Rwanda

When traveling to Rwanda, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Rwanda, you may engage in the activities below, depending on the visa category. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Buy goods for sale outside the country
• » Attend a conference, trade show, or convention as a participant
• » Tour a company facility

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Rwanda?

All foreign nationals intending to travel to Rwanda to participate in business activities must obtain a visa from a Rwandan Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

There are various visa categories available for business purposes, including:

• » Class T6 Visa (attending and participating in a conference, trade show, or convention)
• » Class T7 Visa (short-term single-entry business visa)
• » Class T10 Visa (long-term multiple-entry business visa)

Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling for an individual assessment to determine the correct visa category for your intended activities.

While some nationalities may be eligible for a visa waiver for entry, business activities are not permitted without the appropriate visa. Additionally, while all foreign nationals may be eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival, it is recommended that all business travelers obtain the appropriate consular visa before traveling.

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Rwandan law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Rwanda, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Hands-on technical work
• » Repairs and maintenance
• » Project planning and implementation
• » Installation and testing of software
• » Consulting

If I am traveling to Rwanda for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Rwanda. The most common types of work authorization for Rwanda are:

• » Special Pass (short-term work authorization)
• » H1 Permit (long-term work authorization for skilled workers in positions listed on the Occupation Demand List)
• » H2 Permit (long-term work authorization for workers in positions not listed on the Occupation Demand List)

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are no nationalities with an established exemption for work authorization requirements in Rwanda.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.