Rwanda entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Kigali International Airport with your passport and the fee. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
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 only) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have your passport, a passport-sized photo, and your return ticket ready at the visa counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Rwanda | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you leave Rwanda. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Kigali Airport requires proof of a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed or digital copy of your booking confirmation ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for your stay | Immigration may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your visit. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing available funds — $200–$300 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or Rwandan francs). Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring enough to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers frequently ask to see proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone is fine, but make sure it's easy to find.
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, fill out a short form (or use the e-gate if available), and present your passport and return ticket.
2
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (USD preferred). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. Keep the receipt.
3
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
Once stamped, collect your luggage, then go through customs. Have your accommodation address handy in case asked.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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 (approx. $50 USD)
Apply online via Rwanda e-Visa system or get on arrival.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit, valid 3 months
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. $70 USD)
Good for multiple entries within validity.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (multiple entries to Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Apply online or at entry; covers three countries.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee) + processing
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Rwandan employer. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay and work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee) + investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Rwanda. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Grants residency and work rights.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (1–4 years)
~$50 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Rwandan educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, or local currency) at Kigali International Airport or land borders. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at the same points as single entry. | $70 USD (approx. $70 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay is penalized daily; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | $30 USD per day (no cap mentioned) |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)Allows multiple entries to all three countries for 90 days; apply online or at entry points. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Israel 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
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; certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Rwanda, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,500m; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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
Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE)
P.O. Box 461, Kigali, Rwanda
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Desk
Kanombe, Kigali
24/7
For visa-on-arrival and entry issues; cash payments only.
Practical information for IL 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
The standard single-entry tourist visa is around $30–50 USD. Pay in cash (USD or Rwandan francs) at the airport. Prices can change, so bring a little extra just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Israeli passport holders coming directly from Israel do not need it, but if you have recently traveled to an endemic country, bring your yellow card.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, some land border crossings (like from Uganda or Tanzania) also offer visa on arrival, but Kigali airport is the most reliable. Check with the nearest Rwandan embassy if you plan to enter overland.
No online pre-registration is required for visa on arrival. Just show up with your documents and cash.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a confirmed onward ticket. A bus ticket to a neighboring country also counts.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.