Rwanda Visa for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Rwanda for $50, valid for 30 days. The process is simple and available to all nationalities at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Canadians can also apply for an e-Visa in advance through irembo.gov.rw. For those planning a multi-country East African trip combining Rwanda with Uganda and Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers all three countries for 90 days with multiple entries. There are no direct flights from Canada to Rwanda, but connections through Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Brussels, and Amsterdam are readily available. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from or transiting through an endemic country, which includes most common connection points for Canadian travelers.
Visa At a Glance
- Visa Type
- Visa on Arrival
- Best Option
- Visa on arrival ($50) or East Africa Tourist Visa ($100)
- Cost
- $50
- Processing
- 0-0 days
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entries
- Single
E-Visa Application
RecommendedCost
$50
Processing
3-5 business days
Stay Permitted
30 days
Entries
Single
How to Apply for E-Visa
Go to irembo.gov.rw and create an account
Select 'Tourist Visa' or 'East Africa Tourist Visa'
Fill in the application form
Upload a passport-size photo (JPEG, white background)
Upload passport bio page scan
Upload return or onward flight ticket
Upload proof of accommodation
Upload yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Pay $50 (or $100 for East Africa Tourist Visa) online
Receive approval via email within 3-5 business days
Print the approval letter for immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid Canadian passport (6+ months validity beyond entry, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (digital, white background)
- Scanned passport bio page
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
- Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •Valid Canadian passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- •Printed e-Visa approval letter (if applied in advance)
- •Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
- •Return or onward flight ticket
- •Proof of accommodation
- •$50 visa fee in cash or card
Tips
- •Have $50 USD ready or a card for payment
- •Kigali immigration is modern and well-organized
- •Carry your yellow fever certificate if you connected through an endemic country
Typical processing time: 5-15 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not getting a yellow fever vaccine before connecting through Addis Ababa or Nairobi
- Bringing plastic bags into Rwanda (banned nationwide)
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Not having proof of accommodation ready at immigration
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes. Canadians need a visa, but Rwanda offers visa on arrival ($50) to all nationalities. You can also apply for an e-Visa at irembo.gov.rw. No embassy visit is required.
How long can Canadians stay in Rwanda?
The standard tourist visa allows 30 days. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) provides 90 days across Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine?
Only if you arrive from or transit through an endemic country. Since most flights from Canada connect through Addis Ababa or European cities, check your routing. Vaccination is recommended regardless for travel in East Africa.
What is the best way to fly from Canada to Rwanda?
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa from Toronto is the most popular route. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, KLM via Amsterdam, and Brussels Airlines via Brussels are also good options.
Can I use Canadian dollars in Rwanda?
US dollars are the preferred foreign currency for visa fees, park permits, and lodge payments. Exchange Canadian dollars for USD before traveling, or withdraw USD from ATMs in Kigali.