Rwanda
United States
United States visa for Rwandan citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires Rwandan citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at rw.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Rwanda
The United States has 1 mission in Rwanda, with its embassy in Kigali.
US visas issued to citizens of Rwanda
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 2,727 | 1,695 |
| Student (F, M) | 573 | 423 |
| Exchange (J) | 146 | 121 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 123 | 108 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 42 | 44 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 408 | 268 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 92 | 28 |
| Other | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 4,112 | 2,689 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 55.8% | 64.7% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 2,689 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Rwanda, the 131st highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 63%, student visas 16% and diplomatic and official visas 10%. That is 35% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (4,112).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Rwanda received 1,119, 8% more than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 64.7% for citizens of Rwanda in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 55.8%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Rwanda anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Rwanda.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Rwanda
United StatesRwanda Visa on arrival Rwanda visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- 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.
Before travelling from Rwanda to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Rwandan citizens can stay in the United States
How long Rwandan citizens may stay in the United States 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 US embassy in Kigali, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Rwandan citizens
Canada and Mexico require Rwandan citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Rwanda
US citizens receive their visa for Rwanda at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Rwandan citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires Rwandan citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Where is the US embassy in Rwanda?
The US embassy in Rwanda is in Kigali.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
US citizens receive their visa for Rwanda at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
Can Rwandan citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Rwandan citizens need a visa for the United States 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.