ℹ Visa on Arrival — Apply at the border or airport
1/5Difficulty
FreeVOA Fee
Quick Facts
RequirementVisa on Arrival
VOA Fee
Free
Stay DurationUp to 30 days
E-VisaAvailable online
Rwanda grants Nigerian passport holders a free 30-day visa on arrival as part of its pan-African open-door policy. Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest, safest cities and a growing business and tourism hub.
Key Warnings
Yellow fever card is mandatory for Nigerians entering Rwanda — carry the physical original.
The free VOA is for 30 days only. If you need more time, apply for an extension at the Directorate General of Immigration in Kigali or via the online portal.
Rwanda can also be applied for online via irembo.gov.rw before departure — some travellers prefer this to avoid the VOA queue.
Insider Tips
Kigali is consistently ranked among Africa's cleanest and safest cities. Plastic bags are banned — don't bring any.
Rwanda's gorilla trekking permits (Volcanoes National Park) must be booked well in advance — they sell out months ahead.
Use Kigali as a hub to explore East Africa — Nairobi and Entebbe are short flights away.
Health Requirements
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. Nigeria is a yellow fever endemic country. Rwanda requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from Nigerians. Carry the physical original — it is checked at Kigali airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rwanda visa free for Nigerians?
Rwanda offers a free visa on arrival to Nigerian passport holders as AU member state citizens. It is not technically visa-free (you still receive a stamp at the airport), but there is no fee and no prior application required. Your 30-day visa is issued at the Kigali airport VOA desk.
Do Nigerians need a yellow fever card for Rwanda?
Yes. Rwanda requires a yellow fever certificate from travellers coming from endemic countries. Nigeria is endemic — carry the physical original yellow card. It is checked at Kigali International Airport.
Can Nigerians extend their Rwanda VOA beyond 30 days?
Yes. You can apply for a 30-day extension at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali or through the irembo.gov.rw online portal before your initial 30 days expire. The extension is free.
Can Nigerians apply for a Rwanda visa online instead of on arrival?
Yes. Rwanda's irembo.gov.rw portal allows advance online visa applications. If you prefer certainty before departure, apply online — it's also free for Nigerian AU member passport holders.