Rwanda visa fees start at USD 50 for a standard single-entry tourist visa. Whether you apply online through the Irembo portal, at a Rwandan embassy, or upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, the government fee remains the same. Some nationalities qualify for free entry under Rwanda’s visa waiver arrangements with the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie. For a complete overview of visa types and requirements, see our Rwanda visa guide.
Rwanda Visa Fee by Type
Rwanda offers several visa categories for visitors. The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration sets fixed fees that apply regardless of how you apply – online, at the embassy, or at the border.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (V1) | $50 | 30 days | Single entry |
| Family Visit Visa (V2) | $50 | 30 days | Single entry |
| Multiple-Entry Visa | $70 | 90 days | Multiple entries |
| Conference Visa (V5) | $50 | 30 days | Single entry |
| East African Tourist Visa (V11) | $100 | 90 days | Multiple entries |
| Transit Visa | $30 | 72 hours | Single entry |
| Diplomatic Visa (V3-1) | Free | 30 days | Single entry |
| Reciprocity Visa (V12, US only) | $160 | Up to 10 years | Multiple entries |
The tourist visa (V1) is by far the most common choice for short-term visitors. It allows a single entry within 30 days and costs $50 – the same amount charged whether you apply online or at the airport.
For travelers planning to cross between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, the East African Tourist Visa at $100 is the best value. It covers all three countries on a single visa for 90 days with multiple entries allowed within those nations.
Who Gets a Free Rwanda Visa?
Rwanda grants free visas upon arrival to several categories of travelers. If you fall into one of these groups, you pay nothing at the border.
Free 90-day visa (no application needed):
Citizens of the following 18 countries receive a complimentary 90-day visa at any Rwandan entry point:
- Angola
- Benin
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Mauritius
- Philippines
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Qatar
Free 30-day visa (African Union, Commonwealth, La Francophonie):
Nationals of all African Union member states, Commonwealth countries, and Organisation internationale de la Francophonie member states receive free visas valid for 30 days. This covers over 100 countries, including most African nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and France.
Free 6-month pass (East African Community):
Citizens of EAC partner states – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – receive a free visitor’s pass valid for up to six months upon arrival at any border post.
Rwanda eVisa Fee
Rwanda’s electronic visa system processes applications through the Irembo government portal at irembo.gov.rw. The eVisa fee is identical to the on-arrival fee: $50 for a single-entry tourist visa or $70 for a multiple-entry visa. Learn more about applying for a Rwanda eVisa.
Applicants pay online during the application process or opt to pay upon arrival in Rwanda. The online system typically processes applications within 3 business days, though some approvals come through within 24 hours.
There is no additional service charge or processing fee for using the eVisa system. The amount you see on the Irembo portal is the final price.
Rwanda Visa on Arrival Fee
Since January 1, 2018, nationals of all countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land border crossings. The visa on arrival fee matches the standard rates: $50 for single entry and $70 for multiple entry. For step-by-step guidance, see our Rwanda visa on arrival guide.
Payment at the border accepts US dollars in cash. Credit cards are not consistently accepted at all entry points, so carrying exact change in clean, unmarked US bills is recommended.
The visa on arrival process at Kigali International Airport typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. During peak travel seasons, expect slightly longer queues. Having your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready speeds up the process. Check our Rwanda visa requirements page for the full document checklist.
East African Tourist Visa Cost
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100 and covers travel across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. This multiple-entry visa remains valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
| Feature | EATV Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $100 USD |
| Countries covered | Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda |
| Validity | 90 days |
| Entries | Multiple (within the three countries) |
| Application | Online or at any of the three countries’ embassies |
Foreign residents with valid work permits in any of the three EAC countries are exempt from the EATV fee. They can travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda without paying for an additional visa.
The EATV must be obtained from the first country you plan to visit. If Rwanda is your first destination, apply through Irembo or at a Rwandan embassy. If Kenya is first, apply through Kenya’s eVisa system.
How to Pay for Your Rwanda Visa
Rwanda offers three payment methods for visa fees:
Online payment via Irembo: The Irembo portal (irembo.gov.rw) accepts major credit and debit cards. This is the most convenient option for travelers who want to secure their visa before departure.
Payment upon arrival: Cash payment in US dollars is accepted at Kigali International Airport and land borders. The exchange rate used at the border is generally unfavorable, so paying in USD is strongly recommended over other currencies.
Embassy payment: When applying through a Rwandan diplomatic mission, fees are typically paid by money order or cashier’s check payable to the Embassy of Rwanda. Personal checks and cash are generally not accepted at embassies.
Rwanda Visa Fee Summary by Nationality
Your nationality determines whether you pay for a Rwanda visa and how much.
| Nationality | Visa Fee | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US, UK, EU, most nationalities | $50 single / $70 multiple | 30-90 days | Standard tourist visa |
| AU member states | Free | 30 days | Visa waiver |
| Commonwealth citizens | Free | 30 days | Visa waiver |
| La Francophonie members | Free | 30 days | Visa waiver |
| EAC citizens (Kenya, Uganda, etc.) | Free | 6 months | Visitor’s pass |
| 18 listed countries (Ghana, Singapore, etc.) | Free | 90 days | Bilateral agreements |
| US citizens (reciprocity visa) | $160 | Up to 10 years | Embassy only |
Important Notes About Rwanda Visa Fees
All Rwanda visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If your application is denied or you cancel your trip, the fee will not be returned.
There is no single authorized agent for Rwanda visa applications. The official channels are the Irembo portal, Rwandan embassies, and the visa on arrival counters at entry points. Any third-party website charging extra fees is not affiliated with the Rwandan government.
Rwanda visa fees are denominated in US dollars. The exchange rate at border posts may differ from market rates, making USD cash the preferred payment method for on-arrival applications.
FAQs About Rwanda Visa Fees
How much does a Rwanda tourist visa cost?
A standard Rwanda tourist visa (V1) costs USD 50 for a single-entry 30-day visa. A multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days costs USD 70.
Is the Rwanda visa free for US citizens?
No, US citizens pay $50 for a single-entry tourist visa or $70 for a multiple-entry visa. US citizens can also apply for a 10-year reciprocity visa (V12) through the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington D.C. for $160.
Can I pay for my Rwanda visa with a credit card?
Online applications through the Irembo portal accept credit and debit cards. At the border, only cash in US dollars is consistently accepted. It is advisable to carry exact change in clean, unmarked bills.
Is the East African Tourist Visa worth it?
If you plan to visit two or more of Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda within 90 days, the $100 EATV is better value than purchasing separate visas for each country. A single Rwanda visa costs $50, and a Kenya eTA costs around $32, so visiting all three individually would cost more.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
India is a Commonwealth member state, so Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa upon arrival in Rwanda. No advance application is required.
Are Rwanda visa fees refundable?
No. All Rwanda visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of whether the application is approved or the traveler cancels their trip.
How long does it take to get a Rwanda eVisa?
The Rwanda eVisa typically processes within 1 to 3 business days through the Irembo portal. Some applications are approved within 24 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get into Rwanda?
If your nationality qualifies for a visa waiver (AU, Commonwealth, La Francophonie, or one of the 18 bilateral agreement countries), entry is completely free. Otherwise, the $50 single-entry tourist visa is the most affordable option.
