Rwanda Visa for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Rwanda for $50, valid for 30 days. Rwanda is one of the few African countries that offers visa on arrival to Indian passport holders, making it one of the easiest safari destinations to visit from India. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-Visa in advance through irembo.gov.rw, which is recommended for a smoother arrival experience. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for 90 days and is available if you plan to visit multiple countries. Most connections from India to Kigali route through Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, or Mumbai, with Ethiopian Airlines and the Gulf carriers offering the most convenient options. Yellow fever vaccination is required if you transit through an endemic country such as Ethiopia.
Visa At a Glance
- Visa Type
- Visa on Arrival
- Best Option
- Visa on arrival ($50) or apply for e-Visa before travel at irembo.gov.rw
- 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 with your travel and personal details
Upload a passport-size photo (JPEG format, white background, 35mm x 45mm)
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page
Upload return or onward flight ticket
Upload proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
Upload yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Pay $50 (or $100 for East Africa Tourist Visa) online via credit or debit card
Receive approval via email within 3-5 business days
Print the approval letter and carry it for immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity beyond entry date, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (digital, JPEG format, white background, 35mm x 45mm)
- Scanned passport bio page (clear, full page visible)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
- Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
- Bank statements from the last 3 months (may be requested)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •Valid Indian 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 (USD) or card payment (for visa on arrival)
Tips
- •Have $50 USD ready in cash or a card for payment
- •Print your e-Visa approval letter and hotel confirmation
- •Carry your yellow fever certificate in your hand luggage
- •Have proof of accommodation and return ticket printed and ready
- •Know your hotel name and address
Typical processing time: 5-15 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not getting a yellow fever vaccine before flying via Addis Ababa or Nairobi
- Bringing plastic bags into Rwanda (banned nationwide, will be confiscated at airport)
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Not having printed hotel confirmation and return ticket at immigration
- Assuming Indian rupees are widely accepted (carry USD instead)
- Not carrying printed passport-size photos as backup for visa on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes. Indian citizens need a visa, but Rwanda offers visa on arrival ($50) to all nationalities, including Indian passport holders. You can also apply for an e-Visa at irembo.gov.rw in advance for a smoother arrival experience.
Is Rwanda visa on arrival really available for Indians?
Yes. Rwanda is one of the few African countries that offers visa on arrival to Indian passport holders. The cost is $50 for 30 days, payable at Kigali airport in USD cash or by card.
What are the Rwanda visa photo requirements for Indian citizens?
For the e-Visa, upload a JPEG photo with a white background (35mm x 45mm passport-size). Your face must be clearly visible with a neutral expression, no glasses, and no head covering unless for religious reasons. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. For visa on arrival, carry two printed passport-size photos as a backup.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine flying from India?
If you transit through an endemic country (such as Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines), yes. If you fly via Dubai or Doha (not endemic), it may not be required. Vaccination is recommended for all East Africa travel regardless of routing.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
A $100 visa covering Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for 90 days with multiple entries between the three countries. Apply through the e-Visa portal of the first country you enter. It is excellent value for travelers visiting two or more of these countries.
What currency should I carry to Rwanda?
US dollars are the standard foreign currency for visa fees, gorilla permits ($1,500), and lodge payments. Exchange Indian rupees for USD before traveling. ATMs in Kigali dispense Rwandan francs, and major hotels accept credit cards.
How do I get to Rwanda from India?
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa from Mumbai or Delhi is the most common route. Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha also offer convenient connections from multiple Indian cities. There are no direct flights.