Good call—this East African gem offers lush landscapes, gorilla trekking, and a warm welcome. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to apply for the Rwanda eVisa from Costa Rica, including eligibility, required documents, processing details, cost, and travel tips. Consider it your friendly travel-companion guide.
Do Costa Rican citizens need a visa to visit Rwanda?
Yes — as a citizen of Costa Rica, you will need a visa to enter Rwanda for tourism or short visits. While some nationalities have visa-free access, the rules show that visitors from countries not in the exempt list (which includes Costa Rica) are expected to apply for a visa (either in advance or upon arrival) or request an eVisa.
That said, Rwanda has made the process quite traveller-friendly by offering an eVisa (online visa) option.
Am I eligible to apply for the Rwanda eVisa from Costa Rica?
Yes — you are eligible. The rules indicate that Costa Rican nationals can apply online for the Rwanda eVisa.
Here are a few checks:
You hold a valid Costa Rican passport.
Your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you plan to arrive in Rwanda.
You have at least two blank pages for immigration stamping as required.
You will use the same passport you apply with to travel. Changing passport mid-application may cause issues.
So, if all that checks out, you can proceed with your application online — no need to visit an embassy. This is perfect if you’re flying out of Costa Rica.
What are the required documents for the Rwanda eVisa application?
Here’s the document checklist you’ll want to prepare. Having everything ready will smooth the process.
A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended date of entry, and at least one blank page for arrival stamps.
A clear, colour scan of the passport bio/data page showing personal details, passport number, country of birth, expiry date etc.
A recent passport-style photograph: in colour, plain white background, showing your full face clearly and no shadows/reflections.
Depending on your visa category (tourism, business, family visit, medical), additional supporting documents may be needed, such as:
Travel itinerary, accommodation confirmation, return or onward ticket.
Invitation letter (for business or family visit), medical referral/appointment (for medical visa).
Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay.
How to Apply for a Rwanda eVisa?
Here’s a step-by-step you can Apply for a Rwanda eVisa (with a friendly travel-tone):
Go to the official online visa application portal of the country.
Select the type of visa that matches your travel purpose (tourism, family visit, business, transit, medical).
Prepare all required documents: valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), passport-photo style image, travel details, accommodation info, and any additional documents depending on the visa type.
Fill in the online application form: provide personal details exactly as in your passport, travel information, purpose, arrival/departure dates, etc.
Upload the required documents in the correct format (scans/photos) and ensure quality and accuracy.
Pay the visa application fee online. Make sure payment is successful and you receive a confirmation.
Submit the application. After submission, track its status if the portal allows, wait for approval, then receive your eVisa by email and print a copy for your journey.
That’s it — quite straightforward.
Tip: Apply at least a week before your planned travel date to allow for unforeseen delays.
How long does it take to process the Rwanda eVisa?
In most cases, Rwanda eVisa Processing Times is fairly quick:
Standard Processing: 6–9 working days.
Urgent Processing: 4–7 working days.
Super Urgent Processing: 3–5 working days.
However, it’s wise to apply at least 7 days in advance just to be safe (weekends/public holidays may cause delays).
If you apply very close to your travel date, it might still get approved, but you risk losing flexibility if there’s an unexpected hold-up.
So: apply early, get your approval, print it, and travel with peace of mind.
What is the cost of the Rwanda eVisa and how do I pay?
While I won’t turn this into a “fee list” (to keep things simple and friendly), here’s what you should know:
You’ll pay a visa fee online as part of the application process.
Payment is typically via credit/debit card or an online payment method accepted by the portal.
Because fees and currency conversion might change, it’s smart to check the live site during your application for the exact amount and payment options.
Budget for this as part of your travel expense — treat it like a small “entry cost” to your Rwanda adventure.
Is the eVisa single entry or multiple entry? How long can I stay?
Great question — yes, there are different eVisa categories depending on your travel plan. Here’s how it breaks down:
The basic “tourist/visitor” eVisa is typically single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days in Rwanda.
There is also a multiple-entry eVisa option (for example the “East Africa tourist eVisa” that covers Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya) which allows entry multiple times and a stay up to 90 days in total.
For your trip: if you’re just going once for tourism and plan to stay a month or less, the single-entry 30-day option should suffice. If you’re planning multiple entries or regional travel, you may consider the 90-day multiple-entry version.
Always check the validity period of the eVisa (how long from issue until you must enter) and the maximum stay allowed.
What happens after my eVisa is approved?
Once you receive your approved eVisa:
You’ll get an email notification, typically with a PDF document. Print this out (colour or black & white is fine).
Pack that printout along with your passport. At Immigration in Rwanda you’ll present both.
Be sure to use the same passport you applied with, and the same personal details — the eVisa is tied to your passport.
On arrival, you’ll be stamped in, allowed to enter the country, and your allowed stay period begins counting from your entry date.
Keep a copy of the eVisa on your mobile device too (just in case).
In short: once approved, you’re effectively ready to go. Just travel with everything in order.
What happens if my application is rejected? Can I reapply?
Yes — if for some reason your eVisa application is not approved, you can generally reapply. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
Review any reason given for rejection (for example, incomplete documentation or mismatch in details).
Correct the errors or missing information.
Reapply online with correct/complete details.
Keep in mind that applying very close to your departure date may leave little time for a resubmission, so build time cushion.
After rejection, be sure to check your eligibility and whether any previous travel or visa issues might affect your next application.
So: don’t panic. Rejection is a chance to fix things and try again.
Which airports or entry-points can I use in Rwanda with the eVisa?
When you have your eVisa for Rwanda, you may enter the country through the designated points of immigration. According to travel-guides:
The main international airport is Kigali International Airport (KGL) — widely used for international arrivals.
Land border crossings are also available (if you’re arriving overland from neighbouring countries) and the eVisa is valid for use at those entry points.
Make sure your airline / transport provider recognises the eVisa and allows you to board (especially if coming from Costa Rica via connection).
In short: travel via a recognised entry point with your approved eVisa and passport — you’ll be fine.
Can I extend my stay beyond what the eVisa allows?
If your plan is to stay longer than the initial eVisa period (say you want 45 days instead of 30), here’s what to know:
Yes — extension is possible, but you’ll need to apply for it while you’re still in Rwanda and before your current permission expires.
The extension is not automatic; you’ll have to meet the immigration office’s criteria (valid reason, any fees, perhaps proof of funds/ accommodation) for the extra days.
For tourism, if you think you’ll stay long, it might be better to apply for the multiple-entry/longer-stay version at the start.
So: plan reasonably, have flexibility, and if you suspect you’ll stay longer, prepare accordingly.
Do I need travel insurance, return ticket, or proof of accommodation?
These are helpful and sometimes expected, though the rules are not always strictly enforced for every traveller — but better safe than sorry:
Travel insurance: While not always mandatory, having insurance (covering medical/health/accident) is a good travel habit — some immigration officials may ask for it.
Return or onward ticket: It’s wise to have a ticket showing you will leave Rwanda before your visa expires. Some travellers reported airlines asking for proof of onward travel.
Proof of accommodation: Booking or showing you have somewhere to stay in Rwanda helps — either a hotel reservation, guest-house booking, or host address. It supports your visa/travel application.
In short: carry these documents to support your stay, even if they’re not explicitly required in every case. It adds confidence for you and immigration.
What if my passport or photo is blurry or incomplete?
Submitting unclear, cropped, or low-quality documents is one of the most common reasons for eVisa delays or rejections. When you apply directly through the official government portal, your application processes automatically. There’s no system to inform you if your passport scan or photo does not meet the technical requirements. If your documents are blurry, too dark, or lack information, your application could be rejected without a refund.
Using a professional visa agent can help you avoid this issue. Agents carefully check all your uploads, including your passport bio page, personal photo, and any supporting documents, before submitting them to immigration authorities. If anything is unclear, cropped, or incomplete, they will contact you immediately and guide you on how to fix it. This personalized review ensures that your files meet the exact standards required by immigration systems and significantly lowers the risk of rejection.
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate?
Yes — the health requirement for entering Rwanda typically includes a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Given you are coming from Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is considered a country with yellow fever risk? Many travellers from Latin America carry the certificate anyway. It’s best to check with your local health/travel clinic.
Even if your origin country is not flagged, if you will transit through a country with risk you may still be asked.
It’s a low cost and high safety step — better to get the vaccine and carry the certificate so you have no surprise at arrival.
What is the difference between an eVisa and a Visa On Arrival (VOA)?
Good question — here’s a simple breakdown:
eVisa (Electronic Visa)
You apply online before you travel.
You receive the approved visa by email, print it out, and travel with it.
The process gives you more certainty (you know your visa is approved ahead of time).
For your case (Costa Rica → Rwanda), using the eVisa is smart because you’re abroad and might want to avoid last-minute surprises.
Visa On Arrival (VOA)
You apply upon arrival at the entry point (airport, land crossing).
You may still need to fill a form and pay on arrival.
While convenient, it carries some uncertainty (queues, payment delays, or being turned away if something’s missing).
For Rwanda, depending on your nationality and entry point, a VOA may be acceptable. But applying for an eVisa in advance gives you peace of mind.
My tip: since you’re travelling from Costa Rica (long haul, multiple connections likely), go for the eVisa ahead of time.
Can I track the status of my visa application?
Yes! When you apply for your eVisa through a trusted visa agent, you can easily track your application in real time. Most professional agents provide continuous updates at every stage, from when your application is submitted to when it’s being reviewed and finally approved. They often have dedicated tracking systems or personal support teams who can provide accurate information about your visa status at any time.
This level of transparency helps you stay informed and avoid unnecessary stress or uncertainty. If there are any delays, missing documents, or additional requirements, your agent will notify you promptly and guide you on what needs to be done to keep your application on track.
What common mistakes do travellers (e.g., German or other nationals) make when applying for the Rwanda eVisa?
Even though your case is Costa Rica, it helps to look at common mistakes other travellers make — so you can avoid them:
Using a passport that expires soon or has less than six months validity. Make sure your validity meets the six-months rule.
Applying with a different passport than the one they travel with (e.g., changed passport after applying). The eVisa will be tied to the original passport used for application.
Uploading poor-quality scans/photos of passport or photo that don’t meet requirements (blurry, shadows, wrong format). Better to scan cleanly.
Not allowing enough time — applying just a day or two before travel, leaving little room for glitch or delay.
Arriving without print-out of approved eVisa (some travellers expect it will be automatically recognised, but having a print-out is wise).
Not checking entry-point rules or flights that may transit via countries needing additional visas or health docs (especially if there’s a layover).
Over-staying the permitted stay period or not checking whether extension is possible. Always know how long your visa allows you.
By being aware of these, and planning a little, you’ll avoid stress and travel hassle.
Travel tips – extra advice for your Rwanda adventure
Here are some friendly travel-tips to help your trip from Costa Rica to Rwanda go smoothly:
Allow for transit time: Your flight from Costa Rica will likely connect via Europe, Middle East or Africa. Make sure layovers are comfortable and you have transit visas cleared if needed.
Print everything: Your eVisa, accommodation booking, return ticket, travel insurance. Even though digital copies exist, printed backups reduce stress.
Mobile backup: Keep digital copies (PDF/scan) on your phone or cloud in case you lose the print.
Yellow Fever certificate: As mentioned, check with your travel clinic; carry the documented vaccine for your own peace of mind.
Stay aware of your allowed length: If you have a 30-day stay, plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid risks of overstaying.
Money & currency: Bring cards, but also some US dollars or local currency (Rwandan Francs) for smaller payments.
Connectivity: On arrival, you can get a local SIM card or rely on hotel WiFi. But keep your Belgian phone—or whichever mode you use—ready for connections.
Local awareness: Rwanda is wonderfully scenic but infrastructure and transport may be less developed than major tourist hubs. Book a good guide if you plan gorilla trekking, national park visits, etc.
Respect local customs: Rwanda has its own culture and norms; a friendly attitude, dressing modestly outside tourist areas, and being aware of local etiquette go a long way.
Accommodation & bookings: Especially in peak season (gorilla trekking is in demand) book early.
Health & safety: Bring necessary medications, and check vaccination requirements. Familiarise yourself with basic travel safety (though Rwanda is relatively safe).
Return ticket: Though not always strictly demanded, having a return or onward ticket reassures immigration and airline staff.
Take it slow & enjoy: Rwanda offers an amazing experience — gorillas, volcanoes, lakes, local culture. Don’t just rush; shortlist a few key experiences and immerse yourself.
Rwanda eVisa FAQs
Q: Can I apply for the eVisa while I’m already travelling (for example in transit)?
A: It’s best to apply before you leave Costa Rica. While technically you might apply before arrival into Rwanda, doing it ahead gives certainty.
Q: What if I enter Rwanda, then travel into Uganda/Kenya?
A: If you plan multi-country travel, you might look at the East Africa multiple-entry eVisa which covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda (valid up to 90 days) rather than a standard single-entry.
Q: My passport has less than six months validity — can I still apply?
A: No, you should renew your passport first. The six-month validity rule is widely enforced for Rwanda eVisa.
Q: I changed my name/background since applying — can I update the eVisa?
A: Changes after application may complicate things; always ensure the application matches your travel documents exactly. If you must change, you might need to reapply.
Q: Once approved, how long is the eVisa valid before I must use it?
A: The visa typically has a validity period (for example, you must enter Rwanda within X days after issuance). For the standard visitor visa, validity may be for 30 days upon entry.
Q: If I overstay by a few days, what happens?
A: Overstaying can lead to fines, future entry issues, or deportation. One traveller on Reddit said:
“Yes, you can usually re-enter Rwanda after you’ve paid the fines.”
Better to stay within your allowed stay.
Q: Can I switch from a regular eVisa to a work or long-stay permit once in Rwanda?
A: Not easily — regular eVisas are for tourism, family visits, short business visits. For work or long stay you’ll need the appropriate visa or permit from Rwanda’s immigration authorities.
Q: Are children included in the same application as parents?
A: Each traveller must have their own passport and visa application. Applying for group travel is possible, but ensure each passenger has a valid passport.
