by Mahider Tadesse
If you are planning a global conference in Rwanda you need to assist your event participants on how to apply for a visa. Rwanda offers multiple ways to apply for a visa; online, in-person or by mail at any Rwanda diplomatic mission/ Rwanda Embassy or upon arrival at the port of entry.
What Type of Visa Will Your International Event Participants Need for Rwanda?
Your international event participants need a Conference and Meetings Visa (V5) for Rwanda to be able to enter the country. The Conference and Meeting Visa category is a type of visa issued to foreigners to attend international conferences, workshops, seminars, meetings, exhibitions, and events in Rwanda. This is a single entry visa for 30 days, it should cover your event days or weeks plus some time for sightseeing before or after your event.
How to Apply?
The Conference and Meeting Visa for Rwanda is issued upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or any port of entry, online, and at all offices of the diplomatic mission of Rwanda.
Applying Online
Applying for a Conference and Meeting Visa for Rwanda is a straightforward simple process. Your participants can apply for an e-visa online and should have the e-visa within 7-10 working days after completing an application online. Even though this process is the simplest, several fraudulent websites are issuing fake visas. Informing your participants of fraudulent activities and sharing the link of a valid portal will help avoid risks of fraud.
Applying at the Diplomatic Mission of Rwanda
Applying at the diplomatic mission of Rwanda is also a simple process but the application requirements can be different from one country to another country. Your participants can either mail in the visa application along with required documents or apply in person. This information is best acquired from the Rwandan diplomatic Mission by your participant. Rwanda has only 21 diplomatic missions around the world, it is common for your participants not to have a Rwandan diplomatic mission at their country of residence. Your participants can research the closest Rwandan Diplomatic Mission that is accredited to issue visas for their country of residence.
Applying upon Arrival at the Port of Entry
Applying for a Conference and Meeting Visa (V5) for Rwanda upon arrival is a great option for your participants. Even though it isn’t required, an invitation letter will help expedite the application at the port of entry.
Visa Fee & Waiver
Your event participants can obtain a single entry 30-day Conference and Meeting Visa (V5) for Rwanda for $50.00 online, at the Rwandan diplomatic mission, or the port of entry. If applying for a visa at the port of entry it is recommended that your event participants arrive at the Kigali International Airport with sufficient cash in dollars to pay for a visa in case credit card transactions are not possible at the time of arrival.
Rwanda has a visa waiver arrangement for some nationals. The latest list of nationals included in the visa waiver arrangement can be found on the Rwanda Immigration Website.
Requirements for Entry into Rwanda
Even though your international event participants have got a visa, remember it isn’t a guarantee for entry. There are additional requirements for entry.
Health
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rwanda government has put testing and quarantine requirements in place. The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) is the source of detailed guidelines for travelers to Rwanda.
If any of your event participants are traveling from a country where yellow fever is endemic and/or where there is an active outbreak of yellow fever they are required to have a yellow fever vaccination in order to obtain a Conference and Meeting Visa (V5) for Rwanda at the port of entry.
Passport
Your international participants’ passport must be valid for six months after the date of entry into Rwanda and have at least one blank passport page.
Visa
If your international event participants already have an e-visa for Rwanda, they must have a printed copy of the e-visa at hand upon arrival.
If your international event participants got their visa from a Rwandan diplomatic mission, they need to carry the passport containing the visa, in case it is on a different passport from the one used for travel.
If applying for a visa at the port of entry it is recommended that your event participants arrive at the Kigali International Airport with $50.00 in cash to pay for a visa in case credit card transactions are not possible at the time of arrival.
Accommodation Detail
If your international event participants are staying at a hotel, a printed copy of the booking detail is recommended to have at hand. If any of your international event participants are staying with friends or family members having contact details and address of the host is highly recommended.
Return Ticket
A return ticket is proof that your international event participants plan to leave Rwanda at the end of your global event. It is recommended that your international event participants have a confirmed return ticket to show the designated immigration officer upon arrival.
Questions?
Are you looking to host an international event in Kigali? Let us help you! Hallpax has destination experts who are dedicated to making your event planning process enjoyable and stress-free. We are passionate about the cities we work with, and with our in-person presence in Africa, we help our clients navigate their cities of choice with ease.
