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RwandaVisit & tourismLast checked October 17, 2026

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.

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1 entry rule for Rwanda based on recent travel

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Visiting Rwanda

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Life in Rwanda

Money

3

Currency

Rwandan Franc

RWF

Rwandan Franc

Cost of living

26

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10–30%

Income tax (national)

VAT 18% · social security 6%

Monthly PAYE: 0% up to RWF 60,000, 10% to 100,000, 20% to 200,000, 30% above RWF 200,000.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

3.3

#3 of 3 countries

World Happiness Report 2021

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Who it’s for

Tourists and other short-term visitors to Rwanda who will not work there.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    The V1 visa is for a foreigner visiting Rwanda for holiday, sightseeing, social or recreational or other short-term reasons other than work.

  • Visa on arrival for all nationalities

    You can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda without applying in advance, whatever your nationality.

    Since 1 January 2018
    • Applies to citizens of all countries
    Official wording

    Since 1 January 2018, citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival without applying in advance.

  • Free visa for some nationalitiesListed nationalities

    Some nationalities get a visa on arrival with no fee, for 30 or 90 days depending on country.

    Free visa on arrival by group

    AU, Commonwealth, Francophoniefees waived
    30 days
    Listed countries
    90 days
    • Listed countries include Angola, Benin, Ghana, Indonesia and Mauritius
    • Also listed: Philippines, Senegal, Singapore and Qatar
    • African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie members get the 30-day waiver
    Official wording

    Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member countries get a visa on arrival with fees waived for a visit of 30 days. Nationals of a set list of countries (including Angola, Benin, Ghana, Indonesia, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Singapore and Qatar) get a free 90-day visa on arrival.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementEast African Community citizens
  • Document checklistPassport or travel document valid at least 6 months
  • FeesSingle-entry visitor's visa (V1)

The full requirements are for members

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  • 2 more requirements
  • 2 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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