Rwanda entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. As of 2026, you simply show up at Kigali International Airport, pay the fee, and receive a 30-day single-entry visa. 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 $30 USD in cash for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have a passport photo ready — the immigration officer will take your photo and fingerprints on the spot.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Rwanda. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — a booking confirmation showing you leave Rwanda within the visa validity period works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Rwanda. Immigration may ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process — a simple booking confirmation is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely check this, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The visa on arrival process at Kigali International Airport is efficient and well-organized. You don't need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport, $30 USD cash, and a return ticket. The whole thing takes about 5–10 minutes.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring $30 USD in cash (or equivalent in EUR/GBP). Exact change helps avoid delays.
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. Queue up, fill out a short form (name, passport number, duration of stay), and hand over your passport and $30 USD.
2
Pay and receive your visa
The officer will process your payment and stamp the visa into your passport. The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes. Keep the receipt if given.
3
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the passport control line. Show your passport with the new visa sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. They'll stamp you in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 30,000 RWF)
Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50,000 RWF)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
Cost$100–$200 USD (approx. 100,000–200,000 RWF)
Requires sponsorship from employer or institution.
work visa
Rwanda Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 100,000 RWF)
For foreign nationals employed by a Rwandan company. Requires a work contract and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Rwanda Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. 50,000 RWF)
For enrolled students at recognized Rwandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Rwanda Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 200,000 RWF)
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a Rwandan business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or RWF at the airport. | $30 USD (approx. 30,000 RWF) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be applied online before travel. | $30 USD (approx. 30,000 RWF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 90 days from issue. | $50 USD (approx. 50,000 RWF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10,000 RWF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Norway passport holders transiting through Rwanda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is required.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy seasons.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Volcanoes National Park (2,500–4,500m).
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
Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE)
KG 7 Ave, Kacyiru, Kigali
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, Kanombe
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for NO 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 = 1,466.72 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 your 30-day visa once you're in Rwanda. Visit the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali (KG 7 Ave, near the airport). Extensions cost about $50 USD and can give you an additional 30 days. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and proof of accommodation.
You can apply for a longer visa before you travel through the Rwanda e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.rw). Options include a 90-day single-entry visa ($50 USD) or a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 1 year ($100 USD). Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Norway is not a risk country, but if you've traveled to any yellow fever endemic area in the last 6 months, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct entry from Norway.
Yes, the same visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings like Gatuna (from Uganda), Rusumo (from Tanzania), and Akanyaru (from Burundi). The process is the same: $30 USD, valid for 30 days. But land borders can be slower — expect 15–30 minutes.
Report the loss immediately to the nearest police station and get a police report. Then contact the Norwegian Embassy in Kigali (KG 9 Ave, Kacyiru). They can issue an emergency passport. You'll need the police report, a passport photo, and proof of identity (copy of passport or driver's license).
No, Rwanda does not require an arrival declaration form for tourists. Just your passport and visa on arrival. There's no separate health declaration either, unless you're arriving from a country with an active outbreak (e.g., Ebola).
No, only cash is accepted at the visa on arrival counter. Bring $30 USD in cash (or equivalent in EUR/GBP). There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they may charge high fees. Better to have cash ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.