The Rwanda eVisa costs $30 to $50 with processing taking 3 to 5 working days. Kenya’s ETA costs $30 to $50 with instant approval. Uganda charges $50 (3 to 7 days), while Tanzania reaches $50 to $100 (5 to 10 days). The $50 East African Tourist Visa covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda but not Tanzania.
Rwanda offers 90-day visa-free entry to British citizens and a dual online/visa-on-arrival system via IremboGov, unlike Kenya, where the ETA fully replaced traditional visas in January 2025. Rwanda maintained its dual system throughout 2026.
Published 15 January 2026. Last verified 12 September 2026 against the immigration portals referenced in this guide.
Rwanda eVisa Overview: How It Works in 2026
Rwanda’s eVisa costs $30 for single-entry or $50 for multiple-entry via the IremboGov platform, with standard processing of 3-5 working days and a 24-hour urgent option. Single-entry validity is 30 days; multiple-entry grants 90 days. UK nationals enjoy 90 days visa-free access, making the Rwanda eVisa optional but useful for faster border clearance.
Application Process via IremboGov – Step by Step
Register on IremboGov
Create your account on the IremboGov platform.
Select visa type
Choose single or multiple-entry visa.
Upload documents
Upload passport, photo, return ticket, accommodation proof.
Pay by Visa or Mastercard
Complete payment using Visa or Mastercard.
Receive Rwanda eVisa by email
Receive your Rwanda eVisa by email within 3-5 working days.
Required Documents for Rwanda eVisa
- Passport valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages
- Digital passport-sized photo
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
DGIE contact:
KG 7 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda| [email protected] | +250-788-152-222 | Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm.
Side-by-Side eVisa Fee Comparison Table (2026)
When comparing the Rwanda eVisa vs other African countries, the Rwanda eVisa stands out at $30 for single-entry, on par with Kenya’s ETA ($30-$50) and below Tanzania’s $50-$100 range. For multi-country itineraries covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, the East African Tourist Visa at $50 may be more cost-effective but does not cover Tanzania. All fees verified as of 2026 from each country’s immigration portal.
| Country | Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entry | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | eVisa single-entry | $30 | 30 days | Single | IremboGov |
| Rwanda | eVisa multiple-entry | $50 | 90 days | Multiple | IremboGov |
| Kenya | ETA | $30-$50 | 90 days | Single-trip | etakenya.go.ke |
| Uganda | eVisa single-entry | $50 | 90 days | Single | immigration.go.ug |
| Tanzania | eVisa | $50-$100 | 90 days | Single | visa.immigration.go.tz |
| EATV | Joint Tourist Visa | $50 | 90 days | Multiple | immigration.go.ug |
Processing Time & System Differences: Rwanda vs Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania
Rwanda processes the Rwanda eVisa in 3-5 working days; Kenya’s ETA approves instantly for many nationalities; Tanzania takes 5-10 working days. The Rwanda eVisa offers a 24-hour urgent option, while Kenya’s auto-approval eliminates wait times entirely.
| Country | Standard Processing | Expedited | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | 3-5 working days | 24 h urgent | 7-10 days |
| Kenya | Immediate auto-approval | Not needed | 3-5 days |
| Uganda | 3-7 working days | Not confirmed | 10-14 days |
| Tanzania | 5-10 working days | Not confirmed | 14-21 days |
Kenya ETA vs Rwanda eVisa: Structural Differences
Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a pre-travel screening replacing the visa entirely; approval is instantaneous for many nationalities via etakenya.go.ke. The Rwanda eVisa is a full visa issuance, available online via IremboGov or on arrival at the border. Kenya’s ETA suits travellers needing guaranteed clearance before flying; the Rwanda eVisa offers more flexibility with its dual-route approach.
East African Tourist Visa: The Regional Alternative Explained
The $50 East African Tourist Visa (EATV), also known as the Joint Tourist Visa, covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with 90-day multi-entry access for tourism but excludes Tanzania entirely. You must apply from the country of first entry. Whether you apply for the Rwanda eVisa separately or opt for the EATV depends on your itinerary.
- EATV: $50, 90 days, multiple entries for tourism; must apply from the country of first entry. Does not cover Tanzania or DRC.
- When to choose EATV: Visiting Rwanda + Kenya + Uganda in one trip. Choose individual eVisas if Tanzania is included or for a single-country visit.
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visa Options Across Countries
| Country | Single Entry | Multiple Entry | Multiple Entry Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | ✅ ($30) | ✅ | $50 |
| Kenya (ETA) | ✅ ($30-$50) | ❌ (single-trip ETA) | N/A |
| Uganda | ✅ ($50) | ✅ | Available (price varies) |
| Tanzania | ✅ ($50-$100) | ✅ | Available (price varies) |
For a Rwanda → Uganda → Rwanda itinerary, the EATV ($50) is cheaper than two separate Rwanda eVisa applications.
Entry Options, Visa-Free Access & Stay Duration Compared
UK citizens enter Rwanda visa-free for 90 days; Rwanda ranks #1 in Africa for visa openness since 2023. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania each grant 90 days on their respective tourist visas. The Rwanda eVisa remains optional for UK nationals who prefer pre-cleared entry.
- Rwanda: visa-free 90 days for UK nationals; visa-on-arrival to all nationalities since 1 January 2018; Rwanda eVisa optional via IremboGov.
- Kenya: ETA required for most nationalities; visa-on-arrival phased out.
- Uganda: visa-on-arrival or eVisa; 90 days.
- Tanzania: eVisa or visa-on-arrival; 90 days.
- Extensions: Rwanda eVisa extensions may require in-person visit to DGIE, KG 7 Ave, Kigali; Kenya offers online extensions; Uganda requires in-person at NCIC, Plot 65/67, Old Port bell Road, Kampala, Uganda; Tanzania requires in-person.
Document Requirements, Upload Specs & Yellow Fever Certificates
None of the four countries requires a yellow fever certificate for direct arrivals from the UK; the Rwanda eVisa mandates it only when transiting an endemic country, as do Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for arrivals from endemic zones. All four require passport validity ≥6 months and ≥2 blank pages.
A route from London → Dubai → Kigali requires no certificate, because neither the UK nor Dubai is an endemic zone. However, a layover in Nairobi or Addis Ababa where you leave the airport may trigger the requirement for onward entry to Rwanda.
The Rwanda eVisa application via IremboGov requires four uploaded documents: passport biodata page scan, digital passport photo, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Check IremboGov for current file specs. Common rejection reasons include passport validity under 6 months, blurry document scans, and missing return tickets.
UK Citizens: Requirements, Portals & Payment Methods
UK passport holders need no visa for Rwanda (90 days visa-free); the Rwanda eVisa is optional. Kenya requires an ETA; Tanzania requires an eVisa; Uganda offers visa-on-arrival or eVisa.
- Rwanda → No visa needed (90 days visa-free). Optional: apply for the Rwanda eVisa via IremboGov for faster border processing.
- Kenya → ETA required at etakenya.go.ke. Cost: $30-$50. Many nationalities auto-approved instantly.
- Uganda → eVisa or visa-on-arrival at immigration.go.ug. Cost: $50.
- Tanzania → eVisa required at visa.immigration.go.tz. Cost: $50-$100.
| Country | Portal | Cards Accepted | Notes for UK Travellers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | IremboGov | Visa, Mastercard | Revolut/Monzo Visa cards work; watch foreign transaction fees |
| Kenya | etakenya.go.ke | Visa, Mastercard, M-Pesa (via PesaPal) | Amex not accepted; M-Pesa only for Kenyan numbers |
| Uganda | immigration.go.ug | Visa, Mastercard | Portal hosted by NITA-U |
| Tanzania | visa.immigration.go.tz | Visa, Mastercard | Processing may take 5-10 days; apply early |
The Rwanda High Commission in London provides consular services at rwandainuk.gov.rw, phone +44 (0)207 224 9832, email [email protected], open Mon-Fri 9:30 am-1:00 pm / 2:00 pm-5:00 pm. FCDO travel advice confirms British citizens need no visa for Rwanda stays up to 90 days.
Rwanda eVisa vs Other African Countries: FAQ
How does the Rwanda eVisa compare to the Kenya ETA in cost and processing time?
Rwanda eVisa: $30-$50, 3-5 days. Kenya ETA: $30-$50, instant auto-approval for many nationalities.
What is the East African Tourist Visa and does it cover Tanzania?
The EATV ($50) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with 90-day multiple entries. It does not cover Tanzania.
Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Rwanda in 2026?
No. UK passport holders enter Rwanda visa-free for up to 90 days. The Rwanda eVisa is optional.
Which African country has the cheapest eVisa for UK tourists?
Rwanda at $30 for single-entry. Kenya and Uganda charge $30-$50; Tanzania reaches $50-$100.
Can I extend my Rwanda eVisa while in the country?
Extensions: in-person at DGIE, Kigali. Call +250-788-152-222. Kenya offers online extensions.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for Rwanda?
Only if transiting through an endemic country. Not required for direct flights from the UK.
What documents do I need to apply for a Rwanda eVisa?
Passport valid ≥6 months, passport photo, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
How do I apply for a Rwanda eVisa from the UK?
Visit IremboGov, register, select visa type, upload documents, pay by Visa/Mastercard. Receive eVisa in 3-5 days.
Can I use a single eVisa for multiple East African countries?
The EATV covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tanzania requires a separate eVisa.
What is the processing time for a Tanzania eVisa compared to Rwanda?
Tanzania 5-10 days (apply 14-21 days ahead); Rwanda 3-5 days (apply 7-10 days ahead).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official immigration advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the respective country’s embassy or visa portal before travelling. This guide is maintained by the editorial team and updated regularly based on direct verification of official immigration portals.
