Choosing Between Rwanda eVisa vs Visa on Arrival

What Is The Rwanda E-Visa?

A Rwanda e-visa is a digital travel permit issued by the Government of Rwanda. With this visa, travelers can enter the country for tourism or business purposes without visiting an embassy or consulate in person. The entire process is entirely online; you can complete the application at your home or office.

An internet-enabled device and a dependable internet connection are all you need. This new eVisa system has significantly enhanced Rwanda's tourism.

The Rwanda e-visa is an online or electronic visa that can be obtained online

What Is Rwanda Visa On Arrival?

Visa on arrival, often shortened to VOA, allows you to obtain your visa when you land in Rwanda. This type of visa is available for citizens of many countries, but the process can be time-consuming and unpredictable.  At the airport, you must complete a visa application form, provide the required paperwork (such as proof of accommodation and sufficient funds), and pay the visa fee in cash.

Visa on Arrival is handy if you don't have time to apply for an E-Visa, but it has some issues. You might wait in long lines at the airport, and they may not approve your visa right away. Also, people often feel unsure about getting the visa, which can make the start of a trip more tense.

Can I get a visa on arrival?

Citizens of a few countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, can get their visas upon arrival in Rwanda. Prior to their trip, all other travelers who require visas must get one from their home country.

Rwanda visa on arrival countries include the United States of America, Australia, Israel, Germany, New Zealand, the Republic of South Africa, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Rwanda visa on arrival for Indian citizens

At all Rwandan entry points, including Kigali International Airport and land borders, Indian nationals are eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival. However, applying for a visa in advance is advised to prevent any delays or unforeseen problems at immigration.

To view the complete requirements for Rwandan visas for Indian citizens, please click this page if you are applying from India.

Rwanda visa on arrival for U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens are eligible to receive a visa on arrival. They can obtain their visa upon landing at Kigali International Airport without needing prior approval.

They are also eligible to apply for an e-visa, for more information please visit Rwanda visa for US citizens.

Visa on arrival allows you to obtain your visa when you land in Rwanda

The Difference Between Rwand E-Visa And Visa On Arrival

The primary difference lies in the application process. You apply for an eVisa prior to your trip and a visa on arrival after you reach your destination. Keep in mind that if you apply for your visa on arrival, you might have to wait for many minutes, if not hours, at the port, airport, or border crossing as immigration officers examine each traveler's documentation.

The eVisa process is much more convenient and time-efficient. You simply visit the Rwanda Immigration Services website, complete the online form, and receive your e-visa just within 3 working days.

For travelers, the e-Visa offers additional peace of mind. You need to print the e-visa before you go. You can be asked to show a valid visa and your passport to the Rwanda immigration officers at the border crossing in order to be allowed entry.

An eVisa is the better option if you must pick between the two types of visas. Traveling so far just to be denied a visa on arrival for reasons like incomplete paperwork or inaccurate application information would be quite disheartening.

Also, the Rwanda visa on arrival cost is often higher than an online visa. While getting a visa on arrival may seem easy, there are often extra fees or hidden costs at the border. The online visa helps you plan better since it shows the full cost ahead of time.

The eVisa process is much more convenient and time-efficient

How To Apply For A Rwanda E-Visa

The Rwanda e-visa for eligible countries is a travel document that enables simple and straightforward entry into the country. The applicants just fill out the application in about 15 minutes at Rwanda Immigration Services. A four-step procedure is as follows:

• Step 1: Complete the safe online application form in step one.

In this step, you need to provide some basic personal and passport information. They include your full name, place of birth, date of birth, passport data and your travel plans for Rwanda. Double-check all of the information entered is essential to preventing delays in obtaining the visa.

• Step 2: Make a payment for the visa fee and provide the required documents.

Choose a payment method and fill out the checkout form for our visa service charge. You can need to provide more documentation to finish your application form if we ask for it.

• Step 3: Submit the application form after receiving the email confirming the visa details

When your Rwanda eVisa is ready, we will let you notify and send you an eVisa based on your verified information. Your email address will receive the e-visa after it has been processed and approved online.

• Step 4: Download and print out a copy of your Rwanda eVisa

The Rwanda e-visa is a travel document that enables simple and straightforward entry into the country

What documents are required for a Rwanda visa?

There are not many documents needed for an online visa to Rwanda. As long as you have a passport, the process ought to proceed quickly. Basically, this is what you need:

• You cannot apply for a Rwanda e-visa if your passport is not now valid. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda and has 2 blank pages for visa stamping.
• During the application process, you will need to provide a scan of your passport's information page.
• A recent passport-sized photo. Any size is acceptable, but it should clearly show your face.
• You’ll need a valid email to receive your eVisa in PDF format.

What are the different types of Rwanda e-visa?

• Rwanda tourist e-visa: With a single entry into Rwanda, the tourist e-visa permits a stay of up to 30 days from the date of arrival.
• Rwanda conference e-visa: Attending conferences, seminars, and business meetings in Rwanda is the purpose of this visa. You can remain in Rwanda for 30 days from your date of admission if you have a conference visa for the country.
• Rwanda transit e-visa: The applicants for the transit e-visa are permitted to remain in Rwanda for a maximum of three days after their arrival date. For individuals who would like to stay a few nights in Rwanda during a layover, this visa is perfect.
• East Africa e-visa: For those who choose to spend more time traveling through three East African countries at the same time, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, with Rwanda being the first stop on your journey. Visitors are permitted to enter all three countries multiple times and remain for a maximum of 90 days after their arrival date.

Final Thoughts

Both the Rwanda e-visa and visa on arrival let you enter the country, but the e-visa is simpler, faster, and easier. It gives you quick approval, clear costs, and less worry, making it the best choice for most visitors.

To make your trip to Rwanda easy, get your E-Visa on our site now and get ready to explore the Land of a Thousand Hills!