Rwanda offers 15 visa categories designed for different travel purposes, from short tourist visits to long-term business stays. Each visa type has specific validity periods, entry conditions, and fees. Selecting the right visa type before applying ensures your application is processed without delays.
Tourist and Family Visit Visas
The tourist visa (V1) and family visit visa (V2) are the most commonly issued Rwanda visas. Both offer flexible duration options for short and extended stays.
Tourist Visa (V1)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Single entry | $50 | Short holidays, gorilla trekking |
| 90 days | Multiple entry | $70 | Extended travel, multi-entry trips |
The V1 tourist visa covers leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting national parks, and cultural tourism. It does not cover group tourism – see V8 for group rates. Work is not permitted on a V1 visa.
Family Visit Visa (V2)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Single entry | $50 | Short family visits |
| 90 days | Multiple entry | $70 | Extended family stays |
The V2 visa requires an invitation letter from your host in Rwanda. The letter should include the host’s full name, address, contact information, and the purpose and duration of your visit. A copy of the host’s national ID or passport is also required.
Key Differences Between V1 and V2
| Feature | V1 Tourist | V2 Family Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, leisure | Visiting relatives |
| Invitation letter | Not required | Required |
| Hotel booking | Required | Not required (staying with host) |
| Host ID | Not required | Required |
| Fee | Same | Same |
| Validity | Same | Same |
Business and Professional Visas
Rwanda issues several visa categories for business travelers, investors, and professionals. These visas accommodate different business activities from job searching to long-term itinerant business.
Job Search Visa (V4)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 days | Single entry | $50 | Seeking employment in Rwanda |
The V4 visa allows foreign nationals to search for employment opportunities in Rwanda. It does not permit work – once employment is secured, a work permit must be obtained separately.
Conference Visa (V5)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Single entry | $50 | Attending conferences, meetings, seminars |
The V5 visa is designed for travelers attending conferences, workshops, or professional meetings in Rwanda. Kigali hosts numerous international conferences throughout the year at the Kigali Convention Centre. Required documents include a conference invitation letter and registration confirmation.
Prospective Investor Visa (V6)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 days | Single entry | $50 | Exploring investment opportunities |
The V6 visa is for entrepreneurs and investors exploring business opportunities in Rwanda. Applicants should provide a business plan or letter of intent describing their investment interests. Rwanda actively encourages foreign investment through the Rwanda Development Board.
Itinerant Business Visa (V9)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-10 years | Multiple entry | $100 | Frequent business travel to Rwanda |
The V9 visa is ideal for business professionals who travel to Rwanda regularly. It offers long-term multiple entry access without the need for repeated visa applications. The exact duration is determined based on the applicant’s business history and needs.
Special Category Visas
Diplomatic Visa (V3-1)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Single entry | Free | Official diplomatic business |
The V3-1 visa is issued to diplomats visiting Rwanda for official government business. It requires a diplomatic passport and official letter from the sending government.
Accredited Diplomat Visa (V3-2)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Multiple entry | Free | Long-term diplomatic assignment |
The V3-2 visa is for diplomats accredited to Rwanda for extended assignments. It is renewable and allows multiple entries over the 2-year validity period.
Medical Treatment Visa (V7)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 days | Single entry | $50 | Seeking medical treatment |
The V7 visa requires an appointment letter from a medical facility in Rwanda. Applicants should provide relevant medical records and proof of funds for treatment expenses.
Group Tourism Visa (V8)
The V8 visa covers organized group tourism with special rates. Contact the Rwanda Development Board or a licensed tour operator for group visa arrangements and current pricing.
Bridging Visa (V10)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days | Single entry | Varies | Transitional status |
The V10 bridging visa is issued in exceptional circumstances when a foreign national needs additional time to resolve their immigration status. It is not a standard tourist or business visa.
East African Tourist Visa (V11)
The East African Tourist Visa is a special multiple-entry visa covering travel to Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda under a single authorization.
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Countries Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 days | Multiple entry | $100 | Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda |
Benefits of the East African Visa
- Single application: One visa covers three countries
- Cost savings: $100 vs $150+ for three separate visas
- Flexibility: Enter and exit any of the three countries multiple times
- Duration: 90 days from first entry
How to Apply
Apply for the East African Tourist Visa through the Irembo portal or at any Rwanda, Kenya, or Uganda diplomatic mission. The visa is valid from the date of first entry into any of the three countries.
Ideal Itineraries
| Route | Activities | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali – Nairobi – Kampala | Cities and culture | 2-3 weeks |
| Volcanoes NP – Masai Mara – Bwindi | Wildlife and gorillas | 2-3 weeks |
| Lake Kivu – Mombasa – Jinja | Adventure and beaches | 3-4 weeks |
Transit Visa (VT and VT-2)
Standard Transit Visa (VT)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 hours | Single entry | $30 | Passing through Rwanda |
The transit visa is for travelers who need to pass through Rwanda to reach another destination. It is valid for 72 hours (3 days) from entry. Work is not permitted, and change of visa status is not allowed.
Unforeseen Circumstances Transit (VT-2)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 hours | Single entry | Free | Flight delays, weather issues |
The VT-2 visa is issued to travelers whose transit through Rwanda is disrupted by circumstances beyond their control, such as flight cancellations, schedule changes, or bad weather. It is free of charge and issued at the entry point.
Long-term Reciprocity Visa (V12)
| Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 years | Multiple entry | $160 | US citizens only |
The V12 reciprocity visa is exclusively available to American citizens holding valid US passports. It can only be applied for through the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington D.C. – it is not available through Irembo or visa on arrival.
V12 key details:
- Valid for up to 10 years, renewable
- Maximum stay of 6 months per visit, renewable upon valid reasons
- Work is not permitted on this visa
- Fee: $160 (non-refundable)
- Application: Embassy of Rwanda in Washington D.C. only
Visa Type Comparison – Quick Reference
| Code | Type | Duration | Entry | Fee | Work? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V1 | Tourist | 30/90 days | S/M | $50/$70 | No |
| V2 | Family | 30/90 days | S/M | $50/$70 | No |
| V3-1 | Diplomat | 30 days | S | Free | Official only |
| V3-2 | Accr. Diplomat | 2 years | M | Free | Official only |
| V4 | Job Search | 90 days | S | $50 | No |
| V5 | Conference | 30 days | S | $50 | No |
| V6 | Investor | 90 days | S | $50 | No |
| V7 | Medical | 90 days | S | $50 | No |
| V9 | Itinerant | 2-10 years | M | $100 | Business |
| V11 | East African | 90 days | M | $100 | No |
| V12 | Reciprocity | 10 years | M | $160 | No |
| VT | Transit | 72 hours | S | $30 | No |
| VT-2 | Transit (UE) | 72 hours | S | Free | No |
S = Single entry, M = Multiple entry, UE = Unforeseen events
Last updated: July 2026
The evisarwanda.info editorial team provides comprehensive information on all Rwanda visa categories based on official DGIE documentation.
Official sources: [Rwanda DGIE](https://migration.gov.rw) | [Rwanda Embassy USA](https://www.rwandainusa.gov.rw) | [Irembo](https://irembo.gov.rw)
