Rwanda has made entering the country remarkably simple. Whether you are travelling to see mountain gorillas, explore Kigali or continue on a wider East African safari, you may not need to arrange a visa before your journey.
However, there is an important difference between being completely visa-exempt and receiving a free visa on arrival.
Countries With 90-Day Visa-Free Entry
Ordinary passport holders from the following countries can enter Rwanda without a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
- Angola
- Benin
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Mauritius
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
No advance visa application is required for eligible travellers from these countries.
East African Community Citizens
Citizens of East African Community member states are granted free entry into Rwanda for stays of up to six months. This makes it easier to combine Rwanda with neighbouring destinations such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
For travellers planning a multi-country safari, this regional access makes Rwanda a convenient addition to a wider East African journey.
Free Visa on Arrival for More Travellers
Nationals of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member countries can receive a free 30-day visitor visa upon arrival in Rwanda. Although this is technically a visa, it does not require advance approval or payment.
This arrangement covers many travellers from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific.
What About Other Nationalities?
Rwanda offers visas on arrival to citizens of all countries that are not visa-exempt. This means most international visitors can travel without first visiting a Rwandan embassy or completing a lengthy approval process.
A single-entry visitor visa generally costs up to USD 50 and is valid for 30 days. Travellers may also apply online before departure if they prefer to organise everything in advance.
Visitors should carry a passport or accepted travel document valid for at least six months.
An Easy Beginning to Your Rwanda Adventure
Rwanda’s welcoming entry policy makes reaching the Land of a Thousand Hills refreshingly straightforward. Once inside the country, visitors can trek through Volcanoes National Park, search for chimpanzees in Nyungwe, enjoy a Big Five safari in Akagera or experience the culture and energy of Kigali.
Entry regulations can change, so travellers should confirm the latest requirements with the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration before departure.