Rwanda Visa for US Citizens - Requirements and Fees

Rwanda is a place full of wonder and adventure. Visitors can meet great mountain gorillas up close and see the land’s deep beauty. With its tall volcanoes, green forests, calm lakes, and busy towns, it’s perfect for nature lovers and thrill seekers. But the real gems of Rwanda are its kind people and the many animals that live there.

U.S. citizens who wish to visit Rwanda need a visa. The good news is, Rwanda now has an easy way to apply. With the Rwanda e-Visa, people can apply online without leaving home. After approval, the visa is sent by email. This system helps people from over 200 places visit Rwanda easily. U.S. travelers need to follow a few simple steps to meet the e-Visa rules. It is fast and makes the trip smooth for those excited to visit this lovely place.
Rwanda e-visa for US citizens

1. Visa to Rwanda for US citizens

Do Americans need a visa for Rwanda?

The answer is yes. Travelers from the United States who wish to enter Rwanda need a valid electronic visa (also known as a Rwanda e-visa) if they want to travel to this country. Applying online is the most convenient and fastest way to obtain a Rwanda e-visa for US citizens.

What is the Rwanda e-visa for US citizens?

The Rwanda electronic visa allows citizens from eligible countries on the government list to visit the country for a short stay for tourism or business purposes.

As a result, citizens of over 100 countries, including the United States, are eligible to apply for a tourist visa to Rwanda using the visa application form.

The government of the Republic of Rwanda implemented the Rwanda visa online service to expedite the visa application process for eligible citizens.

Benefits of applying for a Rwanda visa from the United States

There are numerous advantages when applying for the Rwanda e-visa, but perhaps the most convenient is that the entire process is completed online, eliminating the need for Americans to visit a Rwandan diplomatic mission in person. In addition, applying online for a Rwanda visa can also help the applicants save a lot of time and cost.

As a result, the Rwanda online visa is the most convenient travel document for Americans planning to visit the country.

What are the different types of Rwanda visas for US citizens?

Rwanda e-visa is the way of getting a Rwanda visa online. There are 4 main types of Rwanda visas for US citizens:

  • Rwanda e-Tourist Visa: The Rwanda e-tourist visa allows you to stay in Rwanda for up to 30 days from the date of your entry.
  • Rwanda Conference Visa: You can apply for a Rwanda Conference E-Visa online if you want to attend a conference, meeting, or seminar organized in Rwanda. The Rwanda Conference e-visa has a validity of 03 months from the arrival date and permits you to stay in the country for 30 days from your entry date in Rwanda.
  • Rwanda Transit Visa: This visa allows American visitors to transit through Uganda to the next destination and have a short trip of fewer than 03 days.
  • Rwanda East Africa Visa: If you want to visit Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya all in one trip, you should know that a Rwanda East Africa visa is also available to US citizens. It will save you the trouble of applying for three different visas. However, you should be aware that in order for this type of visa to be valid, you must first enter Rwanda. The duration of stay of an East Africa visa is 90 days from the arrival date, and you can enter the three countries as many times as you wish.

2. Rwanda visa requirements for US citizens

American citizens planning a trip to Rwanda should be aware that they must meet several Rwanda electronic visa requirements and gather various documents before submitting their application.

What Rwanda visa documents are required for U.S. citizens?

The Rwanda visa requirements for US citizens are the following:
  • A valid passport issued by the United States, with at least two blank pages and a minimum validity period of 6 months from the date of entry.
  • Digital copies of American passport's biographical pages.
  • Digital Photo: The applicants from the United States must submit a recent passport-sized photo in either JPEG or PNG format. The photograph should have been taken within the last six months against a white background.
  • A valid email address. Because the visa will be emailed to successful applicants, you must still be able to access the email address that you provide in the form.
  • A valid form of payment, such as a Visa, Master Card, American Express, or PayPal or Wire Transfer to our HSBC bank account

American visitors traveling to Rwanda in 2022 should also update the latest COVID-19 entry requirement for Rwanda.

In the case that the passport is due to expire within 6 months and/or there are no blank pages remaining, American citizens should acquire a new passport before obtaining a visa for Rwanda from the United States

When all of these requirements are met, American citizens can move on to the next step: applying for a Rwanda electronic visa.

Rwanda visa requirements for US citizens

3. Applying a Rwanda visa for US citizens

Obtaining a Rwandan visa for US citizens is easy and straightforward. Travelers who meet the aforementioned requirements and possess the necessary documents can submit an online application form from the comfort of their own homes.

United States passport holders can get a visa for Rwanda from the US online.

It is critical that all information and documentation be available to ensure that this application process runs as smoothly as possible.

How do I apply for a Rwanda visa as US citizens?

  • Step 1: Add information regarding visa details and personal information at "apply Rwanda visa." Please note that any inaccuracies or typos may result in visa applications being rejected.
  • Step 2: Double check all information provided in the previous step to ensure it is correct before making payment.
  • Step 3: Receive e-visa approval and await the result. Rwanda e-visa applications for US citizens are usually completed online and returned within one (1) to three (3) business days, depending on the visa service chosen by the applicant.

Applicants are advised to double-check all of the details before paying the fees and submitting the request. Mistakes or missing information could lead to delays and disrupt travel plans.

What is the Rwanda visa processing time for the USA?

Applying for a Rwanda visa with Global Immigration Service Limited usually takes a maximum of three business days to process your application. The Rwanda visa will be emailed to the address specified on your application form once it has been approved. Applicants from the United States are required to print out a copy of their Rwanda e-visa to bring on their trip to Rwanda. Upon arrival, you must present it to border officials who will stamp it and grant you a Rwanda visa. You will also be required to present the passport that you used to apply for your Rwanda e-visa. American citizens with dual nationality must travel with the proper passport.

4. Rwanda visa fee for US citizens and processing time

How much is rwanda visa for US citizens?

The Rwanda visa fees for US citizens include the service fees and government fees.

The Rwanda e-visa government fee: The Rwanda e-visa government fee is the total amount paid by the applicant to the Rwanda Immigration Department for the processing of their electronic visa. American travelers need to pay this fee since America is not on the exemption list of Rwanda e-visa.

The e-visa processing fee is the amount of money paid in advance for the visa by the applicant while filling out the online Rwanda visa application form. All travelers of the Rwanda visa for US citizens do not have the same budget or time considerations. 

What is the Rwanda visa processing time for the USA?

  • Normal: You will receive the visa within 3 business days.
  • Urgent: Decide to pay a little more to get your visa in less time. You will get your e-visa within 48 hours.
  • Super Urgent: Your Rwanda e-visa will be issued as soon as possible for a premium fee. With this type of service, you can obtain an e-visa within 24 hours.

5. US citizens' FAQs about Rwanda

Is Rwanda a safe country for U.S. citizens?

In the past years, Rwanda has grown safer and more steady, especially after the 1994 tragedy. The country has worked hard on growth and drawing visitors. It is famous for being clean and having little crime compared to other African countries. Kigali, the main city, is seen as one of the safest places in the area.

Can Americans apply for Rwanda visa on arrival?

People from the U.S. can get a visa when they reach Rwanda. But this can mean waiting a long time at the airport, which may slow things down. It’s better to get an eVisa before your trip to skip the wait. With an eVisa, you can avoid lines and enter faster. You can apply online easily, right from home, and the visa will come to your email. For a faster and smoother arrival, it’s best to get an eVisa early.

Besides, Rwanda visa services also provides other service packages to help customers have a good trip to Rwanda, such as Rwanda travel insurance, e-sim card in Rwanda, and car pick-up services in Rwanda

Rwanda Visa Requirements for United States Citizens FAQs

Can US citizens work in Rwanda with an e-visa?

Can US citizens work in Rwanda with an e-visa? Can US citizens work in Rwanda with an e-visa?
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