Visa Requirements To Travel To Rwanda From Kenya
Rwanda is a must-visit destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, this unique safari destination offers a diverse range of activities to captivate all types of adventurers. Beyond its natural beauty, Rwanda holds a profound history, particularly its poignant genocide past, which serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation.
For Kenyans planning a trip to Rwanda, it’s important to know that obtaining a visa may be required before departure. The good news is that applying for a Rwanda visa is a simple and hassle-free process, with Kenyan citizens able to easily apply online for an e-Visa.
In this article, you’ll find all the essential details on how Kenyan citizens can apply for a Rwanda eVisa, along with the necessary requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
1. Rwanda visa from Kenya
Does a Kenyan need a visa to travel to Rwanda?
Yes, Kenyan citizens need a visa to visit Rwanda, as Kenya is not on the Rwanda visa-exempt list.
The Rwanda visa is an electronic visa that facilitates entry into the country from Kenya and several other countries. It is a form of electronic travel authorization that will allow you to remain in Rwanda for a short period.
The Rwanda e-visa for Kenyan citizens is valid for 3 months from the day Kenyans arrive in the country.
The online visa for Rwanda can be used for tourism, leisure, and visiting family in the country. It is also possible to obtain a Rwanda e-visa for transit purposes.
Foreign travelers visiting Rwanda for reasons other than tourism or family visits should contact the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate.
Kenyan citizens who wish to study, work, volunteer, receive medical treatment, or permanently relocate to Rwanda must apply for a visa beforehand. This can be done by visiting the Rwanda embassy in Kenya
What are the different types of Rwanda visas for Kenyan?
There are 4 types of Rwanda e-visa available to Kenyan passport holders. Here is a quick overview of each type:
- Rwanda e-tourist visa: This single-entry visa allows Kenyans to stay in Rwanda for a period of 30 days from the arrival date for such purposes as tourism, sightseeing, and having a short visit to family and friends.
- Rwanda conference e-visa: is an electronic visa that allows Kenyan residents to enter Rwanda if they are there for a conference, meeting, or related activities. This visa allows a single entry to Rwanda, with a duration of stay up to 30 days.
- Rwanda transit visa: Kenyan travelers passing through Rwanda for a period of no more than 72 hours can apply for this type of visa. Applicants must have a confirmed onward ticket from Rwanda to a third country or other acceptable plans to leave Rwanda within 72 hours of their arrival.
- East Africa Visa: Allows for Multiple Entries for Kenyan tourists to Uganda and Rwanda, with Rwanda being the first destination on the trip. The East Africa Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival. This visa is only valid for tourism (no work is permitted) and cannot be extended.
2. Visa Requirements To Travel To Rwanda From Kenya
Just a few documents are required to complete the Rwanda e-visa application from Kenya. To submit an e-visa application, you must first meet the Rwanda visa requirements for Kenyan citizens.
What Rwanda visa documents are required for Kenyan citizens?
- A valid Kenyan passport—make sure that the document is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Rwanda and has at least 2 blank pages for verification.
- Digital copies of Kenya's passport's biographical pages.
- Digital Photo: One recent passport-sized digital photo with a clear face against a white/plain background.
- A valid email address to receive the approved visa for Rwanda from Kenya
After receiving your approved e-visa for Rwanda via email, you should also print a copy to present along with your passport at the airport.
In addition, you must enter the country with the same passport you used to apply for a visa online. Dual nationals with multiple passports should be aware of this.
3. Applying for Rwanda visa from Kenya
Kenyan tourists entering Rwanda do not need to go to a Rwandan embassy or wait in line at the airport to obtain a visa for Rwanda. Kenyan citizens are now eligible to apply for the Rwanda visa via an online portal. The online visa application form for Kenyan citizens is easy and straightforward.
How to apply for a Rwanda visa from Kenya in 3 simple steps?
- Step 1: Fill out the Rwanda e-visa form. In this step, Kenyans need to fill in information about visa details (Types of visa, transportation method, port of arrival, processing time) and personal information (Full name, Date of birth, Nationality, Passport number)
- Step 2: Pay the Rwanda processing fee by your credit card or debit card, MasterCard, Paypal, VisaCard, or Wire Transfer to our HSBC bank account
- Step 3: Download the Rwanda e-Visa and print it out.
Before submitting the application, it is especially important to go back and double-check the information provided to ensure that everything is correct and error-free. After all of these steps are complete, Kenyan applicants can go ahead and submit their applications. The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Once the applicant submits the online form, the visa application can be processed in as little as 24 hours. The applicant will be notified via the email address provided on the online application.
Once the Rwanda e-visa for Kenya visa is approved, a copy of the e-visa is sent via email. Although the electronic visa for Rwanda is electronically linked to the applicant's passport, it is still recommended to print copies of the visa for presentation to immigration officers upon entry into Rwanda.
4. Rwanda visa fee for Kenyan and processing time
The online e-visa system is the simplest and fastest way for Kenyans to obtain a travel permit for Rwanda for tourism purposes.
What is included in Rwanda visa fees for Kenyan citizens?
To obtain a visa to Rwanda from Kenya, applicants have to pay two kinds of Rwanda visa fees, including government fees and service fees.
The government fee is the amount you must pay to the Rwanda Immigration Department in order for them to issue you a visa. This is the mandatory fee for applicants wishing to apply for a Rwanda e-visa.
The service fee is determined by the number of people covered by your application and the urgency with which you require the visa.
What is the Rwanda visa processing time for Kenyan citizens?
- Normal Service: This service type offers you a standardized processing time; you will get your e-visa within 3 business days.
- Urgent Service: You will have a higher state of service when choosing this type. As a result, you can expect to receive your e-visa in 48 hours.
- Super Urgent Service: This e-visa is the highest priority type that can help you get your e-visa within 24 hours.
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