Rwanda visa requirements for Sao Tomean citizens

Before visiting Rwanda, citizens of Sao Tome and Principe are required to obtain a visa. In January 2018, Rwanda began issuing electronic visas, and many nationalities, including those from Sao Tome and Principe, are eligible to apply online for an e-visa. There is no easier way to complete an online application than with Rwanda Immigration Services explaining how to apply for a Rwanda e-visa for Sao Tomean citizens.

A tourist and transit visa for Rwanda can be obtained online. This electronic system makes obtaining entry authorization into the country more convenient. Typically, the application process is completed within a few working days. In Rwanda, travelers have the option of obtaining a short-term visa. You can learn more about the Rwanda e-visa for Sao Tomean citizens by reading this article.

Rwanda e-visa for Sao Tomean citizens

1. Rwanda e-visa for Sao Tomean citizens:

A Rwanda visa for Sao Tomean citizens is an electronic visa that allows the holder to visit the country for up to 30 days to 90 days, based on the type of visa you choose. The Rwanda e-Visa was introduced in 2018 to make the process of applying for a Rwanda visa easier.

Sao Tomeans can enter Rwanda with an e-visa by applying for an online visa through the Rwanda Immigration Services application system.

The e-Visa application system is simple and quick to use for Sao Tomean nationals.

Sao Tome and Principe is one of 148 countries that can apply online for a Rwanda e-Visa, meaning that Sao Tome and Principe passport holders can enter Rwanda without visiting a Rwanda embassy or consulate.

Type of Rwanda e-visas:

• Rwanda tourist e-visa: If you intend to stay in Rwanda for a longer period of time, you might want to apply for a Tourist e-Visa. With this e-visa, you won't have to worry about your visa expiring too soon. When you arrive in Rwanda from Sao Tome and Principe, you'll have 30 full days to travel, visit loved ones, or make new memories.
• Rwanda Conference e-visa: Sao Tomean citizens can obtain the Rwanda Conference E-Visa. You can attend or speak at a conference, meeting, or seminar in Rwanda using this electronic visa. The Rwanda Conference E-Visa has a maximum validity of 30 days Per Entry and allows a Single Entry to Rwanda.
• Rwanda Transit e-visa: With our Transit e-visa travelers from Sao Tome and Principe can spend up to as long as three full days in Rwanda. It’s the ideal option for a long layover.
• East Africa e-visa: Looking for the ultimate East Africa experience? For Algerian tourists who want to explore more or spend more time with family, the East Africa e-Visa is the most extended visa available. Besides Uganda, you can also cross the borders of Kenya and Rwanda for a period of 90 days.

2. Rwanda e-visa requirements for Sao Tomean citizens:

Rwanda visa requirements for Sao Tomean citizens

You do not need to be concerned about not meeting the Rwanda e-visa requirements for Sao Tomean citizens because the list is very short and the items on it are simple to complete. You will require the following:

• Passport - If you do not have a valid passport, you will be unable to apply for a Rwanda visa. At the same time, ensure that the travel document is valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date of the visa.
• A recent passport photo - Get your extra passport photo and scan it to provide with your application.
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of legal residence – This is not required unless you plan to apply from a different country than your own
• Return flight ticket
• You must ensure that the photograph was taken as recently as possible. The background should be white. If the visa is obtained upon arrival, the applicant should bring two passport-sized photos to attach to the application.
• E-mail address - After you apply, Rwanda Immigration Services will send you an e-visa in PDF format via e-mail. Remember to print at least one physical copy.

3. How to apply for a Rwanda visa online from Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tomean nationals must fill out a brief Rwanda e-Visa application form. This is an online form with simple questions that Sao Tomeans are required to complete. They will be required to disclose the following details:

• Personal information (full name, date of birth, citizenship)
• Passport details (number, date of issue, date of expiry)
• Travel plans (dates of travel, tickets, accommodation confirmation)

Sao Tomeans must apply for the Rwanda e-Visa using the same passport they will use to visit the country. The e-visa will automatically be linked to this passport and cannot be transferred to another travel document. This is critical for Sao Tomean citizens with dual citizenship or replacing their original passports before traveling.

Finally, travelers from certain countries, including Sao Tome and Principe, will be required to show proof of additional supporting documents.

Sao Tomean applicants should double-check that all of their answers are correct and complete. They will be unable to change any of their responses once they have submitted their form. Any irregularities could cause the e-visa to be denied.

Read more: How to apply for a Rwanda visa online

Rwanda's government evaluates all applications for the e-visa and usually responds with a confirmation email within 24 business hours. Sao Tomean applicants should submit their forms two to three days before traveling for busy tourist periods.

An e-visa will be available via a downloadable link. Sao Tomeans are advised to print out a copy of their e-Visa and display it to border control officials when they reach Rwanda.

How to apply for a Rwanda visa online from Sao Tome and Principe

4. Rwanda e-visa fees for Sao Tomean citizens:

You may be concerned about the cost of service. However, rest assured that Rwanda Immigration Services provides an excellent service at a reasonable cost. One thing to keep in mind is that the cost is determined by two factors: processing time and visa type. Here are 03 options for visa processing time for travelers to consider:

• Normal – This is your most economical choice if you can wait 03 business days. It marks the maximum duration for your application processing. Nevertheless, opting for this alternative is a wise decision if you prefer to organize and plan well in advance.
• Urgent – It reduces your waiting time by half. The application will be processed in 2 business days.
• Super urgent – This is the fastest option if you are in a hurry. The visa for Kenyans will be approved within only 1 business day. As you probably expect, you will need to pay more.

To apply for a Rwanda visa online, you have to pay two (02) kinds of Rwanda Visa Fee: Service Fee and Government Fee.

Besides, Rwanda Immigration Services also provides service packages to help customers have a great trip and ensure safety such as Rwanda travel insurance, car pick-up service in Rwanda, and e-sim card in Rwanda.