Rwanda visas
Whether you need a visa for Rwanda depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: since 2018 travellers of all nationalities can obtain an entry visa on arrival, while nationals of many African Union, Commonwealth, La Francophonie and East African Community states enter fee-free for short visits. Longer stays for work, study, family, investment or settlement require the relevant permit. All visas and permits are administered by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE), with applications handled online through the Irembo government portal.
Rwandan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Rwanda — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.5 visas
- Work visasComing to Rwanda to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Rwanda — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Rwanda.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Rwanda as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Rwanda long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Rwandan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Rwanda — key facts
- Visa authority
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF)
- Time zone
- Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.