Rwanda

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Rwanda. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Rwanda may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences
• Tour a company facility
• Develop professional business contacts
• Negotiate business contracts

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

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Rwanda to conduct business activities and must obtain it prior to travel at a Rwandan Diplomatic Post or upon arrival. Only a few select African and other nationals do not require a visa to enter Rwanda to conduct business activities.

Rwanda has many different visitor visa categories, including:

• Class T6 Visa (for foreign nationals attending or speaking in a conference)
• Class T7 Visa (Short-Term Single Entry Business Visa)
• Class T10 Visa (Long-Term Multiple Entry Business Visa)

The nature of your business activities and intended duration of stay determine which visa you should obtain.

Proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required for travel to Rwanda.

Working in Rwanda

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Rwandan law. This list is not comprehensive 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 permit do I need?

The type of work permit required depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Rwanda, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Rwandan work permits are the:

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

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Rwanda.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail 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.