Obtaining a visa in Rwanda can be a stressful process if you’re not prepared. Understanding the correct documents, asking questions, and putting together all required paperwork ahead of time can save you a lot of time and effort.
Types of visas in Rwanda
Rwanda has several types of visas, including:
- Class V-1 Single Entry Visa: This visa applies to nationals from certain countries wishing to visit Rwanda for any reason besides work, or a person from any country wanting to enter Rwanda to find work and obtain the appropriate visa.
- Class V-1 Multiple Entry Visa: This visa applies to the same people listed above but allows for multiple trips to the country.
- Class Q1 – Transit: People coming to Rwanda for 72 hours or less should apply for this visa.
- Class T2 Tourist: This visa applies to individuals from certain countries coming to visit Rwanda for a holiday, sightseeing, visiting relatives, and other short-term, non-work purposes.
- Class T3 Tourist – Family: A visa for people visiting a family member or another close relative living and working in Rwanda.
- Class T4 Visiting Diplomat: This visa applies to visiting diplomats coming to Rwanda for official purposes.
- Class T6-1 Single-Entry – Conference: This visa is for eligible people speaking at a conference, meeting, workshop, or seminar.
- Class T6-2 Multiple-Entry – Conference: This is for the same people listed above but allows multiple entries into the country.
- Class T7 Business: Prospective investors, entrepreneurs, or traders can get this visa to explore business opportunities in Rwanda.
- Class T8 Tourist – Medical Treatment: Anyone who needs medical treatment/consultations in Rwanda can obtain this visa.
- Class L9 Tourist – Group Tourist: Anyone traveling as a member of a group with 4 to 10 tourists, either individually or with a tour operator.
- Class T12 – East Africa Tourist Visa: International visitors who want to visit Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda in a single trip.
Requirements to obtain Rwanda work visas
Almost all non-nationals are required to apply for a visa to enter and stay in Rwanda. They also need a work permit, as a visa only allows entry to the country but not employment. Work permits are split into categories just like visas, but the 2 main options are temporary or permanent. There are 5 types of permits that describe the different natures of employment, such as:
- H1: Skilled workers in an in-demand occupation
- H2: Skilled workers sponsored by an organization
- H3: Journalist or media
- H4: Semiskilled or artisan workers
- H5: International organization employees
There are additional Rwanda work permit categories for other purposes, such as students or investors. Applicants will need relevant documents in either French or English to complete their work permit application.
Additional requirements to get an initial permit include:
- Color passport photo
- Completed application form
- Application letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Employment contract
- Business registration certificate
- Trading license
- Notarized degree and diploma
- Police clearance
- Copy of green card or identity card
Application process
Applicants should have a valid passport or another type of travel document with at least 6 months’ validity on the day they enter Rwanda. Employees can apply for the visa upon arrival or submit an application online before leaving their home country. The visa fee is either due online or upon arrival. The other option is applying at the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence.
If employees need to extend their visas, they can apply with the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. They should submit all visa extensions while the initial visa is valid.
Other important considerations
Rwanda has established reciprocal agreements with several countries, enabling visa-free travel for up to 90 days. These countries include Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, East African Community Partner States, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, the Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sao Tome and Principe, and Singapore.
Furthermore, citizens of several countries are eligible for a 90-day visa-on-arrival, including those from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (COMESA) countries, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Qatar.
Rwanda and the Republic of Maldives have also entered a reciprocal visa waiver agreement, allowing nationals from both countries to enter, exit, and transit through each other’s territory for tourism and business purposes for stays of up to 30 days without requiring a visa.
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