Rwanda entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $50 USD. Pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the immigration counter in Kigali International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Pay $50 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — credit cards not accepted. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Rwanda. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Rwanda. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — show it before they ask. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Rwanda. Officers at Kigali airport sometimes ask to see it during visa processing. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry at least $200 USD equivalent in cash or a recent bank statement. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during the stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). There are no ATMs before immigration at Kigali airport. Bring exact change if possible — officers may not have change for large bills.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Carry your yellow card. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kigali International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's usually a separate counter for visa-on-arrival payments.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white card on the plane or at immigration. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight number, accommodation address.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, hand over your passport, the arrival card, and $50 USD (or equivalent in EUR). They accept cash only — no cards. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away. It's usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
Once you have the visa, you can go through to baggage claim and customs. Keep your passport handy — they may check again at the exit.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Apply online via Rwanda e-Visa portal before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Good for frequent travellers; apply online.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Covers Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda; apply online.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) processing fee
For those with a job offer in Rwanda. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Directorate General of Immigration.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184) processing fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Rwanda. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. €46) processing fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Rwanda. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD, EUR, or RWF at the airport. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (multiple entries, 90 days)Valid for Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | $30 USD per day (approx. €28), no cap mentioned |
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Rwanda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa-on-arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy seasons.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Desk
Kigali International Airport, Arrivals Hall
Open 24/7
For visa-on-arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for AT 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 = 1,467.36 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 visa on arrival costs $50 USD (or equivalent in EUR). You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
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 your current one expires. Contact the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali for options.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, not just Kigali airport. The same $50 USD fee applies. However, processing may take longer at busy land borders.
Report the loss immediately to the nearest police station and get a police report. Then contact the Austrian Embassy in Kigali (or the nearest EU consulate) for an emergency travel document. You'll need the police report and a passport photo.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa online before travel through the official Rwanda e-visa portal. It costs the same $50 USD and takes about 3 business days to process. Some travelers prefer this to avoid queues at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.