Most visitors can get a Rwanda tourist visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders, or apply online in advance. A single-entry visa costs US$50 for 30 days. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries have the visa fee waived. The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100, 90 days) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Carry a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country.
Key takeaways
- Visa on arrival or online: US$50 single entry for 30 days.
- Fee waived for African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie citizens.
- East Africa Tourist Visa: US$100 for Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
- Carry a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country.
- Plastic bags are banned and may be confiscated on arrival.
Rwanda has made entry simple for visitors, which is one reason it is such a popular start for gorilla trips. Here is what you need.
Visa options
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa on arrival or online | US$50 | Single entry, 30 days |
| Fee waiver | Free | African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie citizens |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | US$100 | 90 days, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya |
You can get the tourist visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders, or apply online through Rwanda’s official immigration portal before you travel. Rules and eligible nationalities can change, so check the official portal before you fly.
The East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100 and is valid for 90 days of travel between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, with re-entry allowed between them. Apply through the country you enter first. It is ideal for trips that combine gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, or add the Masai Mara. Read the Uganda visa guide and Kenya visa and entry requirements.
Documents to have ready
- A passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages.
- Proof of onward travel and your accommodation or itinerary.
- A yellow fever certificate if required.
- Travel insurance details.
Yellow fever
Carry a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from or have recently travelled through a country with yellow fever risk, including Uganda and Kenya. Certificates are often checked on arrival, so keep yours with your passport. Read malaria and health tips for East Africa.
The plastic bag ban
Rwanda banned single-use plastic bags years ago, and the country is famously clean. Pack toiletries in reusable bags rather than plastic carrier bags, as plastic bags may be confiscated at the airport.
Money, phones and connectivity
Rwanda’s currency is the Rwandan franc, but safari costs and permits are paid in US dollars. Cards work in Kigali hotels, restaurants and most lodges, and mobile money is used everywhere. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport with your passport, and mobile coverage is good in most areas, including near the parks.
Arriving at Kigali
Kigali International Airport is about 20–30 minutes from the city centre. After immigration, your driver-guide meets you in arrivals. Many trips continue straight to Volcanoes National Park, about 2–2.5 hours away. Read Kigali Genocide Memorial for a first afternoon in the city.
A pre-travel checklist
- Check your passport validity and blank pages.
- Decide between the tourist visa and the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Arrange your yellow fever vaccination if needed, at least ten days before travel.
- Book gorilla permits early.
- Arrange travel insurance that covers trekking and evacuation.
Change a little money into Rwandan francs at the airport for small purchases; cards and mobile money are widely accepted in Kigali.
Crossing into Uganda by road
Many trips cross between Rwanda and Uganda at the Cyanika border near Kisoro or at Katuna near Kabale. Crossings are straightforward with the right visa; the East Africa Tourist Visa makes it simplest. Allow 30–60 minutes for formalities.
Plan your trip
See the Rwanda guide, how much a Rwanda safari costs and best time to visit Rwanda, then get safari pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Rwanda?
Yes, at Kigali International Airport and land borders, or you can apply online in advance.
Should I get the East Africa Tourist Visa?
If you are combining Rwanda with Uganda and/or Kenya, it can be good value. Apply through the first country you enter.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Carry one if you arrive from or have travelled through a country with yellow fever risk, such as Uganda or Kenya. It is often checked on arrival.
Can I bring plastic bags?
No. Rwanda bans single-use plastic bags, and they may be confiscated at the airport.
How long is the visa valid?
The standard tourist visa allows 30 days; the East Africa Tourist Visa allows 90 days across the three countries.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
