Rwanda Visa for South Africans - Requirements and Fees

Visitors from South Africa are required by the Rwandan government to obtain a visa before traveling. Although a Rwanda visa is available online, please note that for certain visa types, an embassy visit may still be necessary. However, for a short-term trip, South African citizens have the convenient option to apply for a Rwanda electronic visa.

If your visit is for tourism, the Rwanda eVisa is an ideal choice, allowing you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Read on for a comprehensive guide to Rwanda visa requirements for South African citizens.

1. Rwanda visa for South African citizens

The Rwanda e-Visa is an official travel document required for certain foreigners wishing to enter Rwanda. Because it is processed electronically, it is easier to obtain than a paper visa. With an e-visa, South African nationals may spend up to 30 days in Rwanda for tourism-related activities.

The fastest and most convenient method of getting a Rwanda e-Visa for South African citizens is to apply online. This electronic travel authorization allows South Africans to visit Rwanda for tourism/leisure, to visit family, or to transit through the country.

Do South African citizens need a visa for Rwanda?

Yes, South African citizens need a visa to visit Rwanda, South African citizens planning to study, work, volunteer, seek medical treatment, or permanently relocate to Rwanda must apply for a visa in advance. This can be done by visiting the Rwanda embassy in South Africa

What are the different types of Rwanda visa for South African citizens?

According to Rwanda’s current visa policy, there are 4 main types of Rwanda e-visas that South African citizens may use to visit Rwanda

• Rwanda e-Tourist Visa: This visa allows a single entry into Rwanda for a maximum of 30 days from the date of your entry.
• Rwanda conference Visa: It is issued for attending conferences inside Rwanda. With this type of e-visa, you can stay in Rwanda for up to 30 days from the date of your arrival.
• Rwanda transit visa: South African citizens who want to travel to another country but need to stop in Rwanda to transit through the country must obtain a transit visa. This e-visa type allows you to stay in Rwanda within 03 days from the date of your arrival.
• East African Online Visa: This e-visa type is designed for all visitors who wish to visit Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with multiple entry permits. It allows for multiple entries into each of the three countries. Traveling between and within them is only permitted for tourism purposes (including family visits) and has a 90-day validity period.

2. Rwanda Visa Requirements for South African citizens

When applying for an electronic visa for Rwanda from South Africa, travelers must adhere to the requirements outlined in Rwanda's visa policy.

What Rwanda visa documents are required for South African citizens?

To meet the Rwanda e-Visa requirements for South African citizens travelers need:

• A South African passport is valid for at least 06 months from the date of your arrival.
• A portrait photo of yourself.
• A frequently used email address to receive your e-visa result.

South African passengers should obtain a new passport before applying for the Rwanda e-visa if their passport expires within 6 months and/or they do not have any blank pages left.

When South African citizens have gathered all of the required documents and complied with the current requirements for visas, they are ready to apply for a Rwanda e-visa.

3. Applying for a Rwanda visa from South Africa:

How to apply Rwanda visa from South Africa?

The online process to get a visa to Rwanda from South Africa is very simple and quick. South African citizens can apply for a Rwanda e-visa by completing the online application form. There are 3 steps to take, and applicants from South Africa should expect to spend about 15 minutes on the whole thing.

Apply for Rwanda Visa Now

Rwanda e-visa applications are typically processed within three business days of submission. In some cases, it may take longer, so South African citizens should apply for their Rwanda e-visa well in advance of their trip. Because of the nature of the electronic format, South African citizens will receive their approved Rwanda e-visa via the email address they provided when filling out the application form.

The approved Rwanda e-visa for South African citizens is electronically linked to the passport of the South African holder.

When entering Rwanda, it is recommended to bring a copy of the approved e-visa, as the border officer may ask to see it alongside the traveler's South African passport.

4. Rwanda e-visa for South African citizens fees and processing time

How much is Rwanda visa for South African citizens?

To complete your payment, the first thing you need to know is that you are about to pay 02 kinds of Rwanda e-visa fees if you want to apply for a Rwanda e-visa for South African citizens: the government fee and the service fee. In addition, consider adding your Rwanda travel insurance to have an assured trip.

For the government fee, since South Africa is not on the exemption list of Rwanda, you are required to pay this fee, as a citizen of South Africa.

For the service fee, it is up to your choice of processing time. In total, there are 03 options with different processing times for you to choose from:

What is the Rwanda visa processing time for South African citizens?

• Normal: this service type offers you a standardized processing time you will get your e-visa within 03 business days.
• Urgent: you will have a higher state of service when choosing this type. As a result, you will receive your e-visa in a guaranteed 48 hours.
• Super urgent: this e-visa is the highest priority type that can help you get your e-visa within 24 hours.

How safe is Kigali Rwanda?

Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, was generally considered to be one of the safest cities in Africa. The Rwandan government has made significant efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors alike. 

Payment method: you can choose to pay in 02 ways: electronic payment (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Paypal) and wire transfer to the Bank of Cyprus

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

Rwanda Visa Requirements for South Africa Citizens FAQs

How much is a visa for Rwanda from South Africa?

A Rwanda visa fee is based on the total fee of the Rwanda government fee and service fee. The government charge is non-refundable when you complete the visa application form. The service fee can be changed depending on South African citizens’ purposes to enter Rwanda with which type of e-visa and the processing time to be granted a Rwanda e-visa.

Generally, the government e-visa fee for Tourist/ Conference/ Transit e-visa is 90$. The East Africa e-visa cost 150$ by the government. Besides, our service fee is charged 69$ and this can be higher depending on travelers’ needs for having an e-visa for types and processing time aspects. In case South Africa citizens want to get a Rwanda e-visa sooner, they can apply for a Rush Visa service instead. However, South African citizens might be charged a high fee if they choose that option.

All the cost of e-visa Rwanda Immigration Services has been announced publicly at the Visa Fees for South African travelers can refer. All electronic payment will be accepted with credit or debit card, Visa, Master Card, American Express or Paypal. In addition, South Africa citizens can transfer money through the Bank of Cyprus. All your payment processes will be secured on our website.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Rwanda Visa from South Africa?

Since 2018, the Rwanda government has approved the electronic visa for South Africa nationals to enter Rwanda with the purposes of tourism, conference and transit. This means a lot to the growth of the economy for the country due to the increasing number of travelers from South Africa.

If South Africans are questioning how long to get a Rwanda visa, it depends on which processing time that they choose. Generally, it will take from 1 to 3 business days to process e-visa. This is estimated to be quite quicker than waiting for an interview with embassies or consulates to get a visa. So, South African citizens must apply at least 4 working days before you intend to come to Rwanda.

There are 3 processing time frame provided by Rwanda Immigration Services:

• Normal: For South Africa who want to obtain an e-visa within 3 working days. During this period, travelers will have time to prepare some extra documents required for an e-visa.
• Urgent: For South Africa who want to get an e-visa in 2 working days.
• Super Urgent: This is the best option for South Africa who are in a hurry and wish to receive an e-visa within 24 business hours.

Does Rwanda have beaches?

Rwanda is a landlocked nation bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and the west by Zaire. Since the European colonial powers drew the boundaries in 1910, they have stayed basically intact. However, Rwanda is home to several beautiful lakes, and while they may not have sandy shores, they offer scenic landscapes and opportunities for relaxation and water activities.

Is Rwanda a hot or cold country?

Rwanda is characterized by a temperate climate, avoiding extremes of hot or cold temperatures. The country's elevation and geographical features contribute to its moderate weather conditions. Situated in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda's central highlands, where much of the population resides, experience milder temperatures compared to lower-lying areas. The capital city, Kigali, situated at a higher elevation, enjoys a generally mild and comfortable climate.

The dry season, spanning from June to September, brings clear skies and daytime temperatures ranging from around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). This period is ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. The wet season, occurring from October to May, sees more rainfall, but the temperatures remain relatively consistent, ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius). Despite increased precipitation, Rwanda doesn't face extremes of cold commonly associated with some regions during their wet seasons.

Due to its distinctive geography, Rwanda features various microclimates. The country offers a moderate temperature, neither excessively hot nor cold. This makes it a perfect destination for tourism and adventure throughout the entire year.

Rwanda eagerly awaits your visit. Let’s apply for a Rwanda visa and begin your journey with us!

Is gorilla trekking worth the money?

Gorilla trekking is undeniably worth the money for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. The opportunity to witness these awe-inspiring creatures, the endangered mountain gorillas, in their natural habitat is a rare privilege. 

Gorilla trekking costs include permits, expert guides, and contributions to conservation efforts, ensuring the sustained well-being of these extraordinary primates. Roaming through dense, untouched forests, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild, infuses an indescribable richness into the adventure. The price represents more than just logistical considerations; it embodies a commitment to conservation, a vital investment in safeguarding these majestic creatures.

Moreover, the economic benefits derived from gorilla tourism play a crucial role in supporting local communities and fostering environmental stewardship. While the initial expense may seem significant, the value extends far beyond the monetary aspect, encompassing the profound connection with nature, the preservation of a delicate ecosystem, and the contribution to the continued existence of a critically endangered species. 

If you are eager to be part of this extraordinary journey, let’s apply for a Rwanda visa and contribute to the preservation of these magnificent creatures. Your visit can make a real difference in the conservation efforts.