Is the Rwanda visa a multiple-entry visa?

Rwanda is a fantastic destination in Africa, offering stunning landscapes and an interesting culture to explore. But before packing your bags, it’s essential to learn about the visa requirements to visit the country!

The Rwanda Entry e-Visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa are two documents that allow visitors to enter Rwanda, each with its own requirements. Whichever one suits you best, you can apply for both the Tourist Visa and the Rwanda Visa online with us, in just a few clicks!

Find out more about which visa you need and what the differences are in this article.

Who must get a Rwanda Visa?

Most travelers need to apply for a visa before they visit the country! The easiest way to find out if you need one is by using our handy Visa Checker Tool. Simply select your home country and Rwanda as the destination. The tool will show if you need a visa, which other travel documents are available, or if you’re visa-exempt.

Check the most popular Rwanda visa types below and apply instantly online.

The Rwanda Entry e-Visa explained

Many travelers can visit the Rwanda Democratic Republic with the straightforward Rwanda Entry e-Visa, an electronic travel document for tourism purposes. Applying online through iVisa, you’ll receive the visa by email and don’t have to wait in long lines upon arrival at the airport.

It’s the perfect visa to explore Rwanda for a holiday!

Is this Rwanda visa a multiple-entry visa?

No, this is a Single entry visa, allowing you to enter Rwanda only once. You’ll need a new visa to re-enter if you leave the country.

How long is the Rwanda Entry e-Visa valid?

The Rwanda e-Visa is valid for 90 days after arrival. Plenty of time to see the impressive gorillas, learn about the country’s turbulent history, and meet the locals.

What do I need to apply for the Rwanda Entry e-Visa?

Before applying for your Rwanda e-Visa, you should gather the following info and documents:

• Valid passport. The passport must remain valid for at least six months, and you have to provide a scanned copy of the first page.

• A passport-size photograph. If you don’t have one, use the affordable iVisa [Digital Photo Service] from the comfort of your own home!

• Travel information, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and travel dates.

• Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in Rwanda.

What are the visa fees and processing times for the Rwanda eVisa?

The Rwanda eVisa government fee is US$ 50.00. The processing fees vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. When applying through iVisa, you can choose from these three options:

• Standard Processing Time: The most affordable option, which takes 7 days.

• Rush Processing Time: A great option if you’re in a hurry. Get the e-Visa in only 2 days for an additional fee.

• Super Rush Processing Time: For applicants who need the e-Visa as soon as possible, this option only takes 24 hours for an express fee.

Use the Visa Checker Tool to find out the exact costs for your nationality!

How to apply for a Rwanda Entry e-Visa

The application process to apply to Rwanda eVisa on the iVisa platform is very easy. These are the steps you have to follow to get your Rwanda e-Visa:

• First, fill out the visa application form, providing personal and travel information. Choose your preferred processing time.

• Second, verify that all the information is correct to avoid issues and pay the visa fees online.

• Third, upload the required documents and click ‘submit’ to apply!

When the visa is processed, you’ll receive the e-Visa confirmation by email. It’s recommended to print it to show Rwandan authorities upon arrival.

The East Africa Tourist Visa explained

This is another e-Visa option to visit Rwanda. In addition, you can visit two neighboring African countries on the same trip: Kenya and Uganda. The East African e-Visa is meant for tourism only. Read more details below.

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa a multiple-entry visa?

Yes, this e-Visa is a Multiple entry visa, allowing you to visit, leave, and re-enter the three countries multiple times.

How long is the East Africa Visa valid?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days after arrival.

What are the required documents to apply for the East Africa Visa?

You only need a few documents for the East Africa Visa application. Check the required items below:

• Valid passport. The passport must remain valid for at least six months.

We also advise gathering the following extra documents:

• Proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket for your home country.

• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a family member or friend.

• Proof that you can cover your trip expenses. For example, your bank statements from the last three months.

How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost?

The government fee for this e-Visa is US$ 100.00. Similar to the standard e-Visa, iVisa offers three processing time options:

• Standard Processing Time: This affordable option takes up to 6 days.

• Rush Processing Time: Paying a bit more, this option will process a visa in only 4 days.

• Super Rush Processing Time: The best option for last-minute travel. It takes only 2 days to process.

How to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

The process is similar to the Rwanda e-Visa. Follow these three steps to get your East Africa Visa:

• First, complete the visa application form with your personal details and travel information. Then, select the processing option that suits you the best.

• Second, double-check all info and pay the visa fees with a credit or debit card.

• Third, upload the supporting documents. Finally, click ‘submit’.

You’ll receive the e-Visa by email once it is approved. We recommend printing it to present to local authorities on arrival.

The Rwanda Visa on Arrival explained

Another option is getting a Rwanda visa upon arrival at Kigali international airport. This process will require more patience since you’ll likely have to wait in long queues to get it, and you won’t have the security of having a guaranteed entry to the country.

The local authorities will grant you the visa only if you meet the requirements. You can check more details on the Rwanda government website.

Is the Rwanda Visa on Arrival a multiple-entry visa?

You can choose between a single or multiple-entry visa on arrival.

How long is the Rwanda Visa on Arrival valid?

You can stay in the country for up to 30 days per entry.

Required documents for a Visa on Arrival

Ensure you have all required documents with you. Otherwise, you’ll be denied a visa. You'll need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport. The document must remain valid for at least six months.

• Two passport photos.

• Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.

• Proof of onward travel.

• Proof of accommodation.

How much does the Rwanda Visa on Arrival cost?

You must pay the Rwanda VOA fees at the airport. It costs US$50 for a single-entry visa and US$70 for a multiple-entry visa.

Which Rwanda Visa to choose for your trip?

From all these options, it may be hard to select the right visa for your trip to Rwanda. In a nutshell, here’s what the differences are between the different visas:

• Rwanda Entry e-Visa: This visa is perfect for a short holiday of up to 30 days in Rwanda only. You can apply for this visa online with iVisa.

• East Africa Visa: This is the perfect visa if you’re not only visiting Rwanda, but also want to explore the neighboring countries of Kenya and Uganda on the same trip. It’s a multiple-entry visa and can be applied for online with iVisa.

• Rwanda Visa on Arrival: This is only for eligible countries (found on the website of the government), which you get upon arrival. Might involve some queuing!

We always recommend getting your Rwanda Visa before you go, as it minimizes the risk of standing in long queues, issues getting the visa approved, and simply gives you peace of mind when visiting Rwanda! It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you wouldn’t want to miss due to visa issues.

In addition, a visa expert will carefully review your application to avoid rejections and issues. Simply apply online for the Rwanda e-Visa with iVisa in just a few clicks!

Benefits of applying with iVisa

We know that applying for a visa is a stressful and tedious process! From website errors to missing documents, sometimes you wonder if it’s all worth it. But it doesn’t have to be so complex! With iVisa, you can complete a visa application in under 10 minutes. Error-free!

This is what you can expect from us:

• Simple application process - submit your application for the Rwanda Visa in just a few minutes!

• 24/7 support via email and online chat - our experts answer all your questions about documents, the application process, and more!

• Careful review - we check your application thoroughly to avoid errors and to give you peace of mind!

And even better, you can now apply from the comfort of your own couch! Download the iVisa app and start your application now.

Rwanda visa-exempt countries

Citizens from the following countries don’t need a visa to travel to Rwanda:

Where can I get more information about the Rwanda Visa?

You can contact our customer service team here via online chat if you still have questions about visas to travel to Rwanda. Or feel free to email us at [email protected].

Essential travel tips for Rwanda

Don’t miss out on these awesome sights and experiences on your trip to Rwanda!

• If you love the outdoors, ensure you visit the Volcanoes National Park and the Nyungwe Forest National Park.

• Travel insurance is not mandatory. However, this service will make all the difference if you need medical evacuation, medical facilities, medical treatment, or other healthcare facilities during the trip.

• If you’re planning on driving, make sure to get an international driving permit for a road trip in the country. However, it’s much safer (and more comfortable!) to hire a driver that knows their way around.

• A yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for all travelers, but it is a requirement if you come from a country with yellow fever cases.

• Avoid the land borders of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Monitor local media to remain alert, and let the local authorities know if you need to travel to these regions for any reason.

• Don’t buy or use illegal drugs, and follow local laws.

• Always exercise caution when traveling to Rwanda, despite it being generally safe for tourists. Petty crime and petty theft occur, so be cautious in tourist areas and on public transportation. Avoid protests and gatherings; they may turn violent. There is an increased risk of crime at night, so avoid walking alone after sunset.

• The rainy seasons runs from March to May, and from September to November. During these periods, natural disasters like flooding and landslides can happen. Avoid traveling in these months to get the most out of the outdoors.

Also check our Rwanda Travel Guide to see which other major towns you should visit besides the capital Kigali!