Rwanda e-Visa: applying online on Irembo

Rwanda does not run a separate e-Visa website. Online applications are made through Irembo, the government’s service portal, which the DGIE links from every visa class: visitor visas V1 to V12, the transit visa VT and the East Africa Tourist Visa. Residence permits are requested through the same portal under a separate permit service.

Applying online is optional for most travellers, since every nationality can also get a visa on arrival. It is useful if you want approval before flying, need a class that is not normally issued at the border, such as the job search visa V4 or the business survey visa V6, or want to settle the fee in advance.

Online fees are the same as at the border: USD 50 for a 30-day single-entry visitor visa, USD 70 for 90 days with multiple entries, USD 30 for a 72-hour transit visa and USD 100 for the East Africa Tourist Visa. Exempt nationalities still receive their free visa. When applying online you can choose to pay on Irembo or at the entry point.

Payments are processing fees and are not refunded if the visa is refused or the application withdrawn. The DGIE warns that no agent is authorised to apply on your behalf and that such intermediaries may charge more than the official fee.

Non-exempt travellers may also apply at the Rwandan diplomatic mission in their country of residence before departure. Each mission sets its payment rules; some accept no cash, postal orders or cheques, so the fee is paid by bank transfer or deposit to the mission's consular account and the receipt is attached to the application.

For most travellers Irembo or the visa on arrival is the simpler route; the embassy channel suits those who prefer a visa in hand before travel.

Rwandan embassy guidance states that online applications take seven working days, so apply at least that long before departure. All questions about an online application go to the DGIE in Kigali, not to an embassy.

An approved visa does not replace the border check: you still need a passport valid six months on entry, may be asked for proof of funds and, if coming from a yellow fever area, a vaccination certificate.