Last updated: September 2026. Do children need a separate eVisa for Rwanda? Yes, every child, including infants, requires a separate Rwanda eVisa. Parents must submit individual applications for each minor with their own valid passport, an unabridged birth certificate, and a parental consent form where applicable. UK passport holders pay the standard eVisa fee per applicant, with processing taking 1 to 3 business days. Families can submit multiple eVisa applications in a single portal session, but each child must have a separate entry and their own valid travel document.
Do Children Need a Separate eVisa for Rwanda?
Every child under 18 requires a separate Rwanda eVisa with their own passport; no family pass or minor exemption exists. Since UK passports were digitised, children cannot be endorsed on a parent’s passport, so each minor must hold an individual travel document and obtain an independent eVisa approval.
The Rwanda eVisa for minors and family groups requires all applicants, including children, to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. UK Child Passports last 5 years, so review expiry dates before applying.
UK Commonwealth citizens (including children) can get a free 30-day visa on arrival; an eVisa avoids queues and guarantees entry.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Processing Time for Families
The Rwanda eVisa for minors and family groups offers two entry options: a pre-approved eVisa online or a visa on arrival at Kigali airport. For families with young children, the eVisa bypasses arrival queues and guarantees entry confirmation before departure.
Standard processing for the Rwanda eVisa takes 1 to 3 business days, with no additional review for minors unless documents are incomplete. UK/Commonwealth passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, but families risk standing in airport queues with children. Apply for the eVisa at least 2 weeks before departure to accommodate potential delays. Both options require a passport with minimum 6 months validity. Source: GOV.UK Rwanda travel advice.
Required Documents for a Minor’s Rwanda eVisa Application
A minor’s Rwanda eVisa requires the child’s passport scan, an unabridged birth certificate, and a notarised parental consent form when only one parent travels.
| Document | Upload Online | Carry Physically | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child’s passport bio page (min. 6 months validity, 1 blank page) | Yes | Yes (original) | Mandatory |
| Unabridged birth certificate (both parents’ names) | Yes | Yes (original) | Mandatory |
| Parental consent form (not older than 3 months from travel date) | Yes (if applicable) | Yes (printed, signed) | Conditional |
| Absent parent’s passport copy | No | Yes | Conditional |
| Sole custody court order / death certificate | No | Yes (original or certified copy) | Conditional |
Unabridged birth certificates showing both parents’ names must be in English or French or accompanied by a certified translation. Single parents travelling alone must carry a sole custody court order or the absent parent’s death certificate, plus a notarised consent letter and a copy of the absent parent’s passport for the Rwanda eVisa for minors and family groups.
Parental Consent and Single-Parent Travel Requirements
A parental consent form is mandatory for the Rwanda eVisa for minors and family groups when only one parent travels with the child. The form should be notarised, dated within 3 months of travel, and available in English or French.
Consent is required when: one parent travels alone, a grandparent or legal guardian accompanies the child, or a temporary guardian is appointed. Single parents must additionally carry a sole custody court order, death certificate, or adoption papers. Insufficient documentation risks entry refusal at the border for the Rwanda eVisa holder.
Reference: GOV.UK travel advice for Rwanda provides guidance on travelling with children abroad.
Parental Consent Letter Template
To: Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
I, [Parent 1 Full Name], passport no. [number], and
[Parent 2 Full Name], passport no. [number],
being the parents/legal guardians of [Child’s Full Name],
passport no. [number], date of birth [DD/MM/YYYY],
give consent for our child to travel to Rwanda
from [departure date] to [return date].
We authorise [accompanying adult’s name, if different]
to travel with our child and make decisions on their behalf.
Parent 1 signature: __________________ Date: __________
Parent 2 signature: __________________ Date: __________
Notarised by: [Notary Public Name, Seal, Date]
How to Apply for a Rwanda eVisa as a Family Group
Families can submit multiple Rwanda eVisa applications in a single portal session, with all documents scanned and ready before starting to avoid timeouts.
Access the Rwanda eVisa portal
Access the Rwanda eVisa portal via rwandainuk.gov.rw and create an account.
Select “Apply for eVisa”
Select “Apply for eVisa” for the first family member and enter personal details, passport number, and date of birth.
Upload the required documents
Upload the required documents for that applicant, then repeat the process for each additional family member, including every minor child.
Complete payment
Complete payment per applicant.
Wait for email confirmation
Wait for email confirmation for each application; standard processing takes 1-3 business days.
Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. If a payment fails, review your bank authorisation before re-submitting to avoid duplicate charges on the Rwanda eVisa platform.
Rwanda eVisa Fees for Children and Families in 2026
In 2026, children pay the same standard Rwanda eVisa fee as adults, except those under 16 holding a foreign passport and a Rwandan national ID who are exempt from the charge. All other minors, including UK passport holders without a Rwandan ID, pay the full adult fee. Standard processing takes 1-3 business days.
For fee enquiries regarding the Rwanda eVisa for minors and family groups, contact the Rwandan High Commission in London: phone +44 (0)207 224 9832, email [email protected], open Monday to Friday 9:30 am-1:00 pm and 2:00 pm-5:00 pm. Source: rwandainuk.gov.rw.
Border Control and Entry Requirements for Families
At the border, the Rwanda eVisa system requires each family member to present a printed eVisa confirmation, a passport with at least 6 months validity, and the child’s original unabridged birth certificate. Keep all documents in hand luggage, not checked baggage. Missing documents risk entry refusal or delays for Rwanda eVisa holders.
Yellow Fever Vaccination: Are Young Children Exempt?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers arriving from endemic countries. Infants under 9 months are generally exempt per WHO guidelines, while children aged 9-12 months may need a medical certificate of contraindication. Reference: WHO yellow fever guidelines.
FAQ
Do infants under 2 need a separate eVisa for Rwanda?
Yes, every child – including infants – needs a separate Rwanda eVisa. Each minor must have their own passport (min. 6 months validity) and a separate application.
Can my child apply for a Rwanda eVisa without a passport?
No. Every applicant, including infants, must hold their own valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity. Since UK passports were digitised, children cannot be endorsed on a parent’s passport and must obtain a separate Rwanda eVisa.
Is there a reduced eVisa fee for children travelling from the UK?
No standard discount exists. The full fee applies unless the child holds a valid Rwandan national ID. Children under 16 with a foreign passport and a Rwandan ID are exempt from the charge.
Can a grandparent apply for a Rwanda eVisa on behalf of a grandchild?
Yes, a grandparent/guardian may apply, but must submit a notarised consent letter from both parents, copies of their passports, and carry originals to the border.
What happens if my child’s birth certificate is not in English?
A certified translation into English or French must be attached to the application. The original unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names is mandatory.
Do I need to apply for the eVisa for each child separately, or can I do it in one application?
Each applicant needs a separate entry, but all can be submitted in one portal session without separate logins.
How far in advance should I apply for my children’s Rwanda eVisa?
Apply at least 2 weeks before the planned travel date. Standard processing takes 1 to 3 business days; applying early reduces risk of delays.
What if my child has a different surname from mine?
Prepare an additional document proving the relationship, such as an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names. At the border, clarification may be required by immigration officers.
Editorial note: This guide is based on publicly available requirements as of September 2026. Always verify current rules with the Rwandan High Commission and GOV.UK travel advice before applying.
