RwandaSouth Africa

South Africa visa for Rwandan citizens

Visa required

Rwandan citizens need a visa for South Africa, obtained before travel.

Where to apply
1 mission

Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index

Which South Africa visa?

Visitor's visa (section 11 of the Immigration Act) and visa-exempt holiday visits

Key facts

Fee
ZAR 425

All visa types for South Africa

For the tourist visa, South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425.

South African missions in Rwanda

South Africa has 1 mission in Rwanda, with its embassy in Kigali.

South African citizens travelling to Rwanda

South AfricaRwanda Visa-free, 30 days Rwanda visa for citizens of South Africa

Travel advice for South Africa

  • US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
  • German Foreign Office No travel warning

What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.

For a trip from Rwanda to South Africa, the published travel advice reads as follows: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.

Good to know

How long Rwandan citizens can stay in South Africa

How long Rwandan citizens may stay in South Africa is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.

How Rwandan citizens apply

In Rwanda, applications go to the South African embassy in Kigali, or to a visa centre acting for South Africa; fees, documents and processing times are published by South Africa.

South Africa’s neighbours for Rwandan citizens

Eswatini and Lesotho require Rwandan citizens to obtain a visa in advance.

South African citizens travelling to Rwanda

South African citizens do not need a visa for Rwanda: stays of up to 30 days are visa-free.

Frequently asked questions

Do Rwandan citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Rwandan citizens need a visa for South Africa, obtained before travel.

Where is the South African embassy in Rwanda?

The South African embassy in Rwanda is in Kigali.

How much does the South Africa tourist visa cost?

South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425 for the tourist visa.

Do South African citizens need a visa for Rwanda?

South African citizens do not need a visa for Rwanda: stays of up to 30 days are visa-free.

Can Rwandan citizens enter South Africa visa-free?

No; Rwandan citizens need a visa for South Africa obtained in advance.

Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.