Overview
Every traveler under 18 needs their own Rwanda eVisa or visa-on-arrival approval, even infants listed in a parent’s passport. Applications are filed individually through Irembo, and immigration officers will ask for proof of relationship plus parental consent if both parents are not present.
Who Counts as a Minor in Rwanda?
- Minor: Anyone under 18 years of age.
- Infant: Under 2 years.
- Child: 2–12 years.
- Teen: 13–17 years.
All minors must travel with a responsible adult (parent, legal guardian, or authorized chaperone).
Key Requirements for Traveling with Children
- Individual passports valid at least six months beyond arrival.
- Individual eVisa approvals (Single Entry, Conference, East Africa Tourist Visa, etc.).
- Birth certificate or legal document proving the relationship to accompanying adults.
- Notarized consent letters when one/both parents stay behind.
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from or transiting through risk countries.
Documents Needed for Each Child
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must have its own number and at least one blank page. |
| Photo | Recent color photo on a plain background (JPEG/PNG). |
| Birth Certificate | Shows parents/guardians; provide certified translation if not in English/French/Kinyarwanda. |
| Consent Letter | Required whenever the child is not traveling with both custodial parents. |
| Itinerary & Accommodation | Flights, tour confirmation, or host invitation letter. |
| Vaccination Record | Yellow fever proof if applicable; keep routine immunization card handy. |
| Guardianship/Adoption Papers | Court orders, adoption decrees, or legal custody letters. |
Parental Consent & Guardianship Rules
- Both parents traveling: No consent letter needed, but carry birth certificates.
- One parent traveling: Provide a notarized consent letter from the absent parent plus a passport/ID copy.
- Guardians/relatives: Present legal guardianship papers and consent letters from both parents.
- Adopted children: Carry the adoption decree and a letter from the adoptive parents authorizing travel.
- Deceased/sole custody parent: Bring the death certificate or court order proving custody.
Border officers in Kigali, Gatuna, La Corniche, and other entry points routinely inspect these documents.
How to Submit a Child’s eVisa Application
- Gather documents: Passport scan, photo, birth certificate, consent letters, itinerary.
- Choose visa type: Choose the correct visa type (Single Entry, Conference, East Africa Tourist Visa, etc.).
- Complete the form: Enter the child’s information exactly as shown in the passport.
- Upload files: Attach supporting documents in JPG/PNG/PDF formats under 2 MB.
- Pay the fee:
- Track and print: Download the approval letter once emailed and print two copies—airlines may collect one at check-in.
Repeat the process for each child; there is no shared “family visa.”
Sample Parental Consent Letter
[Date]
To: Directorate General of Immigration & Emigration, Rwanda
I, [Parent/Guardian Full Name], passport number [XXXXXX], authorize my child [Child Full Name, Passport Number] to travel to Rwanda from [Start Date] to [End Date] accompanied by [Name of Accompanying Adult, Relationship].
I can be reached at [phone/email] in case of emergency.
Signature: ______________________
Notary/Seal (if required)
Print the letter, sign in ink, and have it notarized if your home country requires it for minor travel.
Special Situations (Adoption, School Trips, Split Custody)
- Split custody / divorced parents: Include court orders that define custody plus consent from any parent with legal rights.
- School or sports trips: Each student needs an individual eVisa, parental consent, emergency contacts, and a group travel letter on school letterhead.
- Unaccompanied minors: Rwanda strongly encourages an adult escort. Airlines have strict rules—check with the carrier before booking.
- Medical travel: Attach hospital invitations, medical reports, and an urgent processing request.
FAQs
Can siblings share one application?
No. Every child files separately.
Do babies need passports?
Yes. Rwanda does not accept children listed only on a parent’s passport.
What if my child has dual nationality?
Apply with the passport they’ll use to enter Rwanda and carry the second passport if needed for exit.
Do minors pay the same fee?
Yes, visa fees are identical regardless of age.
What if documents are in another language?
Provide certified translations (English, French, or Kinyarwanda accepted).
Checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months for each child.
- Digital passport photo.
- Birth certificate + certified translation (if needed).
- Consent letter(s) with signatures and ID copies.
- Flight and lodging proof.
- Yellow fever card (if route requires).
- Adoption/custody papers (if applicable).
- Printed eVisa approval + digital backup.
Preparing these documents before you apply keeps your family’s arrival in Rwanda smooth—whether you’re meeting gorillas, visiting relatives, or attending a school exchange.
