Rwanda Visa Requirements for US, Canadian, UK & EU Citizens
The short version: most visitors get a visa on arrival. Here's everything else you should check.
Eben Safari Tours TeamUpdated 2 min read
Visa on arrival or online?
Rwanda is one of Africa's most open countries. Visitors of all nationalities can get a visa on arrival, and you can also apply online beforehand, which can speed up arrival.
Fees (typical)
- Tourist visa, single entry, 30 days: US$50
- East Africa Tourist Visa (where available): about US$100 for 90 days, multiple entry within Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya
Citizens of many African, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries have visa-free or fee-free access; check whether yours applies.
Passport and documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with blank pages
- Return or onward ticket
- Accommodation details
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from or via a country with yellow fever risk
The East Africa Tourist Visa
Historically the EATV let visitors move freely between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Since Kenya moved to an electronic travel authorisation, check current availability and where to apply before relying on it.
Our advice
Check the official Rwanda immigration and Irembo portals two to four weeks before you travel. We send every guest an up-to-date entry checklist with their itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my Rwanda visa?
Yes, extensions are possible through the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali. Ask us and we'll explain the current process.
Do children need a visa?
Children follow the same visa rules as adults, though fees may differ. Each child needs their own passport.
Written by the Eben Safari Tours team
We are a Kigali-based tour operator, guiding travellers through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania since 2015. Our guides trek with the gorillas, drive Akagera and climb the volcanoes every week, and we update these guides whenever rules or prices change.
