Rwanda entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. As of 2025, you simply show up at Kigali International Airport, pay the fee, and receive a 30-day tourist visa on the spot. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Pay $50 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have your passport, a passport-sized photo, and your return ticket ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Colombian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Rwanda. Airlines at Bogotá check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Rwanda | Immigration at Kigali Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like RwandAir and Kenya Airways check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Rwanda. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you have funds for your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The 30-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or leave and re-enter.
Cash is king at the counter
While credit cards are accepted, cash (USD or RWF) is faster and avoids any card issues. Have exact change if possible.
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 up, have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and intended stay. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee (cash or card). If using cash, USD is preferred but RWF works. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. Usually 30 days from entry.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Rwanda.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 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
Cost$50 USD (same as VoA, but pre-applied)
Apply online via Rwanda e-Visa portal before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD
Good for frequent travellers; apply online.
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.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
$100–$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Rwanda. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50–$100 USD
For enrolled students at accredited Rwandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in Rwanda. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at Kigali International Airport or land borders. Have exact change. | $50 USD (exact, paid in USD cash) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned officially; avoid overstay. | $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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Rwanda (Kigali) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (including Colombia). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Rwanda, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Rwanda is high-altitude; Kigali at 1,500m, Volcanoes National Park above 2,500m. Acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas below 2,000m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use DEET 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
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Desk
Kanombe, Kigali
24/7
For visa-on-arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for CO 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 = 1,468.58 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
Usually 10–20 minutes at the counter, plus queue time. Kigali airport is small and efficient, so total time is rarely more than 30 minutes.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or leave and re-enter.
Immigration may deny entry. You need proof of onward travel. A bus or flight ticket to a neighboring country works too.
Yes, most counters accept Visa/Mastercard, but cash is more reliable. Have USD or RWF as backup.
If you're transiting through Kigali and don't leave the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you want to exit the airport, you need a visa on arrival.
Yes, some land border crossings (like from Uganda or Tanzania) also offer visa on arrival, but it's less consistent. Flying into Kigali is the most reliable option.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.