Entry/Exit Requirements

Visa requirements in Rwanda are complex and stringent, and the Rwandan government may deport or heavily fine visa violators. For visa information, visit the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration website or contact the Embassy of Rwanda, telephone

202-232-2882. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate.

Effective November 1, 2014, Rwanda requires that all U.S. citizens possess a visa at the time they request entry into Rwanda. A visa valid for 30 days for the purpose of tourism can be purchased for $30 upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or at Rwanda’s land borders. Accepted forms of payment include U.S. dollars printed after 2006 and credit cards issued by Visa. U.S. citizens planning on remaining in Rwanda for more than 30 days must apply for a permit within 15 days of their arrival at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali.

As of August 2014, Rwanda instituted Ebola screening procedures at all ports of entry, including Kigali International Airport, although there has been no reported outbreaks of Ebola within the country. Please see the most recent message to U.S. Citizens concerning current screening procedures.

 A valid passport and a yellow fever certificate of immunization are required for those nine months of age and older.

Any type of work in Rwanda, including volunteer work and unpaid internships, requires a work visa. Review the information concerning Rwandan visas before departing the United States, and apply for a work permit at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration as soon as possible after your arrival in Rwanda. A certified copy of your police report from your local or state police and/or the FBI is required for any work or residency visa. Many visa categories also require a curriculum vitae or presentation of credentials from a sponsoring institution. An original high school or university diploma or a stamped, certified copy may also be required. It is extremely difficult to obtain police reports or other required documents outside of the United States and the U.S. Embassy cannot assist you in obtaining them. Therefore, we recommend obtaining certified copies before leaving the United States.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Rwanda.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.