Classes of Visa

Visa Scam Notice:  The Embassy of Rwanda in the U.S. regrets to inform its clients that there are several websites that have been selling fraudulent visas to unsuspecting victims. The only two websites that can guarantee you authentic online visas are migration.gov.rw and irembo.gov.rw

 

Announcement: To all citizens of the world, effective 1 January 2018, Rwanda will grant you a 30-day visa upon arrival without prior application. Read the full announcement here  and welcome to Rwanda!

A. Class V-1(s) Single Entry Visa-Online Visa

Eligible Person: This sub-class of visa shall be issued to:

  • A foreigner who wants to visit Rwanda for any purpose other than work and is not a citizen of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
  • A person from any country who wants to enter Rwanda to seek a visa appropriate to the purpose of their stay. The purpose is other than to visit for a holiday, sightseeing, or recreation.
  • An entry visa is single entry and shall be valid for a period of not more than 30 days.
  • An Entry Visa only allows a person to enter for 30 days and if they wish to stay longer they must, after they have entered Rwanda, seek another class of visa.
  • Applications for a visa, other than the Entry Visa, may be lodged at the Directorate General’s Client Service Centre in Kigali.
  • Dependents: All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Travel document: Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees: 30 USD
  • Validity of Visa: 30 days
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Single entry
  • Work or No Work: Work is not permitted
  • Change of Status: A person who holds a sub-class V-1(s) Entry Visa and wants to visit Rwanda for longer than 30 days.
  • Visa Extension: An Entry Visa shall not be extended.

B. Class V-1 (m) Multiple Entry Visa

Eligible Person: This sub-class of visa shall be issued to:

  • A foreigner who wants to visit Rwanda for any purpose other than work and is not a citizen of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
  • A person from any country who wants to enter Rwanda to seek a visa appropriate to the purpose of their stay. The purpose is other than to visit for a holiday, sightseeing, or recreation.
  • An entry visa may be single or multiple entries and shall be valid for a period of not more than 30 days.
  • An Entry Visa only allows a person to enter for 30 days and if they wish to stay longer they must, after they have entered Rwanda, seek another class of visa.
  • Applications for a visa, other than the Entry Visa, may be lodged at the Directorate General’s Client Service Centre in Kigali.
  • Dependents: All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Where Applications can be Made:
  • Applications should be submitted at Rwandan foreign mission.
  • Travel document: Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees: $US 60
  • Validity of Visa: 30 days
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • Work or No Work: Work is not permitted
  • Change of Status: A person who holds a sub-class V-1(m) Entry Visa and wants to visit Rwanda for longer than 30 days shall apply for another category of tourist visa.
  • Visa Extension: An Entry Visa may not be extended.

C. Class Q1 – Transit 

Eligible Persons: 

  • A person transiting Rwanda for a period not exceeding 72 hours.
  • Applicants are required to have a confirmed onward booking from Rwanda to a third country or other acceptable plans to depart Rwanda within 72 hours of arrival.
  • Applicants must have correct documentation for entry to that third country.
  • Dependants: Dependants must apply in their own right.
  • Where Applications can be Made: *Applications for a visa may also be made at a Rwandan Embassy or diplomatic mission.
  • Travel document: Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees: $30
  • Validity Period of Visa: 72 hours
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Single entry
  • Work or No Work:  Work is not permitted.
  • Change of Status: No change of status.
  • Visa Extension: Transit visas may only be extended in exceptional circumstances. In such exceptional circumstances a new transit visa will be issued for up to a further 72 hours.

D. Class T2 Tourist

Eligible Persons:

  • A person who is NOT a citizen of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States of America to visit for a holiday, sightseeing, social, or recreational reasons or to visit relatives or other short term non work purpose.
  • An applicant who is a citizen of any of the countries listed above please apply for a visa Class T1 Tourist.
  • Dependents:  All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Where Applications can be Made Online.
  • At the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration or at Rwandan diplomatic mission.
  • Travel document: Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees: 50 USD or equivalent accepted foreign currency in Rwandan foreign diplomatic mission.
  • Validity Period of Visa: 90 days
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • Work or No Work: Work is not permitted.
  • Change of Status: Holders of T2 may change their status
  • Visa Extension: A class T2 shall be extended for a further 90 days at the Client Service Centre of the Director General in Kigali.
  • An initial visa issued by a Rwandan diplomatic mission will be valid for 90 days.
  • Applications should be made whilst the current visa remains valid.

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form. Click hereto downloaded this from:
  •  Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

E. Class T3 Tourist – Family

Eligible Persons:  

  • A person who wishes to visit a family member or a close relative residing and working in Rwanda.
  • The visa enables workers temporarily resident in Rwanda to keep in contact with their relatives who live outside of the country.
  • The relatives who may visit are a spouse, parent, brother, sister, child, adopted child, aunt, niece, nephew, cousin, grandparent, grandchild and the ‘step’ equivalent of these.
  • Dependents: All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Where Applications can be Made: At the website of the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration or at a Rwandan diplomatic mission.
  • This visa may be multiple entries but the applicant must convince the issuing authority that he/she will exit and enter Rwanda more than three times for the purpose of visiting family members in 90days.
  • Applications must include the Foreigners Identity Card number of the relative temporarily resident in Rwanda.
  • Travel document: Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees: 30,000 Frw in Rwanda 50 USD or equivalent accepted foreign currency in Rwandan foreign diplomatic mission
  • Validity Period of Visa: Up to 90 days
  • Single or Multiple Entry: May be up to multiple entry with convincing evidence.
  • Work or No Work: Work is not permitted.

Change of Status: Holder of T3 may change their status.

Visa Extension: Family visitor visas may be extended up to a maximum length of stay of nine months. Applicants must apply at the Client Service Centre of the Directorate General for an extension. Applications must be made whilst the current visa remains valid.

Financial Requirements:

  • Applicants except minors under 21 years must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their stay in Rwanda. Applicants, or their family member who has invited them, may be required to provide evidence they have sufficient funds.
  • If applicants are required to provide such evidence it must be produced at the Client Service Centre of the Director General in Kigali or Rwanda foreign mission.

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form. Click here to downloaded this from.
  • Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

F. Class T4 Visiting Diplomat

Eligible Persons:  

  • This class of visa shall be issued to a diplomat visiting for official purposes.
  • Dependents: Dependents may accompany the visiting diplomat but when the official visit required so. Otherwise dependants may be issued with a separate visa.
  • Where Applications can be Made:Can be applied online or applications should be made at a Rwandan diplomatic mission or at the Directorate General’s Client Service Centre in Kigali.
  • The application should be accompanied by a letter from the applicant’s government, or the international organization which employs him/her, stating the purpose of the visit and its duration.
  • Travel document:  Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fee: Free of charge
  • Visa Validity: For up to two years.
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • Work or no Work: Work is permitted for the purpose of the visit, which must not exceed 90 days at a time.
  • Change of Status: A visiting Diplomat who may wish to remain in Rwanda at the end of his/her visit should seek an appropriate visa or permit from the Directorate General
  • Visa Extension: No visa extension except new application.

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form
  • Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

G. Class T6-1: Single Entry – Conference

Eligible Person:

  •  A person wishing to attend and or speak at a conference, meeting, workshop or seminar.
  • Dependents: All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Where Application Made: Online / at a Rwandan diplomatic mission /At the Directorate General’s Client Service Centre in Kigali.
  • Travel document: Valid for six months on the day of entry.
  • Visa Fee: 30 USD
  • Validity Period of Visa: 30 days
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Single entry
  • Work or No Work: Work other than conference is not permitted.
  • Change of Status: Applicants may apply to the Directorate General for another class of visa/permit whilst they are in Rwanda and whilst their current visa remains valid.
  • Visa Extension: In special circumstances

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form
  • Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

H. Class T6-2: Multiple Entry – Conference

Eligible Person: 

  • A person wishing to attend and/or speak at a conference, meeting, workshop or seminar.
  • DependEnts: All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Where Applications can be Made: Online /At a Rwandan diplomatic mission/ At the Directorate General’s Client Service Centre in Kigali. However multiple entry can only be issued at Rwanda diplomatic mission or at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
  • Travel document: Valid for 30 days on the day of entry.
  • Visa fee: 50 USD for multiple
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • Work or No Work: Work other than conference is not permitted.
  • Change of Status: Applicants may apply to the Directorate General for another class of visa/permit whilst they are in Rwanda and whilst their current visa remains valid.

Visa Extension: In special circumstances

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form.
  • Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

I. Class T7 Business 

Eligible Person: 

  • This class of visa shall be issued to a prospective investor, entrepreneur or trader to visit and explore business opportunities in Rwanda.
  • Dependents: All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Where Applications can be Made: Application can be made online / At the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration 

/ At Rwandan diplomatic mission.
  • Travel document:  Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees: 50 USD
  • Validity of Visa: 90 days
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • Work or No Work: Work is not permitted
  • Change of Status: A person who holds a Class T7 visa may change his/her status.
  • Visa Extension: May be extended once.

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form.
  • Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

K. Class T8 Tourist – Medical Treatment

Eligible Person:  

  • A person who has a need for and has confirmed medical treatment or medical consultations in Rwanda.
  • An applicant must be able to confirm:
  • Appointment to a public health facility or private clinic signed by competent medical practitioner of that facility
  • They have realistic plans to return to their home country.
  • A person accompanying the applicant granted a Medical Treatment visa shall be issued with the same class of visa.
  • Dependents: No dependants allowed. Where Applications can be Made: Online /Except on extension, a visa can be issued at the Rwandan diplomatic mission /At the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration for extension.
  • Applications must be accompanied by a statement from a medical practitioner or the head of the health facility or clinic treating the person stating that the treatment is available and that satisfactory arrangements have been made for the payment for the treatment.
  • Travel document:  Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees:  20 USD
  • For a visa extension or application made in Rwanda Rwf 10,000 fee is required.
  • Validity Period of Visa: 90 days
  • single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • Work or No Work: Work is not permitted.
  • Change of Status: Not allowed.
  • Visa Extension: Visas may be extended for one period of up to 90 days. Applicants should apply to the Directorate General whilst the current visa remains valid.

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form
  • Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration

L. Class T9 Tourist – Group Tourist

Eligible Person:

  • A person who is traveling as a member of a group of four to ten tourists individually or organized by a tour operator.
  • A tour operator is a tour or travel agent registered to operate in Rwanda.
  • Persons eligible for this visa will be required to enter Rwanda with other members of the group and exit Rwanda as members of the group. If applicants anticipate to enter Rwanda separately as individual visitors should apply for another class of tourist visa.
  • Dependents: Not allowed.
  • Where Applications can be Made: Online /At the Client Service Centre of the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration on extension / At Rwandan diplomatic missions for first application.
  • A group visa will be issued for each member of the group.
  • Tour operators should lodge an application covering all members of the group at the same time using the online facility or at Embassies. Tour operators lodging applications will be held liable for the information they provide on behalf of applicants
  • Travel document:  Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees: 100 USD or equivalent accepted foreign currency in Rwandan foreign diplomatic mission
  • Validity Period of Visa: 90 days.
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • Work or No Work: Work is not permitted.
  • Change of Status: Change of status to a temporary resident is not permitted. No person can change status of T9 when in Rwanda except for extension only.
  • Visa Extension: Visitor visas may be extended up to a maximum length of stay of 180 days. Applicants shall apply to the Director General for an extension. Applications must be made whilst the current visa remains valid.
  • Tour operators would apply for an extension for the whole group at the one time.

Requirements:

  • A clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf of each applicant; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  • A complete filled application form
  • Visa application letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

M. Class T12- East Africa Tourist Visa

Eligible Person:

  • A foreigner who wants to visit simultaneously the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda for tourism.
  • An East Africa Tourist Visa is multiple entries visa and shall be valid for 90 days.
  • Applications for this visa shall be lodged at any of the diplomatic representation of the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda, at the Immigration Offices of the respective countries or online where applicable.
  • Dependents: All persons must apply in their own right.
  • Travel document: Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
  • Visa Fees:  100 USD
  • Validity of Visa:  90 days
  • Single or Multiple Entry: Multiple entry
  • The holder of the East Africa Tourist Visa shall enter from the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying for another visa fee.
  • The holder shall also be allowed to move out of the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda; and return without having to pay for another visa. This will only be applicable in the period of 90 days.
  • Work or No Work:  Work is not permitted
  • Visa Extension: An East Africa Tourist Visa shall not be extended.

Requirements:

  • One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).
  •  A complete filled application form.
  •  Visa application letter addressed to the issuing authority of the concerned country.