Rwanda entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. As of 2026, you simply show up at Kigali International Airport with your documents, pay the fee, and receive a 30-day single-entry visa at the immigration counter. No need to apply in advance.
Apply for Rwanda eVisaOfficial portal: Rwanda Irembo Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport or any land border. Pay $30 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have a passport photo and cash USD ready — the immigration counter has an ATM but it sometimes runs out of cash.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Rwanda immigration checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, they will deny boarding at the airline counter. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Kigali airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a bus/ticket to a neighboring country. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available balance. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or Rwandan francs). Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile money are not accepted. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
This visa allows one entry into Rwanda. If you leave and want to return, you'll need to pay for a new visa on arrival. For multiple entries, apply for a different visa type in advance.
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 for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue up, fill out a short arrival form if needed.
2
Present your documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or RWF). The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once approved, the officer stamps the visa sticker into your passport. Then go to the main passport control queue to get your entry stamp. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. NPR 6,600)
Apply online via Rwanda e-Visa portal or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, valid for 3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$70 USD (approx. NPR 9,240)
Good for travelers making multiple trips within the validity period.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (multiple entries to Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)
Validity90 days from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200)
Allows travel between the three countries. Apply online or at embassies.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. NPR 13,200) processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Rwandan employer. Requires a work permit application and approval from the Directorate General of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. NPR 6,600) processing fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Rwanda. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,400) processing fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Rwanda. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD, EUR, or RWF at the airport. Credit cards not always accepted. | $50 USD (approx. NPR 6,600) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $70 USD (approx. NPR 9,240) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport before departure. | $30 USD per day (approx. NPR 3,960 per day), no cap |
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
Nepalese passport holders transiting through Rwanda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter Rwanda (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsKigali International Airport (KGL)
Health & vaccines for Rwanda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Nepal). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DPT, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Rwanda, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travelers, but can occur in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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
P.O. Box 461, Kigali, Rwanda
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions, overstay payments, and re-entry permits.
Kigali International Airport
Immigration Desk at Kigali International Airport
Kanombe, Kigali
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and overstay clearance upon departure.
Practical information for NP 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
The standard single-entry 30-day visa costs around $30–$50 USD (or equivalent in Rwandan francs). Exact amount can vary slightly, so bring small bills. Double-entry and transit visas are also available at different rates.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling (e.g., a visitor's visa from the Rwandan embassy in Kathmandu or online).
No online pre-registration is required for the visa on arrival. Just show up with your documents and cash. However, you may need to fill out a simple arrival card on the plane or at the airport.
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Without a return or onward ticket, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all major land border crossings into Rwanda, including from Uganda (Katuna) and Tanzania (Rusumo). The process is similar to the airport — bring passport, cash, and onward ticket.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Rwanda can be high — a hospital stay for something like malaria treatment can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance also covers trip cancellation and lost luggage.
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.