Last updated: 12 September 2026. All visa fees and requirements were verified against the DGIE fee schedule and the IremboGov portal on 12 September 2026. This is an independent travel information website, not affiliated with the Government of Rwanda or the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Always verify current requirements at support.irembo.gov.rw before travelling.
Can Indian citizens apply for a Rwanda eVisa in 2026? Yes. Indian passport holders can apply online via the IremboGov portal for a tourist eVisa (approximately $50 USD government fee, valid 30 days, single entry). Processing takes 3-5 working days. Alternatively, a visa on arrival is available at Kigali International Airport for the same fee.
Indian passport holders must obtain a Rwanda eVisa or a visa on arrival to enter the country. The eVisa costs approximately $50 USD (~£40 GBP) via the IremboGov portal and is valid for 30 days. Citizens of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East all qualify for the eVisa with similar online application procedures. The standard processing time is 3 to 5 working days. Applying for the Rwanda eVisa for Indian citizens in advance is recommended to avoid airport queues upon arrival.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Rwanda?
Indian passport holders must obtain a Rwanda eVisa or visa on arrival; India is not visa-exempt. Both options are available: an eVisa online before departure or a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The visa on arrival policy, effective since 1 January 2018, applies to all nationalities and grants a 30-day stay.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Is Better for Indian Travellers?
Both options cost $50 USD (~£40 GBP). The Rwanda eVisa for Indian citizens eliminates airport queues by completing the process in advance, while the visa on arrival requires queuing at KGL with a passport photo on hand.
| Feature | Rwanda eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) |
| Processing time | 3-5 working days | Instant at airport |
| Documents | Pre-uploaded online | Carry passport photo to airport |
| Queue risk | None | Variable at KGL immigration |
| Recommendation | Recommended for first-time Indian travellers | Viable backup option |
Rwanda eVisa Fees and Step-by-Step Application
The government fee for the Rwanda eVisa for Indian citizens is approximately $50 USD (~£40 GBP) via the IremboGov portal. Visa types include: tourist eVisa (30 days, single entry), multiple-entry eVisa (90 days, $179.00 agency price per DGIE visa categories), transit eVisa (3 days, $85.00 agency), and East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, covering Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya).
How to Apply on the IremboGov Portal
Visit the IremboGov portal
Go to support.irembo.gov.rw.
Log in and select Visa
Log in, then select Visa under Immigration.
Complete the online application form
Fill in the 5-step form requiring personal, passport, and travel details.
Upload documents
Upload passport scan, portrait photo, and supporting files.
Pay securely online
Visa and MasterCard only; UPI and RuPay are not supported.
Submit and save your reference number
Save the 13-digit application reference number (e.g., IREM-2026-XXXXX) for status tracking.
Standard processing takes 4 days via IremboGov. The Rwanda eVisa for Indian citizens can be obtained directly; no third-party agent is required.
Payment Methods on IremboGov
IremboGov accepts Visa and MasterCard international cards only. Indian payment networks UPI, RuPay, and NEFT are not supported. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions. If your Indian bank blocks the transaction, contact the bank to whitelist the IremboGov payment gateway, or use an international Visa/MasterCard.
Government Fee vs Third-Party Agency Costs
| Application Channel | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IremboGov (direct) | ~$50 USD | Government fee via DGIE |
| Atlys (agency) | $60 USD | Agency service fee |
| – Tourist | $159.00 excl. VAT | Standard agency tier |
| – Commonwealth | $99.00 excl. VAT | Reduced tier for Commonwealth citizens |
Third-party agencies charge 2-3x the government fee. You can obtain the eVisa directly through IremboGov without any intermediary.
Commonwealth Entry Visa Tier for Indian Applicants
India’s Commonwealth membership qualifies Indian applicants for a reduced-rate Commonwealth entry eVisa tier on select third-party platforms. offers this at $99.00 excl. VAT versus $159.00 excl. VAT for the standard tourist tier. This is a third-party product tier, not a government category. The government fee via IremboGov remains ~$50 USD regardless of Commonwealth membership.
Required Documents, Passport Validity & Health Rules
Indian applicants need a passport valid for six months, a recent portrait photo, and supporting documents like flight and accommodation details to successfully apply.
Passport Requirements – Validity, Blank Pages, Expiry Rules
The Rwanda eVisa for Indian citizens requires a passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry and a minimum of one blank immigration page. Expired or damaged passports may result in application denial or refusal at the border.
Supporting Documents Checklist & Yellow Fever Certificate
- Passport bio-page scan (JPEG/PDF format)
- Recent portrait photo (white background)
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement)
- Yellow fever certificate – not required for direct India-Kigali flights, but mandatory if transiting through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Entebbe. Vaccinate at least 10 days before travel.
Processing Time, eVisa Delivery & Extending Your Stay
Standard processing for the Rwanda eVisa for Indian citizens: 3-5 working days (IremboGov: 4 days). Approved eVisa arrives as PDF via email. Print the document in advance; black-and-white copies are accepted at the border.
Entry Points & What Happens at Kigali Airport
The eVisa is valid at Kigali International Airport (KGL) and designated land borders, including Gatuna and Kagitumba (Uganda), Cyanika (Burundi), and Rusumo (Tanzania). At KGL: present printed eVisa and passport at immigration (dedicated lane may exist). Keep eVisa in hand luggage. Declare currency ≥$10,000 USD.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days
Indian travellers who wish to stay longer than the 30-day validity period must apply for an extension in person at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration office before the eVisa expires. Overstay penalties apply.
KG 7 Ave, Kigali, RwandaOffice hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Telephone: +250-788-152-222; in-country hotline: 9090.
Rwanda eVisa for Asian, Oceanian & Middle Eastern Citizens
Citizens of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East follow the same IremboGov process and fee structure. Like applicants for India, these nationalities use the same IremboGov portal, pay $50 USD (~£40 GBP), and receive a 30-day single-entry eVisa in 3-5 working days.
| Nationality Group | Government Fee | Processing Time | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | 3-5 working days | Same IremboGov portal |
| Japan | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | 3-5 working days | Same IremboGov portal |
| Southeast Asia | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | 3-5 working days | Same IremboGov portal |
| Oceania | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | 3-5 working days | Same IremboGov portal |
| Middle East | $50 USD (~£40 GBP) | 3-5 working days | Same IremboGov portal |
Application Process for Chinese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern Travellers
All eligible nationalities (167 countries, per HC Kigali) apply via IremboGov, pay the standard $50 fee, and receive a 30-day single-entry eVisa in 3-5 days. Applicants must prepare a passport scan, a portrait photo, and supporting documents before completing the online application form. Payment is made securely online during submission, and the approved eVisa arrives by email as a downloadable PDF for printing prior to travel.
FAQ
Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in Rwanda?
Yes. Indian citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport for $50 USD, valid for 30 days. Applying for the eVisa online in advance is recommended to eliminate airport queues.
How much does the Rwanda eVisa cost for Indian citizens in 2026?
The government fee is approximately $50 USD (~£40 GBP) via IremboGov. Third-party agencies charge $60-$299, but direct application requires no agent.
What documents are required for the Rwanda eVisa?
Passport bio-page scan (JPEG/PDF), recent portrait photo (white background), hotel booking or invitation letter, return flight ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and yellow fever certificate if transiting through endemic zones.
How long does Rwanda eVisa processing take?
Standard processing: 3-5 working days (IremboGov standard: 4 days). The approved eVisa is delivered as a downloadable PDF via email.
Where can Indian citizens apply for the Rwanda eVisa online?
Apply through the IremboGov portal at support.irembo.gov.rw. The application is fully online; no PDF form is available for download. No third-party agent is required.
Do Indian citizens need a yellow fever certificate for Rwanda?
Not required for direct India-Kigali flights. Mandatory if transiting through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Entebbe. Vaccinate at least 10 days before travel if transit is planned.
Is there a PDF application form for the Rwanda eVisa?
No. The application is fully online via IremboGov. There is no downloadable PDF form.
Can Chinese, Japanese, or Southeast Asian citizens apply the same way?
Yes. Citizens of 167 countries and territories use the same IremboGov portal, pay the same $50 fee, and receive a 30-day single-entry eVisa.
Can I extend my eVisa while in Rwanda?
Yes. Visit the DGIE office at KG 7 Ave, Kigali (Mon-Fri, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, hotline 9090) before your eVisa expires. Overstay penalties apply.
Do diplomatic Indian passport holders need an eVisa?
Contact the High Commission of India in Kigali (@mea.gov.in, +250 737 310 070, Villa 67, KG 9 Avenue, Nyarutarama, Kigali) for exemption eligibility.
