Rwanda entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. Just show up at Kigali International Airport with your documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for Icelanders.
Apply for Rwanda eVisaOfficial portal: Rwanda Irembo Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport for $50 USD. Have cash in US dollars or euros ready — the visa counter doesn't take cards. The process takes about 10 minutes after you land.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Rwanda. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Kigali ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Rwanda. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and USD cash. The whole process at Kigali airport takes 15–45 minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel. No exceptions.
E-visa saves time at the airport
If you want to skip the visa on arrival queue, apply for an e-visa online at https://irembo.gov.rw. It costs the same and takes 2–3 business days to process.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kigali International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Queue times vary — expect 15–45 minutes depending on flight load.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay $50 (single entry) or $80 (multiple entry) in USD cash or by card. If paying cash, have exact change — change may not be available.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check the dates and your name before leaving the counter. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, collect your luggage and go through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (same as VoA but pre-approved)
Apply at Rwandan embassy abroad; allows extension at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; apply online or at embassy.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (multiple entries to Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100 USD
Single visa for three countries; apply online or at embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD application fee + processing
For those with a job offer from a Rwandan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Directorate General of Immigration.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Rwanda. Includes residency rights and family inclusion.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$50 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Rwanda. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Apply digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Rwanda)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For remote workers earning at least $1,000 USD/month. Allows stay and work in Rwanda; no local tax on foreign income.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash at Kigali International Airport or land borders. | $50 USD (exact, paid in USD or RWF equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is strictly penalized; extend before expiry if needed. | $30 USD per day (no cap mentioned) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-on-arrival is not extendable; apply for a different visa type for longer stays. | Not available for visa-on-arrival; must exit and re-enter. |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Rwanda
No transit visa needed
Iceland passport holders transiting through Rwanda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or exiting the airport, a visa-on-arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Rwanda or an East Africa Tourist Visa may exit the airport.
Transit hubsKigali International Airport (KGL)
Health & vaccines for Rwanda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, including Kigali; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during flooding or in rural areas.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Rwanda, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kigali
Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
KG 7 Ave, Kacyiru, Kigali
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and residency applications.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Desk
Kanombe, Kigali
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issuance and entry/exit questions.
Practical information for IS travellers
Country basics
CapitalKigali
LanguageKinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRwandan franc (RWF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,468.83 RWF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,JType C (two round pins) and Type J (three round pins, similar to Swiss but with different spacing).
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, not just Kigali airport. The process is the same — show your passport, return ticket, accommodation, and pay the fee. But note that some smaller borders may have limited card payment options, so carry USD cash.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can extend it once you're inside Rwanda at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali. Extensions cost around $50 and can add up to 90 days.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in USD. Some counters may accept euros or GBP, but USD is the standard. Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted but can be slow — cash is faster.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. If you're coming directly from Iceland, it's not required, but if you've traveled through an endemic area in the past 6 days, you may be asked. Get the vaccine anyway — it's one less thing to worry about.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before your trip. No exceptions at immigration.
Yes. Visit the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali (KG 7 Ave, near the airport). The extension costs about $50 and can give you up to 90 additional days. Processing takes 1–3 business days. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and proof of sufficient funds.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa online before travel through the official Rwanda e-visa portal (https://irembo.gov.rw). It costs the same as visa on arrival ($50 single, $80 multiple) and processing takes 2–3 business days. The e-visa lets you skip the visa on arrival queue at the airport — useful if you want to save time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.