Rwanda visa for US citizens: Requirements and Application 2024

Do US nationals need a visa for Rwanda?

Yes, you do. Suppose you want to travel to Rwanda for tourism or business purposes. In that case, you must apply for a visa before your travel date. 

One of the most convenient visa options is the e-visa, enabling applicants to complete the process online. US nationals can apply via Atlys or the official government portal. 

Do US green card holders need a visa for Rwanda?

US green card holders need to check their eligibility based on their nationality. If your country of nationality is one of the visa-free countries for Rwanda, you don't need a visa. 

Is there a Rwanda visa on arrival?

Yes, there is. Foreigners from the US can apply for a Rwanda e-visa or a Rwanda visa upon arrival. The visa on arrival is available upon arrival in Rwanda.

We recommend obtaining a visa before your travels, as a visa on arrival is not guaranteed.

Rwanda visa fee

The Rwanda visa fee is USD 50* for a single entry visa. The non-refundable fee can be paid with a debit or credit card.

*The Rwanda visa cost for US citizens will be charged as per the exchange rate on the day of the application.

Rwanda visa requirements for US passport holders

When applying for a tourist visa for Rwanda, ensure you have the necessary documents:

• 1

  Passport: A US passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure. A copy of your passport's front and last page. This must fit on a single page.

• 2

  Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs taken on a plain white background.

• 3

  Flight tickets: Provide proof of return flight tickets.

• 4

  Proof of accommodation: Confirm your accommodation arrangements, such as a hotel or Airbnb booking.

• 5

  Proof of funds: Ensure you have evidence of the necessary funds for the Rwanda visa application.

With Atlys, you can easily upload your required documents using the camera on your smartphone or laptop.

Rwanda visa application process for US nationals

We always want to ensure that our readers know exactly how to apply and their options. For the Rwanda tourist visa for US citizens, you can either apply for your visa through Atlys or handle the application yourself.

How to apply through Atlys

To get your visa on time, here's a quick overview of what to expect when applying online through Atlys.

• 1

  Start application: Begin your Rwanda e-visa application journey by visiting Atlys.

• 2

  Upload or take your photo: You can either upload an existing photo or take a new one directly through the portal using your smartphone or laptop.

• 3

  Provide your details: Fill in the required personal and travel information accurately.

• 4

  Finalise and pay: Review your application, then proceed to checkout and pay the applicable visa fees.

How to apply through the government website

US citizens can apply for a Rwanda e-visa for the US through the Rwanda Immigration Portal; here's how:

• 1

  Access the Rwanda Immigration Portal: Visit IremboGov.

• 2

  Fill in the application: You must complete the visa application form truthfully. Provide information like your citizenship, date of birth, address in your country of nationality, passport number, etc. You must upload the scanned copy of your original passport biodata page on the same page at the bottom.

• 3

  Review your application: Scroll to the bottom of the page to review your application. Ensure all information is accurate, or you can go back and edit if necessary.

• 4

  Make payment: Have your credit card ready to pay the visa fee. Follow the instructions to complete the payment process. A 5% surcharge will apply to most international cards for international transactions. You can avoid this by using Atlys.

• 5

  Check application status: You can monitor the status of your e-visa application online at any time after submission.

• 6

  Download and print e-visa: Once approved, visit the portal again to download your e-visa. Print a copy to present to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the international airport or other designated port of entry in Rwanda.

Receive your approved Rwanda visa for US citizens

Once you've submitted your Rwanda visa online, you must wait for processing. It's important to apply for your e-visa well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.

Through Atlys:

Once your visa is approved, you'll receive a notification from Atlys indicating it is approved, and you can download the e-visa and print it to carry with you.

Though the government portal

You'll need to manually check the portal to verify if your visa has been granted. Once your visa is approved, you can download and print it for your records.

This is what the Rwanda e-visa looks like:

Rwanda visa information for US citizens

How do you check your Rwanda e-visa status?

To check the status of your Rwanda e-visa application, you can follow these steps:

• 1

  Visit the E-Visa Portal: Go to IremboGov. This is where you initially applied for your e-visa.

• 2

  Login to Your Account: Access your account using the login credentials you created during the application process.

• 3

  Check Application Status: Once logged in, navigate to the section to view your application status. This may be labelled as "Check Status" or "Application Status".

• 4

  Enter Application Details: You may need to enter your application reference number, passport number, and other identifying information to retrieve your application status.

• 5

  View Status Updates: After entering the required details, the portal should display the current status of your e-visa application. This could include whether it's still pending or approved or if any additional information is required.

Apply with Atlys and easily check your visa status through the Atlys app.

Rwanda processing time

The Rwanda e-visa processing through the government website can take up to 11 business days. Atlys guarantees your visa in 8 days.

Rwanda e-visa validity & length of stay

The validity of a Rwanda visa varies depending on the type of visa issued. The single-entry visa is usually valid for 30 days and is valid for 180 days from the date of issue.