President Paul Kagame says Rwanda has not experienced significant problems since adopting a policy that allows African citizens to enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance, arguing that the approach has brought benefits and could serve as an example for other African countries.
Kagame made the remarks on Monday, August 24, 2026, during a press conference in Kigali, where he was asked about Rwanda’s experience with easing movement across its borders and the benefits of greater mobility among African countries.
The President said Rwanda had taken the decision based on what it considers beneficial for the country and the wider continent, while stressing that each African country should independently determine whether to adopt a similar approach.
“Rwanda has not faced major problems in allowing people to cross our borders, whether entering or leaving. What we have seen are benefits,” Kagame said.
He said easier movement allows people to travel to Rwanda, conduct business and other activities, leave when they wish and return when necessary.
Kagame argued that extending similar opportunities to thousands or millions of Africans across the continent could generate wider economic and social benefits.
He said Rwanda’s role was to share its experience and demonstrate what it has achieved, rather than pressure other countries to follow the same policy.
“Rwanda has a responsibility to set an example and share its experience with others, but each country must decide whether it wants to follow that path,” he said.
Rwanda has in recent years pursued a relatively open visa policy as part of efforts to facilitate movement of people across the continent. The country allows citizens of African Union member states to obtain entry without paying visa fees, with eligible visitors able to stay for up to 30 days.
The policy has also been presented as part of Rwanda’s support for greater continental integration, particularly efforts to make movement of people, trade and investment across African borders easier.
Kagame said Rwanda had been discussing the issue with leaders from other African countries and sharing its experience with them.
He maintained that easier cross-border movement can create opportunities for business, tourism, investment and stronger links between African populations.
The President, however, acknowledged that countries have different circumstances and priorities, meaning that decisions on visa policies ultimately remain the responsibility of individual governments.
He said Rwanda would continue demonstrating the benefits it has observed while allowing other African countries to determine whether greater openness at their borders would serve their own interests.
