Rwanda Visa for Japanese Citizens in 2026: Requirements

Quick answer: Japanese citizens need a visa to visit Rwanda. For tourism, the standard option is a single-entry visitor or holiday visa valid for up to 30 days, available online through Rwanda’s official Irembo portal or on arrival at Kigali International Airport and Rwanda’s land borders.

Rwanda’s official immigration guidance says the online visa service takes four days, while an official Rwandan government consular page lists three working days for an embassy application. Visa prices depend on the visa type, and official pages publish different amounts for the 30-day tourist visa, so confirm the current fee on the official portal before paying.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Rwanda visa requirements for Japanese citizens

Japanese passport holders should plan to obtain a Rwandan visa for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or other short-term visitor purposes. Rwanda’s official consular information states that citizens of all countries can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival without applying in advance, while the official online route is available through Irembo.

Question	Answer	Source
Do Japanese citizens need a Rwanda visa?	Yes. A visa is required for Japanese travellers.
Most suitable tourist visa	Holiday and tourism visa, generally single entry for up to 30 days.
Where can you apply?	Online through Irembo, at a Rwandan diplomatic mission, or on arrival, depending on the route and visa category.
Online processing time	Irembo lists four days for its visa service.
Tourist visa fee	Confirm the current fee on Irembo; official pages show different published amounts.
Passport validity	The passport or accepted travel document must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry according to Rwanda’s published consular requirements.

Rwanda visa types and who needs one

30-day holiday and tourism visa

The V1 holiday and tourism visa is intended for holiday travel, sightseeing, social visits, recreation and other short-term reasons that are not employment. Rwanda’s official visa information lists a single-entry V1 visa with a duration of 30 days.

This is the usual category for a Japanese traveller booking a gorilla trek, wildlife safari, cultural itinerary or city break. If your trip includes gorilla trekking, check the permit arrangements separately from your immigration visa; you can also review SafariFind’s guide to planning a Rwanda gorilla safari around permits.

Multiple-entry and longer tourist visas

Rwanda’s visa system also includes multiple-entry and longer-duration tourist options. The U.S. Department of State reports that Rwanda offers 30-day, 90-day and 10-year tourist visa options, but the exact eligibility, conditions and fee depend on the category selected.

Do not select a longer or multiple-entry visa simply because it appears in a search result. Review the category and current conditions on Irembo or confirm them with Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration before applying.

East Africa Tourist Visa

If your itinerary covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be relevant. Uganda’s official immigration page describes it as a joint tourist visa for those three countries only; it is valid for 90 days, permits multiple travel within the participating countries for tourism, and does not permit employment.

The issuing country must be the traveller’s first entry point. For example, a Japanese traveller flying first into Rwanda should apply through the Rwanda route if choosing this regional visa. The official Uganda page lists a fee of USD 100 and says the visa is not renewable on expiry or after leaving the participating-country bloc.

How Japanese citizens apply for a Rwanda visa online

The official online application platform is Irembo, Rwanda’s government services portal. Irembo states that visitors can apply online or on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders, with the service provided by Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

Step 1: Choose the correct application service

Go to Irembo, open Immigration and Emigration, and select Visa Application. Choose the visa type and category that match your purpose of travel. Applicants who are already in Rwanda and want to remain longer should use the relevant Renew Visa or permit service rather than submitting a new entry-visa application.

Step 2: Enter passport and travel details

Complete the applicant, demographic, request and travel sections carefully. Use the details exactly as they appear in your Japanese passport, including the passport number, name order and dates. Check the intended entry date and collection or arrival information before submission.

Step 3: Upload the required files

Irembo’s published instructions list these online attachments:

• A passport photograph with a white background, in JPG format and no larger than 500 KB.
• A copy of the passport biodata page, in PDF format and no larger than 500 KB.
• An application letter, in PDF format and no larger than 500 KB.

These file format and size instructions come from Irembo’s visa application guidance. Keep the original passport available for travel, and retain copies of the submitted files and application reference.

Step 4: Submit and pay

Review the information, enter a phone number or email address, accept the verification declaration and submit the form. If the visa is chargeable, Irembo generates a billing number or identification number for payment. The portal says applicants can pay online by Visa or MasterCard or use the stated offline payment option.

After approval, Irembo generates or emails the approval letter according to the application and payment status. Save the approval document and carry a printed or offline copy when travelling, even if you intend to use visa on arrival.

Rwanda visa fees and payment for Japanese travellers

The current tourist visa fee should be checked directly on Irembo before application. Irembo says the price depends on the visa type and that applicants may choose to pay in U.S. dollars or Rwandan francs.

There is a discrepancy among published official Rwandan pages. The Rwanda government consular page in Sweden says a 30-day single-entry visa fee must not exceed USD 50, while the Rwandan government consular page in Switzerland lists the V1 single-entry fee as CHF 55. Because the pages use different currencies and may reflect different consular payment arrangements, do not rely on a converted amount or an unofficial visa website. Confirm the current charge displayed for your application on Irembo or with the relevant Rwandan mission.

For the East Africa Tourist Visa, Uganda’s official immigration page lists USD 100 and states that payments are non-refundable and may be subject to a bank charge. That regional visa is separate from Rwanda’s ordinary 30-day tourist visa.

Processing times and visa validity

Irembo lists a processing time of four days for its visa service. An official Rwandan consular page says an embassy application takes three working days and advises applicants to allow additional time in case of delays.

These published times are processing estimates, not a guarantee that a visa will be approved or issued by a particular flight date. Apply with enough time to resolve a document or payment issue, and check the application status through the official service used.

The standard single-entry holiday and tourism visa is listed as valid for 30 days. The U.S. Department of State also reports that Rwanda offers 90-day and 10-year tourist visa options, but the permitted stay and entry conditions for those categories must be confirmed before application.

Visa on arrival: what happens at immigration

Rwanda allows citizens of all countries to obtain a 30-day visa on arrival without a prior application, according to the official Rwandan consular information. The official Irembo guidance identifies Kigali International Airport and all land borders as visa-on-arrival locations.

At the border, present your Japanese passport and any supporting travel documents requested by the immigration officer. Rwanda’s published requirements state that the passport or other accepted travel document must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

• Carry evidence of your approved online application if you applied in advance.
• Keep your accommodation details and itinerary accessible.
• Have a return or onward booking available if an officer requests evidence of onward travel.
• Use the same passport for the application and entry.

The items above are practical preparation steps; the official sources do not publish a single exhaustive list of documents that every tourist will be asked to show at the border. Immigration officers may request additional information during processing or entry.

Transit, extensions and overstays

Transit through Rwanda

Travellers transiting Rwanda may need a transit visa rather than a tourism visa. Rwanda’s official visa information lists a transit visa with a duration of 72 hours and availability online or on arrival. Select the category based on your actual travel purpose and destination rather than using a tourist visa for a short connection.

Extending a stay

If you are already in Rwanda and need to remain beyond the permitted period, Irembo directs applicants to use the Renew Visa or permit service rather than the ordinary Visa Application service. Apply before your authorised stay expires and confirm whether your visa category can be renewed or whether a different permit is required.

Overstays

Do not assume that submitting an application automatically extends your lawful stay. The supplied official research does not specify current overstay penalties, so confirm the consequences and remedial process with Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration before your visa expires.

Health documents and other entry checks

Rwanda’s official visa pages may request category-specific documents, and the East Africa Tourist Visa guidance specifically lists a yellow fever vaccination certificate among its requirements. The research supplied here does not establish a universal yellow fever certificate rule for every Japanese traveller entering Rwanda on an ordinary tourist visa. Check the current health requirements for your route, including transit countries, with official Rwandan and Japanese authorities before departure.

The Embassy of Japan in Rwanda states that travellers and returnees are no longer required to submit a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel. This COVID-19 information can change, so verify it again close to departure.

For trip planning beyond immigration paperwork, SafariFind travellers can compare Rwanda safari packages for 2026, including itineraries that combine Kigali, Akagera and primate experiences. Akagera-focused trips may also be useful if you want to understand the species featured in Rwanda’s safari wildlife.

Common Rwanda visa mistakes and refusals

• Using an unofficial application website: Rwanda’s official consular information identifies Irembo as the government online portal and warns travellers about unauthorised agents that may charge more.
• Choosing the wrong category: A tourist visa is not a substitute for a work or other long-stay authorisation. The V1 category is for holiday, sightseeing, social, recreational and other short-term non-work purposes.
• Uploading files in the wrong format: Irembo specifies JPG for the white-background photograph and PDF for the passport biodata page and application letter, with a 500 KB limit for each listed file.
• Entering passport details incorrectly: A mismatch between the application and passport can delay processing or create problems at the border.
• Relying on an old fee: Published official pages show different tourist-visa amounts, so verify the live amount on Irembo before payment.
• Applying too close to departure: Irembo lists four days, while the embassy guidance lists three working days and recommends allowing extra time for delays.
• Forgetting regional entry rules: The East Africa Tourist Visa requires the issuing country to be the first entry point and covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda only.

Rwanda visa rules are immigration requirements, not legal advice. Requirements, fees, processing times and health measures can change without notice. Japanese travellers should verify the final position with Irembo, Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, the relevant Rwandan diplomatic mission and the Embassy of Japan before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Rwanda?

Yes, Japanese citizens need a visa for Rwanda. Rwanda allows citizens of all countries to obtain a 30-day visa on arrival, and Japanese travellers can also apply online through Irembo.

How much is a Rwanda visa for Japanese citizens in 2026?

Confirm the current fee on Irembo before paying. Official Rwandan pages publish different amounts, including a statement that a 30-day single-entry fee must not exceed USD 50 and a separate listing of CHF 55 for a single-entry V1 visa.

Can Japanese citizens get a Rwanda visa on arrival?

Yes, Japanese citizens can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival because Rwanda’s official consular guidance says citizens of all countries can use this option. Visa on arrival is available at Kigali International Airport and Rwanda’s land borders.

How long does a Rwanda visa take for Japanese applicants?

Irembo lists four days for its online visa service. An official Rwandan consular page lists three working days for an embassy application and recommends allowing extra time for possible delays.

How long is a Rwanda tourist visa valid for Japanese passport holders?

The standard single-entry holiday and tourism visa is listed as valid for 30 days. Rwanda also offers other tourist visa durations, including 90-day and 10-year options, but confirm the category conditions before applying.

What documents do Japanese citizens need for a Rwanda eVisa?

Irembo lists a white-background JPG photograph, a PDF copy of the passport biodata page and a PDF application letter, each with a stated 500 KB size limit. The passport must meet Rwanda’s published validity requirement of at least six months from entry.

What is the official Rwanda visa website?

The official online visa service is Irembo at www.irembo.gov.rw. Rwanda’s consular information warns applicants to be cautious with unauthorised agents and identifies Irembo as the authentic government portal for online applications.

Can Japanese travellers use the East Africa Tourist Visa for Rwanda?

Yes, the East Africa Tourist Visa can cover Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda for tourism. Uganda’s official immigration page says it is valid for 90 days, costs USD 100, does not permit employment and must be issued by the country of first entry.

Do Japanese citizens need a yellow fever certificate for Rwanda?

The supplied official research does not establish a universal yellow fever certificate requirement for every Japanese traveller entering Rwanda on an ordinary tourist visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa guidance specifically lists a yellow fever vaccination certificate, so check the rule for your route and visa with official authorities.

Do Japanese travellers need a COVID-19 test for Rwanda?

The Embassy of Japan in Rwanda says travellers and returnees are no longer required to submit a negative COVID-19 test certificate taken within 72 hours before travel. Reconfirm this information before departure because health rules can change.