Rwanda
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Rwanda
You · American passport
Up to 30 days per visit
Visa on arrival. Sort it out before you travel.
migration.gov.rw · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Up to 365 days per visit
It needs a carnet before you cross.
rra.gov.rw · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 45 days out
Rules for Rwanda are unconfirmed; prepare microchip, rabies, titer and a vet certificate and ask the veterinary authority about a permit. See the steps
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Rwanda.
We'll email you if Rwanda's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Rwanda.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have a vet implant an ISO microchip and record the number on every document.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate against rabies with an inactivated vaccine after the microchip is in place.
- At least 30 days after the rabies shot
Wait 30 days after rabies vaccination
Entry is only allowed once at least 30 days have passed since the rabies vaccination.
- On or after the rabies shot
Rabies shot not older than 12 months at entry
The rabies vaccination must have been given no more than 12 months before entry; re-vaccinate if it will be older.
- At least 30 days after the rabies shot
Rabies antibody titer test (FAVN/RFFIT)
A vet draws blood at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination; the lab result must be >= 0.5 IU/ml.
- Within 42 days before you arrive
Ask the veterinary authority about an import permit
Most African countries require a veterinary import permit; contact the national veterinary services (or the embassy) at least 4-6 weeks ahead.
- Within 7 days before you arrive
Vet exam within 7 days of departure
A vet must examine the pet and find it healthy within 7 days before travel.
- Within 7 days before you arrive
Official health certificate
Get the destination's health certificate signed by an official (government-authorised) vet; it is valid for 7 days.
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Rwanda
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa on arrival | Up to 30 days per visit | migration.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Rwanda
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | Up to 365 days per visit | rra.gov.rw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Rwanda leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
