Rwanda Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Rwanda for up to 30 days, with a fee of approximately $50 USD. Rwanda is known as the "land of a thousand hills" and is home to endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Canada passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Rwanda ports of entry.
Obtain your visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport by presenting your Canadian passport, completing the arrival form, and paying $50 USD (cash or card). Alternatively, apply online through the Rwanda e-Immigration portal (migration.irembo.gov.rw) before departure to speed up the process at the border. You will need a passport photo, details of accommodation in Rwanda, and a return ticket. For gorilla trekking, permits must be booked months in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB); permits cost $1,500 USD per person.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Rwanda: What You Need to Know
Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa, famous for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and for its remarkable national recovery following the 1994 genocide. Canadian citizens can get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, though applying online through the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration portal before travel is faster and recommended. Rwanda is one of the safest and cleanest countries in Africa, with strict environmental policies (plastic bags are banned) and an impressive business environment. Kigali is the capital and is consistently cited as one of Africa's cleanest and best-run cities.
Practical Tips
Mountain gorilla trekking is the highlight of most Rwanda visits; book your RDB permit at least 6 to 12 months in advance for peak season. The Rwandan franc (RWF) is the local currency; USD is widely accepted. English and French are both official languages alongside Kinyarwanda. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a deeply moving and important site to visit. Rwanda enforces a community clean-up day (Umuganda) on the last Saturday of each month from 8am to 11am, during which most businesses close and traffic is restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Rwanda?
Canadian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport for approximately $50 USD, or apply in advance through Rwanda's e-Immigration portal (migration.irembo.gov.rw) for faster processing on arrival.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?
Mountain gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 USD per person per trek. They must be booked in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (rdb.rw) and sell out months ahead for peak season visits (June to September, December to January). The trek allows 1 hour with a gorilla family.
Is Rwanda safe for Canadian tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Kigali is exceptionally clean and well-organized. The Government of Canada advises normal security precautions in most areas. Areas near the DRC (Congo) border warrant greater caution.
What is the best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking?
The dry seasons, June to September and December to January, offer the best trekking conditions with drier trails and clearer visibility. The rainy season (October to November and February to May) can make trails muddy but permits may be more available. Gorilla trekking is possible year-round.