Online – Rwanda E Visa

1. What is an e-visa for Rwanda?


An e-visa for Rwanda is an online registration system that allows foreigners to apply and obtain a visa to visit or enter Rwanda prior to their arrival at the country. It eliminates the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person and streamlines the visa application process. The e-visa can be used for various purposes, including tourism, business, and transit.

2. How do I apply for a Rwanda e-visa?

To apply for a Rwanda e-visa, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website for Rwanda immigration and click on the ‘eVisa’ tab.
2. Create an account by filling in your personal and passport information.
3. Once your account is created, log in and select the type of e-visa you need (tourist, business, or transit).
4. Fill in the required personal information, travel details, and upload a recent passport-sized photo.
5. Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
6. Once the payment is processed, submit your application.
7. You will receive an email confirmation with a reference number and a link to track your application.
8. The processing time for e-visas is 24-72 hours. Once approved, you will receive an email with an electronic version of your visa.
9. Print out your electronic visa and present it at immigration upon arrival in Rwanda.

Please note that you may be required to provide additional documents such as proof of accommodation and return flight tickets during the application process.

3. Do I need an e-visa to enter Rwanda?

No, tourists from most countries do not need a visa to enter Rwanda. Citizens of all African countries, as well as most countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America can enter Rwanda for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa in advance. However, citizens from a few countries are required to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Rwanda. These include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Somalia, and more. It is recommended that you check with your local embassy or consulate to confirm if you need an e-visa before planning your trip.

4. How do I apply for an e-visa?
If your country requires an e-visa for entry into Rwanda, you can apply for it through the official Government of Rwanda website (www.rwandavisas.com). You will need to fill out the online application form and pay the necessary fees using a credit card. You will also need to upload a recent passport-style photo and a copy of your passport biodata page.

5. How long does it take for an e-visa to be processed?
The processing time for an e-visa is usually 3 business days. However, it is recommended that you apply at least one week before your intended date of travel to allow for any potential delays.

6. Can I extend my e-visa once I am in Rwanda?
Yes, it is possible to extend your e-visa while you are in Rwanda. However, this can only be done by physically visiting the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration office in Kigali.

7. Can I still enter Rwanda if my e-visa is expired but I have not left the country yet?
No, it is illegal to stay in Rwanda after your visa has expired. It is important that you plan your trip accordingly and make sure that your visa will not expire during your stay.

8.Can I enter Rwanda with a single entry e-visa multiple times?
No, a single entry e-visa can only be used to enter Rwanda one time. If you plan on leaving and re-entering the country, you will need to obtain a new e-visa.

9. What should I do if my e-visa application is rejected?
If your e-visa application is rejected, you will receive an email detailing the reason for rejection. In most cases, it is due to incomplete or incorrect information provided in the application. You can reapply for an e-visa with the necessary corrections or provide any additional required documents.

10. Do children need an e-visa to enter Rwanda?
Yes, children under 16 years old are also required to have an e-visa to enter Rwanda, unless they are accompanied by their parents who hold a valid visa or reside in Rwanda. Children between 16-18 years old must also apply for a separate e-visa unless they possess a residence permit in Rwanda or a valid visa issued by another East African Community member state.

4. How long does it take to get a Rwanda e-visa?


It usually takes 2-3 business days to process a Rwanda e-visa. However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and completeness of documents submitted. It is recommended to apply for the e-visa at least one week before your intended travel date.

5. Can I apply for a Rwanda e-visa online?

Yes, you can apply for a Rwanda e-visa online through the official government website or through licensed third-party visa processing agencies.

6. What are the requirements for obtaining a Rwanda e-visa?

To be eligible for a Rwanda e-visa, you must have:

1. A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration
2. A passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months that meets the visa photo requirements
3. A credit or debit card for payment of the application fee
4. An email address to receive your e-visa confirmation
5. Evidence of your purpose of travel (such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter)
6. Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Rwanda
7. Return ticket or proof of onward travel

It is important to note that additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for. You can check the specific requirements for your visa type on the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration website.

7. Is there an age limit for applying for a Rwanda e-visa?


Yes, there is an age limit for applying for a Rwanda e-visa. Applicants must be at least 16 years old to apply for an e-visa online. Children under the age of 16 can be included in a parent’s or legal guardian’s e-visa application. If the child is traveling alone, they will need to apply for a separate visa.

8. Can I use my e-visa multiple times to enter Rwanda?


No, an e-visa for Rwanda can only be used for a single entry. If you need to enter Rwanda multiple times, you will need to apply for multiple e-visas or a different type of visa.

9. How much does a Rwanda e-visa cost?


As of 2021, the cost for a Rwanda e-visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, it ranges from $50 to $200. Fees are subject to change at any time, so it is recommended to check the official website of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration for the most up-to-date information.

10. Can I extend my stay in Rwanda with an e-visa?


No, you cannot extend your stay in Rwanda with an e-visa. You will need to exit the country and apply for a new e-visa if you wish to stay longer.

11. What type of activities can I engage in with a Rwanda e-visa?


With a Rwanda e-visa, you can engage in all tourism related activities such as sightseeing, visiting national parks and wildlife reserves, and interacting with the local culture and people. You can also engage in business activities such as attending meetings or conferences, conducting market research, and negotiating business deals. Additionally, you can participate in volunteer work or pursue educational opportunities in Rwanda.

12. Are there any restrictions on the use of a Rwanda e-visa?

A Rwanda e-visa is valid for a single entry into Rwanda and must be used within 90 days from the date of issue. It is also subject to all applicable laws and regulations of Rwanda, including those related to immigration, health, and national security. The e-visa does not allow for any change of status or extension of stay in Rwanda.

Additionally, the e-visa cannot be used for work or business purposes. If you wish to conduct business in Rwanda, you may need to apply for a business visa instead.

13. Will I receive a physical visa sticker in my passport?
No, the Rwanda e-visa is an electronic document. Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive an email with an authorization letter that contains your visa details. You will need to print this letter and present it at the port of entry alongside your valid passport.

14. Can I apply for a Rwanda e-visa if I have dual citizenship?
Yes, you can apply for a Rwanda e-visa with dual citizenship as long as one of your nationalities is eligible for the e-visa program. However, you will need to present the same passport that you used for your online application at the port of entry.

15. Can I cancel my Rwanda e-visa application if it has already been submitted?
No, once your application has been submitted and paid for, it cannot be canceled or refunded. It is important to carefully review all information before submitting your application to avoid any mistakes or issues.

16. What happens if my application for a Rwanda e-visa is denied?
If your application for a Rwanda e-visa is denied, you will not be able to enter the country using this method and may need to apply for a traditional visa through the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate.

17. Where can I find more information about the Rwanda e-visa program?
You can find more information about the Rwanda e-visa program on the official website of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. You can also contact them directly for any specific questions or concerns.

13. Can I obtain a visa on arrival in Rwanda instead of applying online for an e-visa?

No, Rwanda does not issue visas on arrival. Travelers must apply for an e-visa before arriving in the country.

14. Will I receive confirmation of my approved visa via email or do I need to print it out?

You will receive confirmation of your approved visa via email. You do not need to print it out, but it is recommended that you keep a copy for your records.

15. Is travel insurance required when entering with a Rwandan e-visa?

It is not required, but highly recommended to have travel insurance when entering with a Rwandan e-visa. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events that may occur during your trip.

16 .Can I cancel or modify my application after it has been submitted?


It depends on the specific organization or program you submitted your application to. Some may allow cancellations or modifications, while others may not. It is best to contact them directly to inquire about their policies and procedures regarding application changes.

17. What should I do if my e-visa application is rejected?

If your e-visa application is rejected, you will be notified of the reason for rejection and what steps you can take to appeal the decision. If you believe that the rejection was made in error, you can re-apply with any necessary corrections or additional information. It is also possible to seek help from a lawyer or visa processing agency to assist with your appeal.

18 .Is there a limit to how early or late I can apply for my Rwandan e-Visa prior to my trip?


Yes, you can apply for your Rwandan e-Visa at any time before your trip. However, it is recommended to apply at least 7 days prior to your intended date of travel. This allows enough time for processing and any potential delays. You can also apply up to 90 days in advance of your trip.

19 .Do all travelers, including children, require an individual E-Visa when traveling to Austria?


Yes, all travelers, including children, require an individual E-Visa when traveling to Austria. Each traveler must have their own E-Visa and cannot be included in the application of a parent or guardian.

20 .What documents do I need to present upon arrival in addition to my approved E-Visa?


You will need to present your valid passport, the printed copy of your E-Visa approval, and any other supporting documents that were required during the application process (such as a travel itinerary or proof of accommodations). It is also recommended to have a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.