Rwanda entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $50 USD. No advance application needed — just show up with your passport and pay the fee.
Apply for Rwanda eVisaOfficial portal: Rwanda Irembo Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Pay $30 USD in cash (USD or Rwandan francs accepted) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers ask for both at the visa counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into 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 Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration at Kigali Airport asks for this at the visa counter — a phone screenshot works but a printout is smoother. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card showing available credit. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply in advance. Just have $50 USD ready and your passport with 6+ months validity. The process takes 15-30 minutes at Kigali Airport.
Cash is king at land borders
At land border crossings, card machines are rare. Bring $50 USD in cash per person. Rwandan francs are accepted but the exchange rate may be less favourable.
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 — 15 to 45 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, hand over your passport, the arrival card, and $50 USD. The officer will process payment and issue a visa sticker. They'll stick it in your passport and stamp it.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, join the main passport control queue. The officer will check your passport, visa, and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation. Answer clearly. Then you're through.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. Red channel if you have goods over $2000 or restricted items.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost30 USD (30 USD)
Apply online via Rwanda e-Visa system or obtain on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days total per visit
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost50 USD (50 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (total in region)
Validity90 days from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Covers Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda; single entry to each country.
work visa
Rwanda Work Visa (Permit de Travail)
1 year, renewable annually
~200 USD (200 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Rwanda. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Rwanda Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~100 USD (100 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Rwandan institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Rwanda Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Rwanda. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration. Includes family dependents.
digital nomad visa
Rwanda Digital Nomad Visa (Made in Rwanda)
1 year, renewable
~150 USD (150 USD) per year
For remote workers earning foreign income. Requires proof of employment, income of at least $1,000/month, and health insurance. No local tax on foreign income.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at the airport or land border in cash (USD or local currency). | 30 USD (30 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available for multiple entries within the visa validity. | 50 USD (50 USD) |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)Allows multiple entries to all three countries for 90 days. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | 30 USD per day (30 USD per day) |
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Rwanda do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving 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 transit without additional documentation.
Transit hubsKigali International Airport (KGL)
Health & vaccines for Rwanda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Rwanda, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating/drinking advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 2,000m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kigali
Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) Headquarters
KG 7 Ave, Kacyiru, Kigali
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions, re-entry permits, and other immigration services. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Office
Kigali International Airport, Kanombe
24/7
Handles visa on arrival and entry/exit issues. For urgent matters only.
Practical information for SA 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. All official land border crossings (e.g., from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, DRC) offer visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. Same $50 USD fee, same 30-day validity.
Yes, you can pay in Rwandan francs at the official exchange rate. But US dollars are simpler — no confusion on the rate. Credit cards are accepted at Kigali Airport but not always at land borders.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 90 days total. Visit the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali (KG 7 Ave, near the airport). Cost is about $50 USD. You'll need a passport photo and a completed application form.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Saudi Arabia is not a risk country, so you won't be asked. But if you've recently travelled to a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need the vaccine certificate.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, you can apply online at https://irembo.gov.rw. The e-visa costs $50 USD and is processed in 3-5 business days. It's not faster than visa on arrival, but it saves queuing at the airport.
Yes. After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. It's usually to the left of the main immigration desks. If unsure, ask any airport staff.
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.