Visa Requirements
Do American citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Official Requirement
Visa on arrival
for United States citizens travelling to Rwanda
Eligible visitors may obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and other designated entry points. This option is available to nationals of countries not covered by Rwanda visa-free arrangements who qualify under Rwanda on-arrival visa policy.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
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The short answer
American citizens can get a visa on arrival to enter Rwanda for stays of up to 30 days. A visa is issued at the border on arrival in Rwanda. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. Entry rules change without notice, so the requirement is read again from the official source on a schedule and the date above is the last time that happened. The official source for this corridor is linked on this page and should be checked before booking. Where the destination government and the traveller's own government disagree, the destination government decides, because it is the one that writes the rule. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for American citizens visiting Rwanda
- Requirement
- Visa on arrival
- Maximum stay
- Up to 30 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How American citizens enter Rwanda
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Prepare for the border desk in Rwanda: the visa is issued on arrival, so bring whatever the official page lists, including a means to pay any fee.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Exercise Caution
UK FCDO: Rwanda-DRC border Risks associated with the proximity of potential fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect people on the Rwandan side of the border. International borders are often not well marked in remote areas, and you could unknowingly cross into DRC. You may see a presence of military personnel on both sides of the border. See Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information. Keep up to date with developments through local media. The border crossings b
Updated 2025-12-18
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
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Questions
What American citizens ask about entering Rwanda
Yes, but it is issued at the border. American citizens can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Up to 30 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Rwanda uses RWF. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Safety is a judgement your own government makes, not Yoogo. This page links the official travel advice for your passport; read it before booking, because advice can change faster than entry rules.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →