How to Apply for a Rwanda Visa as a Bangladeshi Citizen: A Complete Guide

How to Apply for a Rwanda Visa as a Bangladeshi Citizen: A Complete Guide

As of February 2025, Bangladeshi citizens planning to visit Rwanda have multiple visa options to facilitate their travel. Rwanda offers a visa on arrival policy, an online e-Visa system, and the East Africa Tourist Visa for those intending to explore neighboring countries. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps and requirements for each visa option, ensuring Bangladeshi travelers can choose the most suitable method for their journey.

1. Visa on Arrival

Rwanda has implemented a visa on arrival policy for citizens of all countries since January 1, 2018. This means Bangladeshi travelers can obtain a visa upon entering Rwanda without prior application.

Key Details:

• Validity: The visa on arrival is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days.

• Fee: Citizens of countries that are members of the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie are granted a free visa upon arrival for a visit of 30 days. As Bangladesh is not a member of these organizations, Bangladeshi citizens are required to pay a visa fee upon arrival.

  visitrwanda.com

Requirements:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and have at least one blank page.

• Proof of onward travel: Evidence of departure from Rwanda, such as a return or onward ticket.

• Sufficient funds: Demonstration of adequate financial means to cover the duration of the stay.

Procedure:

• Arrival: Upon arrival at a Rwandan entry point, proceed to the immigration desk.

• Documentation: Present the required documents, including your passport and proof of onward travel.

• Fee Payment: Pay the applicable visa fee.

• Visa Issuance: After verification, the immigration officer will issue a visa valid for 30 days.

2. Online e-Visa Application

For travelers preferring to secure their visa before departure, Rwanda offers an online e-Visa application system. This allows Bangladeshi citizens to apply for a visa electronically.

Key Details:

• Validity: Single-entry visa valid for 30 days.

• Fee: The standard visa fee is $50 USD.

Requirements:

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.

• Digital Passport-Sized Photo: Recent photograph meeting passport standards.

• Travel Details: Information about your intended travel dates and accommodation in Rwanda.

Procedure:

• Access the Application Portal: Visit the official Rwanda e-Visa application portal at Irembo.

• Create an Account: Register with a valid email address and create a password.

• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the form with accurate personal and travel information.

• Upload Required Documents: Attach the digital passport-sized photo and any other necessary documents.

• Pay the Visa Fee: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the $50 USD fee.

• Submit the Application: After reviewing all information, submit the application.

• Receive e-Visa: Processing typically takes three business days. Once approved, the e-Visa will be sent to your email. Print a copy to present upon arrival in Rwanda.

3. East Africa Tourist Visa

For travelers intending to visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda on a single trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa offers a convenient option.

Key Details:

• Validity: Multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days.

• Fee: $100 USD.

Requirements:

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.

• Digital Passport-Sized Photo: Recent photograph meeting passport standards.

• Travel Itinerary: Detailed plan of your travel within Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.

Procedure:

• Determine Point of Entry: Apply for the visa through the embassy of the country where you will first enter. For example, if Rwanda is your first point of entry, apply through the Rwandan e-Visa portal.

• Access the Application Portal: Visit the official e-Visa application portal of the respective country.

• Complete the Application Form: Provide accurate personal and travel information.

• Upload Required Documents: Attach the digital passport-sized photo and travel itinerary.

• Pay the Visa Fee: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the $100 USD fee.

• Submit the Application: After reviewing all information, submit the application.

• Receive e-Visa: Processing times may vary. Once approved, the e-Visa will be sent to your email. Print a copy to present upon arrival.

Important Considerations

• Vaccinations: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

• Application Timing: It's advisable to apply for the e-Visa at least one week before your intended travel date to account for processing times.

• Accuracy: Ensure all information provided in the application is accurate and matches your supporting documents to avoid delays or denial.

• Stay Informed: Visa policies can change. Regularly check the official Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration website for the most up-to-date information.