Rwanda East Africa visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

The number of visitors to Rwanda annually has increased significantly in recent years, and this trend shows no sign of stopping despite the 2020 pandemic. Many people who visit Rwanda do so on a Rwanda East Africa Visa because of the cross border opportunities it provides. Are you planning to visit Rwanda soon?

This post contains vital information about this tourist visa and the requirements necessary to successfully apply for one.

What Is The Rwanda East Africa Visa?

The East African visa is a special tourist visa created under a regional agreement between the governments of Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. This travel document is issued to visitors for tourism purposes. The multiple entry visa allows the holder to enter and exit any of these countries at will for as long as the visa remains valid. The visa is valid for 90 days.

Ever since the east African visa was introduced, the application process to get a Rwandan visa has become much easier. Applicants looking to spend a short time in Rwanda or any of the other countries no longer have to visit their embassies in person to apply for a visa. They can use their smartphones to apply for a visa online by completing the application form and attaching the relevant documents.

The East African visa Is a special tourist visa created under a regional agreement between the governments of Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. This travel document is issued to visitors for tourism purposes. The multiple entry visa allows the holder to enter and exit any of these countries at will for as long as the visa remains valid. The visa is valid for 90 days.

The East African visa is not extendable, so an existing one has to expire first before the holder can apply for a new one.

Why The East Africa Visa is Ideal?

Applying for an east African visa is ideal if you plan to stay in Rwanda for only a short while. This visa offers multiple entry advantages to three countries, so you don’t have to apply for separate visas and spend more money on them. Furthermore, countries like Tanzania and Zimbabwe also offer holders of this visa easy access to their own visas as well; for instance, Zimbabwe still offers visitors a visa on arrival.

So having access to multiple countries is the biggest benefit of applying for an East African visa.

When Not To Get a Rwanda East Africa Visa?

This visa is not suited for the following

Non tourism visits: If you are visiting for non tourism related activities like work or business trips, this visa is not for you. The East Africa Visa is issued on the condition that the holder is coming to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for tourism and nothing else.

Long Stays: If you know you are going to stay for more than ninety days, we recommend a different visa, not this one. This visa is only valid for 90 days; staying for much longer will be a violation.

East Africa Visa Requirements

To apply for this tourist visa, you need to provide the following documents to complete the application form.

Valid Passport

You need a valid passport issued by your home country no less than six months before it expires. The expiry date starts counting from the first day of your planned arrival. Passports should have at least two blank pages, and applicants must upload the first land last pages.

Return Flight Ticket

Visitors flying into Rwanda from far off countries must upload a copy of their return flight ticket to show that they plan to return to their countries at the conclusion of their visit.

Travel Itinerary

They must show their travel Itinerary, which must include details about locations they plan to visit

Hotel Bookings

They must provide proof of hotel bookings. If they are staying with family and friends, they must provide the house address

Proof of Funds

Proof of funds is required to show they can cover their living expenses while in Rwanda.

Bank Card

A bank card to pay the visa fee online.

The Rwanda east African tourist visa takes about 1-5 working days to be approved and will be sent to the designated email address you provide, so ensure you only provide a valid email.

Once you receive it, print it out and bring a copy with you. Rwandan immigration officers will request it alongside your passport before they stamp the latter and allow you into the country. Note that the visa becomes operational the moment your passport is stamped and the countdown to its expiration begins.

Did you know that you can apply for a Rwanda east Visa online? Visit VisaHQ to apply today. The application form is easy to fill out in a few steps.