Rwanda Visa for Canadian - Requirements and Fees

Rwanda, often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a captivating African gem brimming with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This incredible country embodies the true essence of Africa, showcasing its raw power and enchanting magic. Whether you’re gazing at the lush landscapes of its famous national parks or experiencing the awe-inspiring moment of standing just a few feet away from a wild gorilla, Rwanda offers countless unforgettable experiences for those seeking adventure and exploration.

For Canadian citizens eager to embark on a journey to this extraordinary destination, it’s essential to apply for a Rwanda visa. This visa grants you access to one of Africa’s most captivating countries, filled with wonders that will leave a lasting impression.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the Rwanda visa for Canadian citizens, including essential entry requirements and a step-by-step guide to the application process.

1. Rwanda visa for Canadian citizens

Do Canadians need a visa for Rwanda?

Yes, Canadian citizens need a visa to visit Rwanda, as Canada is not on the Rwanda visa exemption list.

The Rwanda electronic visa for Canadian citizens, abbreviated as the Rwanda e-Visa, is an electronic visa introduced by the Rwandan government on January 1, 2018 to allow foreign nationals to enter Rwanda through airports in the Kamembe International Airport and the Kigali International Airport and all entry points along the border.

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

• Tourist e-Visa: Travel permit valid for 30 days with only one-time entry.
• Conference e-Visa: A visa that allows holders to stay for 30 days with single entry for conference presence.
• East Africa e-Visa: This is a special e-Visa, commonly a combination of the three tourist e-Visas of East African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. It permits travelers to enter multiple times and stay for 90 days.
• Transit e-Visa: If you are simply transiting Rwanda but want to see the country, you may apply for this type. In Rwanda, this visa allows the holder to stay for up to three days between flights.

The validity period of your e-Visa will be counted from the arrival date; it is also the date you supply on the form.

As a result, citizens of over 100 countries, including Canada, can apply for an e-visa to Rwanda using the e-Visa application form.

For longer stays or to visit for other purposes, Canadian travelers need to apply for a visa through a Rwanda embassy in Canada

2. Rwanda visa requirements for Canadians

Travelers should meet the Rwanda visa requirements for Canadian citizens before beginning the application process.

What Rwanda visa documents are required for Canadian citizens?

• The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months and have one blank page.
• 01 passport photo taken within 6 months.

In addition, Canadian applicants should supply an email address that they usually check. This email address is very important, as it is where the approved Rwanda e-Visa will be sent.

Canadians should use the passport they plan to use to travel to Rwanda on their application. If your passport is about to expire, you should renew it first and then apply for the e-Visa.

3. Applying for Rwanda visa from Canada

Canadian citizens can apply for a Rwanda e-Visa by completing a simple visa online form.

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

Canadian nationals will be asked a few questions when filling out the application. These concern the applicant's personal information, which includes their first name, surname, date of birth, gender, passport serial number, date of issue, date of expiry, and nationality and contact information.

In addition, you will also supply some information about your trip to Rwanda, and we will support and give advice to complete your application in the best way.

And finally, double-check your information and make payment. At the time you complete it, we will check your application and consultant if necessary.

In particular, we have a separate team to support you in case you are very rushed in your journey. Within 24 hours after you give complete information, we guarantee to send you your e-Visa via email, and we will charge an additional fee.

4. Rwanda visa fees for Canadians and processing time

To finish your application for a Rwanda visa for Canadian citizens, you must make your payment. For your information, you must pay two types of Rwanda e-visa fees: the government charge and the service cost.

Because Canada is not on Rwanda's exemption list, the government charge is mandatory.

The service price will be determined by the processing time you require. 

What is the Rwanda visa processing time for Canadians?

• Normal: This is a basic service that will assist you in receiving your e-visa within the customary 3 business days.
• Urgent: If you select this service option, you will receive your e-visa within a guaranteed time of 48 business hours.
• Super urgent: This is the service that has the upmost priority for you. If you use this service, you will have your e-visa within 24 hours.

Payment method: To make your payment, you can pick between electronic transfer (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Paypal) and wire transfer (direct HSBC bank transfer).

5. Canadians' FAQs about Rwanda

How can I go about moving from Canada to Rwanda?

To travel from Canada to Rwanda by airplane, you would typically fly from major Canadian airports like Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) or Vancouver International (YVR). There are no direct flights to Rwanda, so you will need to connect through a hub in Europe or the Middle East, such as London (LHR), Paris (CDG), or Doha (DOH). Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Air Canada, or Ethiopian Airlines offer these routes. Once in Rwanda, you will land at Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda's main international gateway

What are the available flights to Rwanda from Canada?

Flights from Canada to Rwanda are available with various airlines and routes. For example, Lufthansa offers flights from Montreal (YUL) to Kigali (KGL) starting at approximately C$1,599 for travel in October. There are also options from other major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, typically with connecting flights through European hubs such as Frankfurt or Brussels. Flight durations usually range from 18 to 24 hours, depending on layovers. Prices tend to vary based on the time of year, with peak travel months like July often being more expensive.

Besides, we also provide 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