Can I get a visa on arrival in Rwanda?

Yes, you can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Rwanda.

How much does a visa on arrival cost?

The fee for a single-entry visa on arrival is 50 USD. It's advisable to have cash, as credit card acceptance can vary.

What are the passport validity requirements for Rwanda?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have one blank page for an entry stamp.

Are there any banned items I should be aware of?

Yes, plastic shopping and grocery bags are banned in Rwanda and may be confiscated upon arrival.

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Do US citizens need a visa for Rwanda?

US citizens require a visa to enter Rwanda, which can be obtained on arrival for 30 days or in advance from the Rwandan embassy.

Apply on the official siteUS State Department travel advice — last checked 28 June 2026

Always confirm with the official source before you travel.

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A visa is required for US citizens traveling to Rwanda for tourism. You can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at entry points. Alternatively, you can apply for a 30-day, 90-day, or 10-year tourist visa through the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington, DC, prior to your trip.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

Passport	Regular US passport
Purpose	Tourism
Visa required	Yes — visa required
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days on arrival visa; longer stays (90-day, 10-year) available via embassy application.
Passport validity	6 months beyond your arrival date
Return/onward ticket	Verify on the official source (not explicitly stated, but generally recommended for visa-on-arrival countries)
Arrival form	None mentioned
Last checked	28 June 2026

You may need a visa if…

A 30-day tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival in Rwanda.
The visa fee upon arrival is 50 USD for a single-entry visa, payable in cash (USD is recommended) as credit card transactions may be unreliable at some land borders.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have one blank page for an entry stamp.
Plastic shopping and grocery bags are banned and may be confiscated upon arrival.
Yellow fever vaccination may be required if traveling from a country with yellow fever or an outbreak.

Before you travel

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Have at least one blank page in your passport for an entry stamp.
Prepare 50 USD in cash for the visa fee, especially if arriving at a land border, as credit card payments may not always be accepted.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Embassy for alerts and assistance.
Verify the latest travel health information and advisories from the CDC.
Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers evacuation and medical assistance.