East Africa · RW · KGL
Rwanda entry requirements
What you need to enter Rwanda: visa rules by passport, vaccines, arrival airports and practical details for your trip.
Entry rules change often. We checked these on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Confirm with the official portal before you book.
Visa rules by passport
| Passports | Entry | Fee | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Ireland, United States | Visa on arrival | US$50 | Up to 30 days |
| France, United Kingdom | Visa-free | — | Up to 30 days |
Most EU passports: Apply online or get the visa on arrival. Gorilla permits are booked separately.
Detailed guide for your passport
Health and vaccines
Yellow fever. A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
Malaria. Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Routine vaccines should be up to date. Travel clinics commonly also discuss hepatitis A, typhoid and, for longer rural stays, rabies. Book 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Practical details
- Capital
- Kigali
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF)
- Languages
- Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
- Plug types
- C, J
- Best time
- June to September and December to February
- Main airports
- Kigali (KGL)
Plan your trip
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda · best months
Highlights of Rwanda
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Nyungwe Forest
- Lake Kivu
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes. Most EU passport holders need a visa (visa on arrival); the fee is US$50.
Is a yellow fever vaccination required for Rwanda?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
Is there malaria in Rwanda?
Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
June to September and December to February is generally the best time to visit.
What currency is used in Rwanda?
The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Cards work in cities and larger hotels; carry some cash for markets and rural areas.
Sources
- Official Rwanda visa portal
- Visit Rwanda: Immigration and visas
- WHO: Yellow fever vaccination requirements, country list
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for German citizens (EU reference)
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for British citizens
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for United States citizens
Spotted a rule that has changed? Email hello@bemba.com with a link to the source.