Rwanda has been ranked 20th among 199 countries for the ease of entry for foreign visitors, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, highlighting the country’s relatively open visa policy as tourism continues to grow.
The ranking places Rwanda among countries that have made it comparatively easy for foreign nationals to enter, through visa-free access, electronic travel authorization or visas issued on arrival.
The policy forms part of Rwanda’s efforts to facilitate international travel and strengthen tourism, which remains an important source of foreign exchange.
Data from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) show that tourism generated $685 million in revenue in 2025, up from $647 million in 2024, representing a 6% increase.
Tourist arrivals also increased by 9% during the year, reaching 1.49 million visitors.
Rwanda’s openness to foreign travelers contrasts with the relatively limited access available to Rwandan passport holders abroad.
The Rwandan passport ranks 128th globally, providing access to 71 destinations through visa-free travel, visas on arrival or other simplified entry arrangements.
Rwandan citizens can enter 33 countries without a visa, while 35 others provide visas on arrival or other simplified procedures. Three destinations require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), while 127 require a visa to be obtained before departure.
Within Africa, the Rwandan passport ranks 17th out of 54 countries, with access to about 71.7% of destinations on the continent through visa-free or simplified entry arrangements.
Kenya provides the longest permitted stay among the African destinations listed, allowing Rwandan citizens to enter without a visa and remain for up to 180 days.
Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritius, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda allow stays of up to 90 days. Angola, Nigeria, Somalia and Togo allow up to 30 days, while São Tomé and Príncipe permits stays of up to 15 days.
Ghana requires an eTA and allows Rwandan travelers to stay for up to 60 days. Seychelles also requires an eTA and tourist registration and allows stays of up to 90 days.
Travel to Europe remains significantly more restricted. All 47 European destinations covered by the ranking require Rwandan passport holders to obtain a visa before traveling. The five Central Asian countries likewise require visas in advance.
Rwandan travelers have access to 50% of destinations in Oceania, 43.8% in the Caribbean, 34% in Asia, 26% in North America and 25% in South America.
Access is more limited in the Middle East, at 17.6%, and in the Gulf countries, at 16.7%.
In Asia, the Philippines, Palestine and Singapore are among destinations accessible to Rwandan passport holders without a prior visa. Singapore requires an arrival card and permits stays of up to 30 days, while Sri Lanka requires an eTA and allows stays of up to 30 days.
Rwanda, meanwhile, grants relatively broad access to foreign visitors. Citizens of 127 countries can enter through visa-free arrangements, an eTA or a visa obtained on arrival.
They include citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Japan.
Tuvalu is among the few exceptions, with its citizens required to obtain a visa before traveling to Rwanda. Rwandan citizens can travel to Tuvalu using an eTA or obtain a visa on arrival.
Tourism is also a priority under Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), covering 2024–2029. The government has set a target of increasing tourism revenues to $1.1 billion by 2029, compared with $620 million at the beginning of the strategy period.
