Rwanda eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation issued via the IremboGov portal for tourists visiting Rwanda. In 2026, British passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under the Commonwealth Open Visa policy, or apply for a paid eVisa for longer stays.
In 2026, UK citizens can enter visa-free for 30 days (Commonwealth Open Visa) or apply for a paid eVisa via IremboGov for longer stays. This article covers eligibility, $50/$70 fees, document specs, the 4-day processing time, and the step-by-step Rwanda eVisa application process for tourists.
Last updated: 12 September 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements reflect 2026 DGIE and IremboGov data.
What Is a Rwanda eVisa?
The Rwanda eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation issued online via the IremboGov portal, replacing the traditional embassy visa process for tourists. DGIE issues the Rwanda eVisa as a PDF approval letter sent by email.
Applicants use IremboGov to submit documents digitally and present the printed approval letter at the border. The Rwanda eVisa is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) under the Immigration and Emigration category on IremboGov. This Rwanda e-visa – also known as a Rwandan electronic visa or online visa for Rwanda – eliminates the need to visit a consulate. The Rwanda eVisa approval letter arrives by email within 4 business days of submission.
Do UK Citizens Need a Rwanda Visa in 2026?
UK citizens get a free 30-day stamp on arrival under the Commonwealth Open Visa policy.
Under the Open Visa policy, citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie countries – including the United Kingdom – receive a free visa stamp upon arrival at Kigali airport. No pre-application, no fee, no paperwork. British passport holders visiting for up to 30 days do not need a paid Rwanda eVisa.
A paid Rwanda eVisa becomes necessary when the planned stay exceeds 30 days or when multiple entries are needed. The single-entry eVisa (V1-S) costs $50 (approx. £40) and covers 30 days, while the multiple-entry eVisa (V1-M) costs $70 (approx. £50) and allows stays of up to 90 days. UK citizens may also apply for a paid Rwanda eVisa in advance if they prefer having clearance secured before departure.
Decision guide for British passport holders:
- Staying 30 days or fewer → Free Visa on Arrival (no application needed)
- Staying 31 to 90 days → Apply for a paid Rwanda eVisa (single-entry or multiple-entry)
- Travelling to Rwanda + Kenya + Uganda → Consider the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, 90 days)
Rwanda eVisa Fees in 2026
Rwanda eVisa fees in 2026 cost $50 (approx. £40) for a single-entry and $70 (approx. £50) for a multiple-entry visa, while the East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 (approx. £80).
| Visa Type | Duration | Entries | Fee (USD) | Fee (GBP approx.) | Recommended for UK Tourists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Visa (Visa on Arrival) | 30 days | Single | Free | Free | British passport holders staying ≤30 days |
| Single-Entry eVisa (V1-S) | 30 days | Single | $50 | £40 | Non-Commonwealth tourists visiting Rwanda once |
| Multiple-Entry eVisa (V1-M) | 90 days | Multiple | $70 | £50 | Travellers needing repeated entries over 3 months |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) | 90 days | Multiple | $100 | £80 | Tourists visiting Rwanda + Kenya + Uganda |
How to Pay for Your Rwanda eVisa
The Rwanda eVisa application fee is charged in USD via the IremboGov portal using Visa or Mastercard. Ensure your card has 3D Secure enabled to avoid payment failures. The EATV covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, but you must enter the issuing country first.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa vs East Africa Tourist Visa – Which Option Is Right for You?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100, allows 90-day travel across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, and requires entering the issuing country first.
UK tourists in 2026 have four Rwanda entry options. The Open Visa (Visa on Arrival) is free, grants 30 days, and requires no pre-application for Commonwealth citizens. The single-entry Rwanda eVisa ($50/£40, 30 days) suits non-Commonwealth tourists or UK citizens wanting pre-arranged clearance. The multiple-entry Rwanda eVisa ($70/£50, 90 days) covers repeated visits over three months. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100/£80, 90 days, multiple entries) covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda – but you must enter the issuing country first.
| Visa Type | Cost | Duration | Entries | Application Method | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Visa (Visa on Arrival) | Free | 30 days | Single | No application – stamp on arrival | Commonwealth/AU/La Francophonie citizens staying ≤30 days |
| Single-Entry eVisa (V1-S) | $50 / £40 | 30 days | Single | IremboGov online | UK tourists wanting pre-arranged clearance |
| Multiple-Entry eVisa (V1-M) | $70 / £50 | 90 days | Multiple | IremboGov online | Travellers needing repeated entries |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 / £80 | 90 days | Multiple | IremboGov online | Tourists visiting Rwanda + Kenya + Uganda |
Decision guidance: Going to Rwanda only for ≤30 days → Visa on Arrival (free). Rwanda only for 31-90 days → Multiple-Entry Rwanda eVisa ($70/£50). Rwanda + Kenya + Uganda → EATV saves $200+ vs three separate visas.
How to Apply for a Rwanda eVisa – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
The Rwanda eVisa application is completed entirely online on the IremboGov portal in seven steps: registration, form, documents, photo, review, payment, and submission. The entire process takes around 20 minutes if your documents are prepared in advance.
Before you start, have these ready: a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, a passport-size photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm, white background, JPEG under 500 KB), a return flight booking, and a hotel reservation. All uploaded files must be in PDF or JPG format, with a maximum size of 1 MB per file.
Go to IremboGov
Navigate to the visa services section under Immigration and Emigration at irembo.gov.rw.
Create an IremboGov account
Register with your email and verify via the confirmation link.
Select your visa type
Choose single-entry (V1-S, 30 days) or multiple-entry (V1-M, 90 days) for your Rwanda eVisa.
Fill in the online form
Enter personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation.
Upload documents
Attach passport scan, passport photo, return flight booking, and hotel reservation.
Review and pay
Verify all data, then pay the Rwanda eVisa application fee via Visa or Mastercard in USD.
Submit and receive confirmation
Submission generates a reference number; your Rwanda eVisa approval letter arrives by email within 4 business days.
Documents Required for a Rwanda eVisa Application
The Rwanda eVisa requires applicants to submit a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), a passport-size photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm, white background, JPEG under 500 KB), a return flight booking, and proof of accommodation.
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months from date of entry, minimum 2 blank pages
- Passport-size photo: 4.5 × 3.5 cm, white background, JPEG format, under 500 KB
- Return flight booking or onward travel confirmation
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Rwanda
- Yellow fever certificate: required only when arriving from or transiting through endemic countries
All documents for the Rwanda eVisa must be uploaded as PDF or JPG files, with a maximum file size of 1 MB per file. Compress large scans before uploading to avoid rejection. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory for the Rwanda eVisa application.
eVisa Processing Time & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Standard Rwanda eVisa processing takes 4 business days via IremboGov, so apply at least 7-14 days before your travel date to allow for any delays.
No expedited processing option is currently available. Submit your Rwanda eVisa application 7-14 days before your planned departure to account for weekends, public holidays, or resubmission if a document is rejected.
Recommended timeline for a Rwanda eVisa application:
T-14 days
Gather all required documents (passport scan, photo, flight booking, hotel reservation)
T-10 days
Submit the application on IremboGov and pay the fee
T-6 days
Expect the approval letter by email (4 business days after submission)
T-3 days
Print the approval letter and pack it with your passport
Seven common mistakes that delay or reject a Rwanda eVisa application:
- Blurry passport scan – ensure all text is legible before uploading
- Wrong photo dimensions – must be 4.5 × 3.5 cm on a white background
- File size exceeds 1 MB – compress scans to under the 1 MB limit per file
- Mismatched travel dates – your return date must fall within the Rwanda eVisa validity period
- Payment failure – ensure 3D Secure is enabled on your Visa or Mastercard
- Using third-party or scam websites – submit only through the IremboGov portal
- Expired passport – your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from your entry date
Rwanda eVisa Validity, Duration & Extension
A single-entry Rwanda eVisa allows a 30-day stay from the date of entry, while a multiple-entry Rwanda eVisa permits stays of up to 90 days. The Rwanda eVisa approval letter itself remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance – you must enter Rwanda within this window or the authorisation expires and a new application is required.
Overstaying a Rwanda eVisa without an approved extension may result in fines or restrictions on future visa applications. To extend a Rwanda eVisa, apply in person at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) office at least 5 days before the current visa expires.
DGIE OfficeKG 7 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda
Tel: +250-788-152-222 · Hotline: 9090
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (Kigali time)
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| DGIE General Enquiries | [email protected] |
| DGIE Passport Services | [email protected] |
| DGIE Permit Services | [email protected] |
| DGIE Telephone | +250-788-152-222 |
| DGIE Hotline | 9090 |
| DGIE Hours | Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm (Kigali time) |
| DGIE Address | KG 7 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda |
| DGIE X (Twitter) | @Rwandamigration |
Arriving in Rwanda – Immigration & Travel Requirements
At Kigali International Airport, travellers present their passport and Rwanda eVisa approval letter at Immigration, complete biometrics, and receive an entry stamp within 15-30 minutes.
The Rwanda eVisa approval letter (printed copy) is presented alongside the passport at the immigration desk, located to the right after the jet bridge. British passport holders using the free Visa on Arrival simply present their passport. An immigration officer captures biometrics (photo and fingerprints), stamps the passport, and directs the traveller to baggage claim.
Before departure, ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the date of entry and 2 blank pages. Carry a printed copy of your Rwanda eVisa approval letter if you applied online. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only when arriving from or transiting through endemic countries. Travel insurance and proof of accommodation with return or onward travel confirmation are recommended and may be requested at the border.
Practical Tips for UK Tourists Visiting Rwanda in 2026
UK tourists should book gorilla trekking permits ($1,500) 3-6 months ahead and can use RwandAir’s free Kigali Stopover Program with ticket stock prefix 459.
Combining Your Rwanda eVisa with Gorilla Trekking Permits
The Rwanda eVisa does not cover gorilla trekking. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues gorilla permits separately at $1,500 per international visitor (2026 rate). Book permits 3-6 months in advance through RDB, then align your Rwanda eVisa application dates so the visa covers the full trip including trekking days.
Flying with RwandAir? Combine Your Rwanda eVisa with a Kigali Stopover
RwandAir operates daily non-stop flights from London to Kigali (7 flights per week). Return ticket holders with stock prefix 459 qualify for the free Kigali Stopover Program. Use promo code FLYWB26 for potential discounts on bookings.
Contact the Rwandan High Commission in London for Consular Support
Contact the Rwandan High Commission for consular support (not eVisa):
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Telephone | +44 (0)207 224 9832 |
| [email protected] | |
| Hours | Mon-Fri, 9:30am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm |
| Jurisdiction | UK, Ireland, and Malta |
Contacting DGIE & the Rwandan High Commission in London
For Rwanda eVisa support, contact the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) directly, as the Rwandan High Commission in London does not process eVisa applications.
The Rwanda eVisa is processed exclusively through the IremboGov portal, not through embassy or High Commission channels. British passport holders seeking guidance on a Rwanda eVisa application should direct all queries to DGIE in Kigali. The Rwandan High Commission in London handles in-person passport and ID services for Rwandan nationals in the UK, Ireland, and Malta, and does not process Rwanda eVisa requests. For the legal basis of visa categories, see the DGIE website.
| Authority | Role for Rwanda eVisa | Telephone | Hours | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DGIE (Kigali) | Processes all Rwanda eVisa applications | [email protected] | +250-788-152-222 | Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm (Kigali time) | KG 7 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda |
| DGIE Hotline | General immigration enquiries | – | 9090 | Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm | – |
| Rwandan High Commission, London | Does NOT process Rwanda eVisa; consular services for Rwandan nationals | [email protected] | +44 (0)207 224 9832 | Mon-Fri, 9:30am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm | – |
Rwanda eVisa FAQ
What is a Rwanda eVisa and how does it work?
A Rwanda eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation from DGIE via IremboGov. Apply online, receive a PDF approval letter by email within 4 business days, and present it with your passport at the Rwandan border.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Rwanda in 2026?
No – UK citizens get a free 30-day stamp on arrival under the Commonwealth Open Visa. For stays of 31-90 days, apply for a paid multiple-entry Rwanda eVisa ($70/£50).
How much does a Rwanda eVisa cost in 2026?
The Rwanda eVisa costs $50 (approx. £40) for single-entry (30 days) and $70 (approx. £50) for multiple-entry (90 days). Payments are in USD via Visa or Mastercard on IremboGov.
How long does it take to get a Rwanda eVisa?
Standard Rwanda eVisa processing takes 4 business days via IremboGov. Apply 7-14 days before travel. The approval letter arrives by email – print it and present it on arrival.
What documents do I need for a Rwanda eVisa application?
You need a passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), a passport photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm, white background, JPEG under 500 KB), return flight booking, and proof of accommodation. Files must be PDF or JPG, max 1 MB each.
Can I extend my Rwanda eVisa?
Yes – visit the DGIE office at KG 7 Ave, Kigali, at least 5 days before your Rwanda eVisa expires. Call +250-788-152-222 or hotline 9090 for guidance.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100, allows 90-day multi-country travel across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, and requires entering the issuing country first. It replaces a standard Rwanda eVisa if visiting all three.
What happens at Kigali airport immigration when I arrive?
Present your passport and printed Rwanda eVisa approval letter (or passport only for Visa on Arrival) at the immigration desk. Biometrics are captured, and the process takes 15-30 minutes.
Can I apply for a Rwanda eVisa on a third-party website?
No – apply only through the IremboGov portal. Third-party Rwanda eVisa sites may charge extra fees or be scams. IremboGov processes applications directly for DGIE.
What is the validity period of a Rwanda eVisa once approved?
The Rwanda eVisa approval letter is valid for 90 days from issuance – enter Rwanda within this window. Stay duration: 30 days (single-entry) or 90 days (multiple-entry).
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements on the IremboGov portal or by contacting DGIE directly at [email protected] or +250-788-152-222.
