Visa and Entry Requirements for Rwanda: 2025 Guide

Rwanda, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, has become one of Africa’s top travel destinations. From gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to exploring Kigali’s vibrant culture and relaxing by Lake Kivu, the country offers unforgettable adventures. Before you pack your bags, however, it’s essential to understand the visa and entry requirements for Rwanda in 2025.

This guide provides everything you need to know from visa categories and fees to entry requirements and practical tips so that your journey with Traford Safaris is smooth and stress-free.

Do You Need a Visa to Enter Rwanda?

Yes, most international travelers need a visa to enter Rwanda. However, the Rwandan government has made the process simple, offering visa on arrival and online applications to make travel easier.

Visa on Arrival: Available to all nationalities, valid for up to 30 days.

E-Visa (Online Application): Apply in advance through the Rwanda Immigration website, ideal for travelers who prefer having their visa approved before flying.

Visa-Free Access: Citizens of the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, can enter Rwanda visa-free.

Rwanda Visa Types

Here are the main visa categories available for travelers in 2025:

1. Tourist Visa (Single Entry – 30 days)

   • Ideal for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and leisure travel.

   • Available on arrival or online.

2. Conference Visa

   • Designed for travelers attending conferences, seminars, or business events in Kigali.

3. Transit Visa (Up to 72 hours)

   • For travelers passing through Rwanda on their way to another destination.

4. East Africa Tourist Visa

   • A single visa that allows multiple entries into Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.

   • Valid for 90 days.

   • Perfect if you are booking a combined safari with Traford Safaris across multiple countries.

Visa Fees (2025 Updates)

Single Entry Tourist Visa (30 days): $50

Transit Visa: $30

East Africa Tourist Visa: $100

Multiple Entry Visa: $70

(Note: Fees are subject to change. Always confirm with Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration before traveling.)

How to Apply for a Rwanda Visa

1. Visa on Arrival

No prior application is needed.

Pay in cash (USD preferred) or by card at the immigration counter.

2. E-Visa (Recommended)

Apply via the Rwanda Immigration portal.

Upload a passport copy, travel itinerary, and pay the visa fee online.

Approval usually takes 3–5 working days.

3. Through Your Tour Operator (Traford Safaris)

Booking through Traford Safaris ensures a seamless process we guide you on which visa best suits your safari and provide all necessary documentation for your application.

Passport and Entry Requirements

To enter Rwanda in 2025, make sure you meet the following conditions:

Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Blank Pages: At least two empty pages are required for entry and exit stamps.

Return Ticket: Proof of onward or return travel may be requested.

Accommodation Details: Immigration officers may ask where you are staying. (Traford Safaris provides confirmed lodge bookings for your itinerary.)

Health & Vaccination Requirements

Travelers should also be aware of Rwanda’s health entry requirements:

Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with a yellow fever risk.

COVID-19: As of 2025, PCR tests and vaccination proof are no longer required, but this may change depending on global health updates.

Routine Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Tetanus vaccinations are strongly recommended for safari travelers.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Rwanda

Carry USD in Small Notes: Accepted for visa payments and tipping.

Keep Documents Handy: Immigration officers may request proof of safari bookings.

Use the E-Visa for Peace of Mind: Even though visas are available on arrival, applying online can save time at the airport.

Ask About the East Africa Tourist Visa: If you are planning to combine Rwanda and Uganda or Rwanda and Kenya, this option saves both money and hassle.

Why Choose Traford Safaris?

At Traford Safaris, we don’t just plan safaris we take care of the details that make travel easy. From securing gorilla permits and lodge reservations to advising on visa and health requirements, we ensure your Rwanda adventure is stress-free.

Our team also helps you decide whether a single entry visa, multiple entry visa, or the East Africa Tourist Visa is the best choice for your trip. That way, you can focus on enjoying Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and culture without worrying about paperwork.

Ready to explore Rwanda in 2025? Contact Traford Safaris today and let us help you craft the perfect adventure.