Last reviewed: 12 September 2026. What documents are required for a Rwanda eVisa? UK travellers must prepare four core items: a passport biodata scan (JPG/PDF, max 1 MB), a passport photo (35×45 mm, JPG/PNG, max 500 KB), proof of accommodation, and a flight itinerary. All files are uploaded via the IremboGov portal. This is an independent travel information portal, not affiliated with IremboGov or the Rwandan government; prices shown are third-party agency fees monitored by our editorial team, which verifies upload specifications and DGIE requirements quarterly.
As of September 2026, the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) enforces strict technical specifications for every uploaded file: colour scans at a minimum 300 DPI, passport with 6+ months validity from date of arrival, and 2+ blank pages. HEIC, DOCX, and TIFF formats are rejected by the system. This checklist breaks down every required document by visa type, provides exact format and size limits for each upload, and includes a step-by-step IremboGov submission guide so UK applicants can prepare a rejection-proof application.
Core Passport and Photo Requirements for a Rwanda eVisa
A Rwanda eVisa passport must carry 6+ months validity from arrival, 2+ blank pages, and a colour 300 DPI biodata page scan. The passport photo must measure 35×45 mm on a plain white background.
| Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | 6+ months from arrival |
| Blank pages | Minimum 2 |
| Biodata scan format | JPG or PDF, max 1 MB, 300 DPI, colour, MRZ visible |
| Photo dimensions | 35×45 mm, JPG/PNG, max 500 KB |
| Photo rules | White background, ears visible, neutral expression |
| Accepted Scan | Rejected Scan |
|---|---|
| Full-page colour, 300 DPI | Cropped or partial page |
| MRZ lines fully legible | Blurry or low-resolution image |
| No reflections or shadows | Black-and-white or grayscale |
Complete Rwanda eVisa Document Checklist by Visa Type
The Rwanda eVisa checklist below specifies every required document, format, and size limit by visa type.
| Document | Format | Max Size | Tourist | Transit | Business | Commonwealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport biodata scan | JPG / PDF | 1 MB | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Passport photo (35×45 mm) | JPG / PNG | 500 KB | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flight itinerary | 1-2 MB | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | |
| Hotel booking / accommodation proof | 1-2 MB | ✅ | ➖ | ⚠️ | ✅ | |
| Invitation letter | 1 MB | ➖ | ➖ | ✅ | ➖ | |
| Bank statement | 1 MB | ⚠️ | ➖ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
✅ Required ⚠️ Recommended ➖ Not needed
Supporting Travel Documents and UK-Specific Options
The Rwanda eVisa checklist requires accommodation proof (hotel booking with confirmation number, Airbnb reservation, or host letter with full name, address, and duration) and a mandatory return or onward flight itinerary. A confirmed reservation suffices; a purchased ticket is not needed. UK citizens do not need a Yellow Fever certificate for the eVisa unless transiting an endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda) for over 12 hours. The International Certificate of Vaccination is then presented at the border, not uploaded.
As of September 2026, British tourists qualify for the Commonwealth Entry eVisa at $99 (~£79) or the Standard Tourist eVisa at $159 (~£126). Both require identical core documents. These are third-party agency fees; government consular fees may differ. Verify on IremboGov and cross-reference GOV.UK Rwanda travel advice before submitting. The Rwandan High Commission in London (rwandainuk.gov.rw; +44 (0)207 224 9832; [email protected]; Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-1 PM, 2 PM-5 PM) can assist with consular queries for UK residents.
Additional Documents for Children and Family Travel
Children travelling to Rwanda need an unabridged birth certificate and a notarised parental consent letter if travelling with one parent. Minors follow the same upload standards as adults, with additional family evidence verified by border authorities on arrival.
- Unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
- Notarised parental consent letter when the child travels with one parent or guardian; if the child travels alone, consent from both parents plus a letter from the school or institution is required.
- Copies of both parents’ passport biodata pages.
- Child’s own passport with at least 6 months validity from date of arrival and 2+ blank pages.
- Child’s passport photo meeting the same specifications as adults: 35×45 mm, plain white background, JPG or PNG, max 500 KB.
Each minor requires a separate Rwanda eVisa application. Consult GOV.UK guidance on travelling with children abroad for broader requirements.
How to Upload Documents on IremboGov and Avoid Rejection
Compress large files (TinyPNG for images, SmallPDF for PDFs), convert invalid formats (HEIC to JPG, DOCX to PDF), and use Chrome or Firefox for uploads. IremboGov rejects HEIC, DOCX, and TIFF. Every Rwanda eVisa file must be JPG, JPEG, PNG, or PDF, with photos capped at 500 KB and passport scans at 1 MB, scanned at a minimum 300 DPI in full colour.
Create an account or log in
Create an account or log in on the IremboGov portal.
Select your visa type
Choose Tourist, Transit, Commonwealth, or Business.
Fill in personal details
Enter details exactly as they appear on your passport.
Upload passport biodata scan
JPG/PDF, max 1 MB, colour, 300 DPI.
Upload portrait photo and supporting documents
Photo (JPG/PNG, max 500 KB) plus accommodation, flights, and invitation documents.
Pay the fee and save your reference number
Pay by credit or debit card and save your application reference number.
This prevents top Rwanda eVisa rejection causes: blurry photos, expired passports (under 6 months validity), wrong file formats, insufficient blank pages, and missing accommodation proof.
Rwanda eVisa Fees and Processing Times (2026)
Third-party agency fees (September 2026): Standard Tourist $159 (~£126), Commonwealth Entry $99 (~£79), Transit $85 (~£67), Multiple Entry $179 (~£142). Government consular fees on DGIE may differ. Standard Rwanda eVisa processing takes 3 to 5 working days; peak periods may extend to 7 days. Apply 7 to 10 days ahead; no rush processing is available.
| Visa Type | Agency Fee (USD) | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tourist (Single Entry) | $159 | ~£126 |
| Commonwealth Entry (Single Entry) | $99 | ~£79 |
| Transit (72 hours) | $85 | ~£67 |
| Multiple Entry (90 days) | $179 | ~£142 |
These are third-party agency service fees as of September 2026. Government consular fees may differ. Verify current fees on IremboGov at time of application.
Rwanda eVisa Document Requirements – FAQ
What documents are required for a Rwanda eVisa from the UK?
A valid passport with at least 6 months validity (colour scan, JPG/PDF, max 1 MB), a passport photo (35×45 mm, white background, JPG/PNG, max 500 KB), proof of accommodation covering the full stay, and a return or onward flight itinerary. All files are uploaded via the IremboGov portal.
How long does a Rwanda eVisa take to process in 2026?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days; peak periods may extend to 7 days. Apply 7 to 10 days in advance; no rush processing is available.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Rwanda?
Generally no. UK citizens are not required to present a Yellow Fever certificate unless transiting through an endemic country (such as Kenya, Uganda, DRC, or Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours. If required, the International Certificate of Vaccination is presented at the border, not uploaded for the eVisa.
What is the passport photo size for a Rwanda eVisa?
The photo must measure 35×45 mm with a plain white background, in JPG or PNG format, maximum 500 KB. The recommended digital resolution is 350×450 px. The applicant must have a neutral expression, eyes open, and ears visible, with no sunglasses or headwear.
Can I apply with less than 6 months passport validity?
No. A minimum of 6 months validity from the date of arrival is mandatory, as confirmed by GOV.UK travel advice and the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. The passport must also have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Rwanda in 2026?
Yes. British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Rwanda. UK travellers may qualify for the Commonwealth Entry eVisa at $99 (approximately £79 as of September 2026) through third-party agencies, compared to the Standard Tourist eVisa at $159 (approximately £126). Government consular fees may differ.
What file format does IremboGov accept?
IremboGov accepts JPG, JPEG, and PNG for photos (maximum 500 KB) and PDF for documents such as passport scans and accommodation proof (maximum 1 to 2 MB). Files in DOC, DOCX, HEIC, or TIFF formats are rejected. Minimum scan resolution is 300 DPI.
Can I extend my Rwanda eVisa after arrival?
Yes. Apply at the DGIE office (KG 7 Ave, Kigali; [email protected]; +250-788-152-222; Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM) or via IremboGov before the current visa expires. Bring your passport, current visa printout, a reason letter, and proof of ongoing accommodation. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days.
