Rwanda Transit Visa

What is a Rwanda Transit Visa?

A Rwanda Transit Visa is a short-term visa granted to travellers who are transiting through Rwanda en route to a third country. It allows Indian citizens to exit the airport and spend up to 72 hours in Rwanda before continuing their journey. This visa is perfect for travellers who have long layovers or want to explore Rwanda briefly without needing a full Rwanda tourist visa for Indians.

Also known as the Rwanda in transit visa, it can be applied for easily through the Rwanda visa application online portal. Indian citizens who have an onward ticket and a valid visa for the next destination are eligible. If you’re planning to apply for an Indian passport online and soon have a stopover in Kigali, you can also apply for Rwanda visa from India in advance.

With the availability of cheap flights to Rwanda from India, transiting through Rwanda is becoming increasingly popular among Indian travellers.

Rwanda Transit Visa Eligibility

To apply for a Rwanda Transit Visa, Indian travellers must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
• Your stay in Rwanda must not exceed 72 hours.
• You must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• A valid visa or entry document for the onward destination is required.
• Proof of accommodation (can be from the best hotels in Rwanda or verified local host).
• Sufficient funds to cover the transit stay.

The types of Rwanda Visas include the tourist visa, business visa, East Africa visa, and the transit in Rwanda visa, each catering to different travel purposes.

Requirements and Documents for Rwanda Transit Visa

To ensure smooth visa approval, prepare the following documents as per the Rwanda visa guide and Rwanda visa document checklist:

• Scanned copy of the front and back of your Indian passport
• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
• Visa for the final destination country (if required)
• Passport-size photo (as per Rwanda visa photo size: 4.5cm x 3.5cm, white background)
• Hotel booking confirmation or local accommodation details
• Completed Rwanda visa application online form

Travel itinerary

• Proof of financial means
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Optional: booking confirmation for car rental services in Rwanda

These documents help you fulfil Rwanda visa eligibility requirements and allow easy Rwanda visa tracking to check your application status.

How to Apply for a Rwanda Transit Visa

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

1. Visit the official Rwanda e-Visa Portal or connect with your travel partner. 
2. Select “Transit Visa” under Visa Type
3. Fill in your personal details and travel information
4. Upload scanned copies of required documents
5. Pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card
6. Submit the application and wait for email confirmation
7. Download and print the e-Visa once approved

According to Rwanda visa rules, travellers can also apply for a Rwanda Visa on Arrival at Kigali International Airport, but it’s advisable to apply online for smoother entry.

Rwanda Transit Visa Processing Time

The Rwanda travel visa for transit purposes typically takes 3 to 5 working days for processing. In some cases, express service may be available at an extra cost. Indian travellers are encouraged to apply at least a week in advance to avoid delays. The Rwanda tourist visa for Indian nationals also follows a similar timeframe. All Rwanda travel visas are processed via the platform.

Rwanda Transit Visa Fees for Indian Passport Holders

The current Rwanda visa for Indians fees for a transit visa in 2025 are as follows:

• Standard Rwanda Transit Visa Fee: USD 30 (Approx. ₹2,500)
• Express Processing (if available): Additional USD 20 (Approx. ₹1,700)

Additional costs may include passport photo charges (Rwanda visa photo size requirement), service fees, and currency exchange charges depending on the payment method. All travellers should adhere to Rwanda visa rules to avoid penalties.

Total Rwanda visa cost can go up to ₹4,500 if using premium services. Always check the updated Rwanda visa price for Indian travellers before applying.

Rwanda Transit Visa Validity

The Rwanda Transit Visa is valid for 72 hours (3 days) from the date of entry. It is strictly for short stays and cannot be extended or converted into another visa category. Overstaying this visa can result in penalties or deportation.