Which Visa Can You Qualify For?

We are going to try to help you navigate through the visa systems in Rwanda and determine the best visa option for you. Please know that before we even get started, the visa process and guidelines are very simple and straightforward. Please visit https://www.migration.gov.rw/ as the details we have summarized for you are available there.

Visa Upon Arrival

Everyone will receive a visa upon arrival (tourist). There is not a way to pre-apply so please don’t worry. Once you land, the process takes less than five minutes and is $50 (which can be payable via cash or a credit card).

You will be issued a visa for 30 days, which is more than enough time for you to do your additional application process if you plan on staying longer.  

You are also eligible for an extension on the tourist visa which is good for 90 days.

 

Below are some visa options available to those who are seeking longer stays. All applications can made online via Irembo (Irembo is a popular company that handles government requests.) You can go to a main office or visit online at  https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services  Also, the immigration office is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm for questions or information.  The address is KG 7 Ave, Kigali. 

Class K

This permit is issued to a person with assured income, including a retired person who does not intend to be employed in Rwanda. The directorate general determines eligibility of applicants and dependents (spouse and kids) are allowed.

Requirements:

• Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months
• Application letter
• Photo with white background
• Visa/permit application form
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
• Bank statement from any bank in Rwanda
• Proof of source of income
• Police clearance certificate from the country of residence for the previous six months
• Payment of 150.000 RWF ($150 US)

The visa is a multiple entry and work is not allowed, however you can change status if necessary. The visa is valid for 2 years, and this visa is renewable upon application. Open to anyone as long as they have all the necessary requirements.

Class C

This permit is issued to self-employed foreigners with prescribed profession.  With this visa, dependents (spouse and kids) are allowed.

Requirements:

• Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months
• Application letter
• Visa/Permit form
• Photo with white background
• Certificate of membership to a registered professional body
• Police clearance certificate from the country of residence for the previous six months
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
• Payment of 150.000 RWF

The visa is a multiple entry and work is not allowed, however you can change status if necessary. The visa is valid for 2 years, and this visa is renewable upon application. Open to anyone can have it as long as they has all the necessary requirements.

Class Z1

This class of permit is issued to a person who intends to engage investments in any other sector of economy not mentioned in other classes. (In other classes, specific investment types are named like agriculture, trade, and mining. The requirements are the same, however other businesses options are available under the Z2 Class.)  With this visa, dependents (spouse and kids) are allowed.

Requirements:

• Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months
• Application letter
• Visa/Permit form
• Photo with white background
• Registered Business Certificate issued by RDB
• Investment Certificate issued by RDB
• Police clearance certificate from the country of residence for the previous six months
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
• Payment of 150,000 RWF

The visa is a multiple entry and work is not allowed however you can change status if necessary. The visa is valid for 3 years, and this visa is renewable upon application and assessment of the business. Open to anyone can have it as long as has all the necessary requirements.

Class Z2

This class of permit is issued to a person who intends to engage his/her business in any other sector of economy not mentioned in other classes. (In other classes, specific business types are named like agriculture, trade, and mining. The requirements are the same, however other businesses options are available under the Z2 Class.)  With this visa, dependents (spouse and kids) are allowed.

Requirements:

• Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months
• Application letter
• Visa/Permit form
• Photo with white background
• Registered Business Certificate issued by RDB
• Police clearance certificate from the country of residence for the previous six months
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
• Payment of 150,000 RWF

The visa is a multiple entry and work is not allowed however you can change status if necessary. The visa is valid for 2 years, and this visa is renewable upon application and assessment of the business. Open to anyone can have it as long as has all the necessary requirements.

 

Sub Class V12 (Must be applied for in YOUR residential country)

Long-term visitor visa is issued on a reciprocal basis to a foreigner who visits Rwanda for visit, conference or any reason other than work purpose. This visa is issued at the office of a diplomatic mission of Rwanda, in the applicants country of residence.  Dependents are NOT allowed with this visa and it is good for up to 10 years.

TRAVEL DOCUMENT

Requirements:

•  Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.
• Application letter
• Photo Passport with white background
• 160 USD

This visa allows for multiple entries and work is not allowed.  Change of status is not allowed either.  Extension is available upon application approval.

To look at the full list of visa availabilities, please click the migration website which is here:  https://www.migration.gov.rw/our-services/visa/