Executive Summary
Effective January 1, 2018, the Rwandan immigration authorities will implement a new visa scheme which will expand the population eligible for visa-free travel, a visa-on-arrival, and entry under a residence identity card.
The situation
Effective January 1, 2018, a new visa scheme will implement programs that will allow easier entry for foreign nationals into Rwanda.
A closer look
The following are the expected changes:
- Visa waiver reciprocity. Rwanda will extend visa-free travel for up to 90 days to citizens of the following countries on a reciprocal basis: Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Senegal, Seychelles, and Sao Tome and Principe. Currently, visa-free travel is only available to citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, East African Community Partner States, Mauritius, the Philippines and Singapore.
- Visa-on-arrival for COMESA member states. Citizens of Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (COMESA) countries will be eligible for a 90-day visa-on-arrival with the payment of a prescribed fee.
- Residence identity cards for entry. Foreign nationals will be able to enter Rwanda using a valid Rwandan residence identity card, whereas previously foreign nationals were required to present a valid passport to enter.
Regular entry requirements for foreign nationals, including holding a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds, will still apply for those entering under any of the above rules.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomenโs "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UKโs Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Gรฉraldine Renaudiรจre highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping Franceโs immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.
Awards
Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot and Senior Counsel David Crawford are recognized in Uglobal Immigration Magazineโs 2025 Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys list.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter addresses the rise in Polish citizenship refusals and the impact of automated decision-making on individual cases.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Associate Veronica Ciocea and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale analyse the UK governmentโs A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation and its potential implications for the aviation sector, including proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, settlement timelines and dependant eligibility.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomenโs "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UKโs Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Gรฉraldine Renaudiรจre highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping Franceโs immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.
Awards
Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot and Senior Counsel David Crawford are recognized in Uglobal Immigration Magazineโs 2025 Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys list.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter addresses the rise in Polish citizenship refusals and the impact of automated decision-making on individual cases.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Associate Veronica Ciocea and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale analyse the UK governmentโs A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation and its potential implications for the aviation sector, including proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, settlement timelines and dependant eligibility.