US Citizen Services

Information Sheet for Americans Residing in Rwanda

Note: Please see http://www.migration.gov.rw/  for further details and forms.

• Advance visas are not required for visits less than 90 days.
• Visa applications for longer than 90 days can be requested at the website above, the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, or at the Rwandan Directorate of Immigration located on Blvd de l’Umuganda, near Peace Park Circle. 250-517-773 (phone) 250-511-857 (fax) Direction de l’Immigration, B.P. 6229, Secteur Kimihurura, Kigali, Rwanda
• Visitor Visa Renewal for More than 90 Days:  Rwf 25,000
• Resident Visas: Rwf 200,000, Valid for 2 years.
• Required documentation: Valid passport, one passport photo (4cmX4cm), a request letter, birth / marriage certificates as applicable, and completed application form (available at website).
• Police clearance: Rwandan Immigration also requires a “Certificate of Good Conduct” from the authorities of wherever applicant has resided for the last 6 months (Dependents under 18 / 21 if still in school are exempted). The US Embassy cannot issue police clearance letters or certificates of good conduct.  We can however, certify true copies of police clearances or certify sworn affidavits from people appearing in person with identification. (Note: there is a $30 notarial fee for the first document, and $20 for each subsequent document.)
• Work Visas and Permits: require covering letter from employer, signed contract, police clearance, certified copy of diploma, and CV (resumé). Fees are Rwf 200,000 (each) plus a one time “immigration caution” deposit of Rwf 465,000 (for the work visa) which is reimbursed upon departure from Rwanda. (Note: Now issued by Immigration rather than Ministry of Labor.)  Work permit is valid up to 2 years, while work visa must be renewed each year.
• Business visas: Require certified copy of trade license from Ministry of Commerce, certified copy of tax certificate, MOU for companies and associations, CV, police clearance, Rwf 465,000 “immigration caution” deposit (reimbursable upon departure from Rwanda) and covering letter explaining purpose and describing any attachments. Fees are Rwf 200,000. Valid for 2 years.
• Religious Mission: Requires mission authorization letter from legal representative / parent church, CV, Rwf 465,000 immigration caution / guarantee certificate signed by legal representative. Law providing for permanent juridicial recognition from Ministry of Justice is still pending. Valid for 2 years.
• NGO registration: Requires budget report, plan of action, CV, and police clearance.  Must be renewed every year.  Law providing for permanent juridicial recognition from Ministry of Justice is still pending.
• Technical Cooperation: Requires recommendation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Cooperation, recommendation from sending organization, copy of bilateral cooperation agreement, and copy of technical assistant card.
• Official / diplomatic visas: No fee. Require “note verbale”, or diplomatic note, from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recommendation from embassy / international organization, as well as copy of diplomatic ID card or “carte d’assistance technique”.  Diplomatic visa holders desiring to work on the local economy must use their regular passports to apply for work permits and waive diplomatic immunity.
• Researchers / Journalists: Require invitation from Ministry of Education / Health, as appropriate.  Journalists should have an accreditation card. Students need an admission letter from their educational institution and a confirmation of sponsorship.  Require CV, police clearance.  Fees are Rwf 200,000.  Equipment may be searched upon entry to Rwanda. Scholars require the Rwf 465,000 immigration caution or a signed guarantee certificate from sponsor.
• Residence Card: Upon receipt of residence visa, residents must obtain an alien registration card at Kigali City Council for Rwf 5000.  Holders can then carry this with them rather than their passports.  UPDATE: As of May 2008, the Rwandan Directorate of Immigration is encouraging private Americans to upgrade to electronic ID cards - they should bring their current residence visa, passport photo and paper ID to the Rwandan Immigration Directorate Office located on Blvd de l'Umuganda near the US Embassy.
• Late Fees: There is a penalty of up to Rwf 500,000 for allowing visas to expire without renewal.