Effective January 1, 2013, nationals from all African countries travelling to or transiting through Rwanda will be issued with entry visa upon arrival at any Rwandan entry point.
This notice was made last week by the government of Rwanda through the directorate of immigration and emigration.
The decision was taken in a bid to remove formalities in visa acquisition from Rwanda’s respective embassies in the travelers’ countries of origin.
According to Anaclet Kalibata, the director of immigration and emigration, this will help both the foreigners coming to Rwanda and the country itself.
On the side of applicants, it will avoid delays in acquiring a visa while removing the condition to pass by their respective embassies or the risk of missing all requirements while applying online.
“Asking African countries nationals to apply for an online visa is a bit difficult since not all of them have access to internet. Some could even come without all the requirements,” said Kalibata, adding however, that the online option is still valid.
For the country, Kalibata said, it’s very beneficial because it opens more doors to businessmen, tourists and workers who, upon arrival will understand that the country is hospitable indeed.
Diplomats representing their respective countries in Rwanda welcomed the initiative which they said will help grow the business cycle among African countries.
Richard Kabonero, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda said that this was within the spirit of integration that is being promoted under the East African Community.
“Our region is ahead in protocols of reintegration. We allow free movement of people, and I think this is what Rwanda keeps promoting,” said Kabonero, who is also the Dean of Diplomats accredited to Kigali.
Kabonero finds this an advantage of promoting trade and education.
“Even the intra African trade will benefit from this facility,” he said.
For Idrees Muhammed Ali, the Charger d’Affaires at the Sudanese embassy in Kigali; “it’s a great step since it will consolidate the relationship between African countries, while facilitating trade.”