Maximum cumulative stay: 180 days per year
Additional considerations
Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended.
Vaccination proof for yellow fever is required if arriving from a yellow‑fever‑endemic country.
Customs allow 5 kg of duty‑free goods; larger amounts may be taxed.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes. All these passport holders must obtain a visa – either on arrival for US$30 or via an e‑visa before travel.
How long can I stay in Rwanda without a visa?
All listed citizens need a visa; there is no visa‑free stay. The visa allows up to 90 days per entry.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Rwanda?
No. Rwanda does not require a separate ETA; the visa (on arrival or e‑visa) is sufficient.
Can I pay the visa fee with a credit card at the airport?
Yes, most visa desks accept major credit cards, but carrying a small amount of USD cash is advisable.
What documents are required for the visa?
A passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport‑size photo (for e‑visa), and proof of onward travel if requested.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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