Last updated: 12 September 2026. All fees and rules are verified against the IremboGov portal as of this date.
The Rwanda eVisa can be either single or multiple entry depending on the type you choose. The V1-S and transit visas allow one entry only, while the V1-M, V2, and East Africa Tourist Visa permit multiple entries within their validity period of up to 90 days.
UK passport holders are not visa-free; a Rwanda eVisa or visa on arrival is mandatory. Statutory fees: $30 to $100. Processing: 3 to 5 working days. Each Rwanda eVisa class carries distinct entry rules, fees, and validity periods.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry and All eVisa Types Compared
Rwanda eVisas are classified as single entry (V1-S, Transit, V5) or multiple entry (V1-M, V2, EATV), directly affecting re-entry eligibility.
| Visa Type | Class Code | Entry Type | Validity | Max Stay | Statutory Fee (USD / GBP) | Eligible Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Visa (single) | V1-S | Single Entry | 30 days | 30 days | $50 / £40 | Tourism, sightseeing, short business |
| Entry Visa (multiple) | V1-M | Multiple Entry | 90 days | 90 days | $70 / £50 | Tourism, business, repeat short visits |
| Longer-Stay Visa | V2 | Multiple Entry | 90 days | 90 days | $70 / £50 | Longer continuous stays, extended business |
| Transit Visa | – | Single Entry | 72 hours | 72 hours | ~$30 / ~£24 | Transiting through Rwanda to a final destination |
| Conference Visa | V5 | Single Entry | 30 days | 30 days | $50 / £40 | Conferences, professional meetings, exhibitions |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | V11 | Multiple Entry | 90 days | 90 days | $100 / £77 | Regional tourism across Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda |
| Commonwealth eVisa | – | Single Entry | 30 days | 30 days | $50 / ~£40 | Commonwealth citizens visiting Rwanda |
Rwanda Visa Class Codes Explained (V1-S, V1-M, V2, V5, V11)
Class codes V1-S, V1-M, V2, V5, and V11 correspond to specific categories on the IremboGov application portal. V1-S denotes single-entry tourism or short business; V1-M denotes multiple-entry repeat visits; V2 supports longer continuous stays up to 90 days; V5 covers conference attendance; and V11 identifies the East Africa Tourist Visa for multi-country regional travel.
Rwanda V1 and V2 eVisas Explained
The V1-S ($50/£40) is a single-entry Rwanda eVisa for 30 days, ideal for a one-off trip. Both the V1-M and V2 Rwanda eVisas cost $70/£50 and allow multiple entries over 90 days. The key difference: V1-M is for multiple short visits, while V2 is for one longer continuous stay.
All three Rwanda eVisa categories process within 3 to 5 working days via the IremboGov portal.
When to Choose the V1-S Single Entry eVisa
Choose the V1-S Rwanda eVisa when visiting Rwanda once for a single safari, short holiday, or one-off business meeting. It grants one entry only, so any departure ends the visa’s validity.
V1-M vs V2: What is the Difference?
Both cost $70 / £50 with multiple entry over 90 days. The V1-M Rwanda eVisa suits multiple short visits; the V2 Rwanda eVisa supports a longer continuous stay up to 90 days. Same statutory fee, different flexibility.
Transit Visa and East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)
The Transit Visa (~$30/£24) allows a single 72-hour stay, while the EATV ($100/£77) grants 90 days of multiple entries across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. These two categories serve the most specialised travel needs.
Holders of the Transit Visa can stay for a maximum of 72 hours (up to 3 consecutive days) from their scheduled arrival at Kigali International Airport. This single-entry Rwanda eVisa is for passengers transiting through Rwanda to a final destination outside the country.
Transit Visa Requirements Checklist
- Confirmed onward flight ticket to a destination outside Rwanda
- Entry visa for the final destination, if applicable
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Passport-style portrait photo
EATV First Port of Entry and Territorial Invalidation Rules
Rwanda must be the first port of entry into the tripartite zone for the EATV issued by Rwanda to remain valid. Leaving the Rwanda-Kenya-Uganda zone voids any remaining validity. Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo are not covered by the EATV Rwanda eVisa.
How Much Does a Rwanda eVisa Really Cost in 2026?
Statutory fees on IremboGov range from ~$30 to $100 USD, whereas third-party agencies add surcharges of $85 to $299 USD, marking up the official price significantly.
| Visa Type | Statutory Fee (DGIE) | Agency Fee |
|---|---|---|
| V1-S (Single Entry) | $50 / £40 | $159+ (excl. VAT) |
| V1-M / V2 (Multiple Entry) | $70 / £50 | $179+ (excl. VAT) |
| Transit | ~$30 / £24 | $85+ (excl. VAT) |
| EATV (V11) | $100 / £77 | Not listed separately |
Warning: If you are being charged more than $100 for an EATV or $70 for a multiple entry Rwanda eVisa, you may be paying an agency markup. Always apply directly via the IremboGov portal.
Documents Required and How to Apply for a Rwanda eVisa
All Rwanda eVisa applications require a passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 consecutive blank pages, plus type-specific supporting documents submitted via the IremboGov portal.
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2+ blank pages
- Passport-style digital portrait photo
- Travel itinerary
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Formal invitation letter from organiser (V5 Conference Rwanda eVisa only)
Application steps via IremboGov:
Access the IremboGov portal and select your visa category
Choose the correct Rwanda eVisa type for your travel purpose.
Complete the application form
Fill in all required fields – this takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Upload required documents and passport photo
Attach all supporting documents specified for your visa type.
Pay the statutory fee
Submit payment for your selected Rwanda eVisa type via the portal.
Receive your eVisa
Your Rwanda eVisa is delivered within 3 to 5 working days.
UK travellers should apply at least 2 weeks before the planned travel date. Present a printed copy of the Rwanda eVisa alongside your passport at immigration.
Visa on Arrival vs eVisa and Use-Case Scenarios for UK Travellers
UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport (KIA), but the Rwanda eVisa guarantees faster processing and confirmed entry before you land. VoA is limited to single entry only and involves queueing at the border, whereas the eVisa is processed in 3 to 5 working days online.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | Rwanda eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Entry type | Single entry only | Single or multiple (by type) |
| Where issued | KIA airport counter | Online before departure |
| Processing | At border on arrival | 3 to 5 working days |
| Entry guarantee | Subject to border checks | Pre-approved |
Is Rwanda Visa-Free for UK Citizens?
Rwanda is not visa-free for UK passport holders. A Rwanda eVisa or visa on arrival is required for every entry, with no exemptions for British citizens.
Rwanda eVisa Extension Rules and Additional Entry Requirements
Most Rwanda eVisa types can be extended for up to 30 additional days at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) in Kigali. The extension request must be submitted at least 7 days before the current visa expires.
Beyond visa conditions, Rwanda imposes two additional entry requirements that apply regardless of which Rwanda eVisa category you hold. First, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting through a risk country. Second, your passport must contain at least 2 consecutive blank pages for border stamps.
Contact DGIE:
KG 7 Ave, Kigali-RwandaTelephone: +250-788-152-222 (short code: 9090)
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
About the author: Our editorial team has monitored East African immigration procedures since 2018, tracking Rwanda eVisa policy changes and verifying all fees against the IremboGov portal. This guide was last reviewed on 12 September 2026.
Rwanda eVisa Types FAQ
Is the Rwanda eVisa single or multiple entry?
It depends on the type you select. The V1-S and Transit visas are single entry only, permitting one border crossing. In contrast, the V1-M, V2, and East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) are multiple entry permits, allowing you to leave and re-enter Rwanda within their validity period of up to 90 days.
How much does a Rwanda eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
Statutory fees through the IremboGov platform are £40 for V1-S, £50 for V1-M and V2, approximately £24 for Transit, and £77 for the EATV. Applying directly through the government portal ensures you pay only the mandatory statutory fee.
Can I enter Rwanda more than once with one eVisa?
Only if you hold a multiple entry visa type. The V1-M, V2, and the East Africa Tourist Visa allow multiple entries during their 90-day validity period. Single entry visas, including V1-S, Transit, and the V5 Conference visa, permit exactly one border crossing and cannot be reused after you exit Rwanda.
What is the difference between V1 and V2 Rwanda eVisa?
The V1-S is a single entry visa valid for 30 days costing $50. The V1-M is a multiple entry visa valid for 90 days costing $70. The V2 is also a multiple entry visa for 90 days costing $70, but it is designed for longer continuous stays rather than repeat short visits.
How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid?
The East Africa Tourist Visa, classified as V11, is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries. It costs $100 or £77 and covers travel across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. It remains valid only if Rwanda is your first entry point into the tripartite zone, and leaving the zone voids the remaining validity.
Do I need a transit visa if passing through Kigali airport?
Yes, you need a transit visa if you are leaving the airport transit area. It is valid for 72 hours, equivalent to up to 3 consecutive days, and allows single entry. The fee is approximately $30 or £24. You must provide a confirmed onward flight ticket during the application process.
Can I extend my Rwanda eVisa while in the country?
Yes, most Rwanda eVisa types can be extended while you are in the country. You must apply at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali for a maximum of 30 additional days. It is required to submit your extension application at least 7 days before your current visa expires.
What documents do I need for a Rwanda eVisa from the UK?
You must provide a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and 2 consecutive blank pages. Other requirements include a digital passport-style photo, your travel itinerary, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Specific visa types like the V5 Conference visa also require a formal invitation letter from the organiser.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Rwanda?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk. It is recommended to carry the certificate regardless as a precaution. This rule applies to all travellers entering Rwanda, including UK passport holders using any of the available eVisa categories.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?
Yes. VoA at KIA is single entry only. The Rwanda eVisa is pre-approved in 3 to 5 working days and avoids border queues.
