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Country guideLast checked October 19, 2026

Visas and immigration in Rwanda

4 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Study 1
Work permits 1
Family 1

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Visiting Rwanda

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

6 passports visa-free
243 passports get a visa on arrival

Passports that can visit without a visa

Burundi
DR Congo
Kenya
South Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Visitor's visa for holiday (V1), visa on arrival and East Africa Tourist Visa
Rwanda issues a holiday visitor's visa (class V1) for sightseeing, social, recreational and other short visits that do not involve work. The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration says citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival without applying first, or can apply online through Irembo or at a Rwandan embassy. Many nationalities get the visa free of charge, and an East Africa Tourist Visa covering Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda is also available.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Study1 pathway

Student permit (class U1) and related study & research permits
Rwanda's Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration issues a U1 permit to foreigners who come to study. Related classes cover occupational trainees (U2), independent researchers (H7) and students working during holidays (P2). Applications go through Irembo.
Temporary only
Last checked October 19, 2026
View requirements

Work permits1 pathway

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Family1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

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