Overview
A Rwanda eVisa (Single Entry, Conference, Transit, or East Africa Tourist Visa) is valid at every official immigration checkpoint listed below. When you apply on Irembo, you must select your intended entry point. Immigration forwards your approval to that location, so choose the border, airport, or lake crossing that matches your itinerary.
Airports Accepting Rwanda eVisas
| Airport | IATA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali International Airport | KGL | Main gateway for international flights. Dedicated eVisa lanes. |
| Kamembe International Airport (Rusizi) | KME | Serves Lake Kivu, Nyungwe, and Congo Nile Trail itineraries. |
| Bugesera International Airport (opening soon) | TBD | Future hub near Kigali; select once operational and listed on Irembo. |
If you fly into Entebbe, Nairobi, or Kilimanjaro first, your Rwanda eVisa will be stamped only when you cross into Rwanda at a land border.
Land Border Crossings
Rwanda shares borders with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These posts handle eVisa holders:
Uganda ↔ Rwanda
- Gatuna / Katuna (Northern Corridor highway to Kigali)
- Kagitumba / Mirama Hills (fastest link between Kigali and Kampala via Kayonza)
- Cyanika / Kyanika (closest to Musanze and Volcanoes National Park)
DR Congo ↔ Rwanda
- La Corniche / Grande Barrière (Gisenyi–Goma) – primary border for gorilla trekkers and traders
- Petite Barrière / Poids-Lourds (Gisenyi–Goma) – pedestrians and light vehicles
- Cyangugu / Bukavu (Rusizi One & Two) – access to Lake Kivu’s southern shore and Nyungwe
- Bugarama / Kamanyola – near southwestern Rwanda
Burundi ↔ Rwanda
- Nemba / Gasenyi – closest to Kigali
- Ruhwa – western corridor to Bujumbura
- Akanyaru-Haut & Akanyaru-Bas – central crossings for commercial traffic
Tanzania ↔ Rwanda
- Rusumo – main link to Tanzania and Serengeti/Lake Victoria loops
Always verify opening hours—some crossings close overnight or on holidays.
Lake & River Ports
Rwanda has no seaports, but eVisa holders frequently cross via Lake Kivu and Kagera River points:
- Gisenyi Port: Arrivals from Goma (DRC) ferries and private boats processed at La Corniche.
- Karongi & Rusizi Marinas: Lake shuttles coordinate with nearby land borders for passport control.
- Rusumo Bridge (Kagera River): Handles both road and foot traffic between Tanzania and Rwanda.
If you’re joining a Lake Kivu cruise, immigration formalities usually occur at the adjacent land post before boarding.
Arrival Process & Documents
- Carry your printed approval letter (and digital backup). Airlines often ask for it at check-in.
- Present your passport (6+ months validity) plus the eVisa letter to the immigration officer.
- Show onward/return travel proof and accommodation details if asked.
- Provide Yellow Fever certificate if you visited or transited a risk country.
- Register biometrics (photo + fingerprints) at airports and major land borders.
- Receive an entry stamp showing visa class and permitted stay (usually 30 days for Single Entry).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter through any border if my plans change?
Small changes are usually fine.
Can I enter Rwanda multiple times on a Single Entry Visa?
No. If you plan to exit and re-enter (e.g., DR Congo day trip), apply for a Multiple Entry Visa (Class V12) or the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Are all borders open 24/7?
Kigali International Airport operates around the clock; most land borders run roughly 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Check current hours before traveling overnight.
What happens if I arrive at a minor border not on this list?
Expect delays or denial of entry. Always route yourself through an authorized point.
Selecting the correct entry point—and carrying printed documentation—ensures your Rwanda eVisa is honored the moment you reach the border.
