Rwanda Visa for US Citizens
US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Rwanda for $50, valid for 30 days with single entry. No advance application is needed, making Rwanda one of the easiest African countries to visit. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-Visa in advance through irembo.gov.rw for the same price and a smoother arrival. If you plan to visit Uganda and Kenya as well, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers all three countries for 90 days with multiple entries, offering excellent value for a multi-country trip. Rwanda does not require a yellow fever vaccine from travelers arriving directly from the United States, but a certificate is required if you transit through an endemic country (such as Ethiopia, Kenya, or Uganda).
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 with travel and personal details
Upload a passport-size photo (JPEG, white background)
Upload passport bio page scan
Upload return or onward flight ticket
Upload proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Upload yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Pay $50 (or $100 for East Africa Tourist Visa) online
Wait 3-5 business days for approval via email
Print the approval letter to present at immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid US 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 US passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- •Printed e-Visa approval letter (if you 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
Tips
- •Kigali airport immigration is well-organized and efficient
- •Have $50 USD ready in cash or a credit/debit card for visa on arrival
- •If you applied for an e-Visa, print the approval letter (don't rely on phone screenshots)
- •Know your first hotel name and address
Typical processing time: 5-15 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not carrying a yellow fever certificate when connecting through Addis Ababa or Nairobi
- Bringing plastic bags into Rwanda (they are banned and will be confiscated)
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Not having a return or onward ticket
- Confusing Rwanda's 30-day visa with the 90-day East Africa Tourist Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes, but Rwanda makes it easy. You can get a visa on arrival at Kigali airport for $50 (30 days, single entry) or apply for an e-Visa in advance at irembo.gov.rw. No appointment or embassy visit is needed.
Do Americans need a yellow fever vaccine for Rwanda?
Only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. If flying directly from the US without stopping in an endemic country, it is not required. However, most connections go through Addis Ababa or Nairobi (both endemic), so vaccination is strongly recommended.
How long can Americans stay in Rwanda?
The standard tourist visa allows 30 days. Extensions of up to 30 additional days are possible. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) provides 90 days across Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
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.
How do I get to Rwanda from the US?
There are no direct flights. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is the most popular route (about 2.5 hours from Addis to Kigali). Other options include Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, KLM via Amsterdam, and Qatar Airways via Doha.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Kigali airport?
Yes. Rwanda offers visa on arrival to all nationalities, including US citizens. The cost is $50 for 30 days. The process is quick, typically under 10 minutes. You can pay in USD cash or by card.