Rwanda eVisa Requirements and Process for Travelers from Belgium

For Belgian travelers, Rwanda holds a special, albeit complex, historical connection. Today, this relationship has evolved into one of mutual respect and tourism. Rwanda, with its stunning hills, pristine national parks, and vibrant culture, is a top destination for Belgian tourists seeking an African adventure.

Whether you are visiting friends in Kigali, trekking gorillas in the Virungas, or exploring the shores of Lake Kivu, understanding the entry requirements is crucial. This guide provides details about Rwanda eVisa Requirements for Belgium.

Do Belgians need a visa for Rwanda?

Yes, Belgian citizens need a visa to enter Rwanda, but there is a significant benefit.

As a member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), Belgium is on the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a 30-Day Visa on Arrival, Free of Charge.

So, why apply for an eVisa? Despite the free visa on arrival, many Belgian travelers still choose to apply for an eVisa or obtain entry authorization online beforehand.

• Certainty: It provides peace of mind knowing your entry is pre-approved.
• Longer Stays: If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or need a multiple-entry visa for regional travel, applying online is often necessary as the free VOA is typically for a single 30-day entry.
• East Africa Travel: If you want the East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda), applying online is the most reliable way to secure it before your trip.

Can I apply for a group or family e-visa for Rwanda?

Yes. The online application system (Irembo or agent portals) allows for Family or Group applications.

• Process: You essentially fill out one main application and then "add members" to the group.
• Benefit: This ensures that your entire party is processed together, reducing the risk of one person being approved while another is delayed.
• Note: You will still need individual documents (passport scans, photos) for each member of the group, including children.

What documents are needed for a Rwanda eVisa application for Belgian citizens?

To ensure a smooth application process, you must provide high-quality digital copies of the following Required Documents for Rwanda eVisa:

1. Passport Bio Page: A clear, color scan of your Belgian passport.

• Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
• Pages: Must have at least one blank page.

1. Passport Photo: A recent digital photo (white background, no glasses, neutral expression).
2. Application Letter: A formal letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration.

• Content: State your full name, passport number, purpose of visit (e.g., Tourism/Family Visit), and dates.
• Signature: Must be signed by the applicant.

1. Proof of Accommodation: A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host in Rwanda.

What are the single, double, and multiple entry Rwandan tourist eVisa?

• Single Entry (30 Days):
• Allows you to enter Rwanda once.
• If you leave (e.g., cross into DR Congo for a day), the visa expires.
• Best for: Travelers staying solely in Rwanda.
• Multiple Entry (90 Days):
• Allows you to enter and exit Rwanda as many times as you like within 90 days.
• Best for: Travelers using Kigali as a hub to explore the wider region.
• Note: There isn't typically a specific "Double Entry" tourist visa; you would usually choose the Multiple Entry option if you need more than one entry.

Explain the East African Tourist eVisa and its benefits

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint initiative between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.

• Benefit: One visa covers travel to all three countries.
• Validity: 90 Days, Multiple Entry (within the three countries).
• Cost: $100 USD.
• Condition: You must apply for this visa from the country you enter first. If your flight from Brussels lands in Kigali, you must apply through the Rwandan system. If you land in Entebbe, apply through Uganda.
• Restriction: If you leave the three-country block (e.g., go to Tanzania), the visa becomes invalid.

What are the typical processing times for a Rwanda eVisa application?

If you choose to apply online, you can select a processing speed that suits your schedule:

• Normal Processing: 6 - 9 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: 4 - 7 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: 3 - 5 Working Days.

Note: While the VOA is instant at the airport, applying online eliminates the risk of queueing or document issues upon arrival.

What proof of accommodation is needed for a Rwanda eVisa?

You must prove you have a place to stay.

• Hotels: A standard booking confirmation email from a hotel or booking platform (Booking.com, Airbnb, etc.) is sufficient.
• Staying with Friends/Family: You need an Invitation Letter from your host. This letter should include their address, phone number, and a copy of their Rwandan ID or residence permit.

What's the validity of a Rwandan tourist visa for Belgian citizens?

• Visa on Arrival (Free): Typically valid for 30 Days.
• Standard Tourist eVisa (V-1): Valid for 30 Days.
• Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for 90 Days.
• East Africa Tourist Visa: Valid for 90 Days.

Crucial Distinction: "Validity" usually refers to the window in which you can enter (e.g., valid for entry for 90 days from issue), but once you enter, the duration of stay is determined by the stamp (usually 30 days, unless a longer stay was pre-approved).

Where can a Rwandan tourist visa be extended?

If you wish to stay longer than your initial visa allows, you must apply for an extension.

• Where: You must apply through the Irembo government portal (online) or visit the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) headquarters in Kacyiru, Kigali.
• Timing: You must apply while your current visa is still valid. Do not wait until it expires.
• Grace Period: There is a 5-day grace period, but relying on it is risky.

Which is better, apply directly for a visa or apply via a travel agency?

This depends on your comfort level with bureaucracy.

Direct Application (Government Portal):

• Pros: Cheaper (no service fee).
• Cons: Strict document requirements (file sizes, formats), zero support if things go wrong, confusing interface, no refund policy for errors.

Travel Agency (e.g., evisa-rwanda.com):

• Pros: Document Review (they fix your photos/letters to prevent rejection), 24/7 Support (helpful if you are stuck), Simplified Forms, and Status Updates.
• Cons: Charge a service fee.
• Verdict: For peace of mind, especially if applying for a group or the complex East Africa Visa, an agency is often worth the small extra cost.

Ready for your Rwandan Adventure? Rwanda awaits with its thousand hills and warm hospitality. Whether you choose the free visa on arrival or the security of an online application, ensuring your documents are in order is the key to a stress-free trip.