Rwanda entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders can enter Rwanda without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and transit. Just show up at Kigali International Airport with your passport and an onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Rwanda. Airlines at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City check this before boarding — if your passport expires within your trip, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Rwanda | Immigration officers at Kigali International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at Kigali occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least $200–$300 USD in cash or a card that works in Rwanda. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they want to see you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is straightforward
No need to apply in advance, no fees, no forms. Just arrive with a valid passport and an onward ticket. The whole process at Kigali airport usually takes under 10 minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kigali International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. There's a dedicated queue for visa-free arrivals. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your passport at the counter
Hand over your passport to the immigration officer. They'll check your validity, stamp you in, and return it. No forms to fill, no fee to pay.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to go. Total time at immigration: usually 5–10 minutes.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Rwandan embassy or online if available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For multiple visits within validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Rwanda Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals employed by a Rwandan company. Requires a job offer and work permit approval.
student visa
Rwanda Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized Rwandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Rwanda Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (e.g., $100,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Rwanda do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Rwanda, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Possible in high-altitude areas like Volcanoes National Park; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
KG 7 Ave, Kigali
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Desk
Kigali International Airport
24/7
For entry/exit issues and transit queries.
Practical information for VN 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before you travel or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines.
No. There is no online arrival declaration required for Vietnamese passport holders. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Kigali. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes. The visa-free policy applies at all land borders, not just Kigali airport. Same 30-day limit. Just make sure you have your passport and onward ticket.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Rwanda can cost $50,000+. A basic travel insurance policy costs around $20–50 and covers accidents, illness, and trip cancellation.
You'll be fined approximately $30 per day overstayed, payable at immigration before you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. For work or study, you need a proper visa or work permit arranged before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.