Rwanda entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs $50 USD, payable in cash at the immigration desk in Kigali International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Pay $30 USD in cash for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have your passport photo and hotel booking ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Rwanda strictly enforces this — airlines check it before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Kigali Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking or host invitation helps speed up the visa-on-arrival process. Keep a printed confirmation or digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Rwanda rarely asks, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD). ATMs at Kigali airport may not dispense USD. Bring crisp, undamaged $50 bills from home. Torn or marked notes may be refused.
E-visa alternative available
If you prefer to skip the queue, apply for an e-visa online before travel. Same cost ($50 USD), valid for 30 days. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Apply at the official Rwanda e-visa portal.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kigali International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue up — it can take 15–30 minutes depending on flight volume.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. Fill it in while waiting.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, the completed form, your return ticket (show on phone), and your hotel booking. Pay $50 USD in cash. The officer will process and issue the visa sticker.
4
Collect passport and proceed
Once the sticker is affixed, you'll get your passport back. Head to the baggage claim area, then customs. Total time at immigration: usually 10–20 minutes.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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. €46)
Standard option for short visits. Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD (approx. €64)
Good for multiple trips within 3 months.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (total in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Single entry to all three countries. Must be obtained before travel.
work visa
Rwanda Work Visa (Permit de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) application fee + processing
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Rwanda. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
Apply student visa
Rwanda Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. €46) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Rwandan institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Apply investor visa
Rwanda Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184) application fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Rwanda. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration. Includes family dependents.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, or local currency) upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or land borders. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days) – online pre-approvalApply via Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration website for faster processing. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Available online; allows multiple entries within validity. | $70 USD (approx. €64) |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)Single entry to all three countries, valid 90 days. Apply online. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $30 USD per day (approx. €27), 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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Rwanda (Kigali International Airport) 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
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsKigali International Airport (KGL)
Health & vaccines for Rwanda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting >12 hours). Proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Rwanda, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is recommended for all travellers. 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 (DGIE)
KG 7 Ave, Kacyiru, Kigali
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions, overstay payments, and residency applications. Bring passport, visa, and payment in cash.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Office
Kanombe, Kigali
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and entry issues. Have documents ready.
Practical information for LV 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 = 1,466.81 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, you can extend it once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) office in Kigali. The extension costs $50 USD. You must apply before your initial 30 days expire.
The visa on arrival fee is strictly cash in USD. There are ATMs at Kigali airport that dispense Rwandan francs (RWF), but they may not give USD. You can exchange EUR or GBP at the airport forex bureau, but it's simpler to bring USD from home. Cards are not accepted at the immigration desk.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Latvia is not a risk country, but if you've traveled to any yellow fever endemic area in the last 10 days, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct entry from Latvia.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all major land borders, including the border with Uganda (Katuna) and Tanzania (Rusumo). The process is the same: $50 USD cash, valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. However, the queues can be longer at land borders.
For stays beyond 60 days, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel, such as a visitor's pass or a long-stay visa. The visa on arrival is only extendable once. Contact the Rwandan embassy in Berlin (which covers Latvia) for options.
Yes, Rwanda offers an e-visa for Latvian passport holders. You can apply online at the official Rwanda e-visa portal. The cost is the same ($50 USD), and processing takes 2–3 business days. The e-visa is valid for 30 days. Some travelers prefer this to avoid the queue at the airport.
Overstaying incurs a fine of $30 USD per day, payable at the DGIE office or at the airport immigration desk when you leave. It's enforced strictly. If you overstay by more than 30 days, you may be banned from re-entering Rwanda for a period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.