Africa

Rwanda

A free single-entry tourist visa is issued on arrival to French nationals.

✓ Reviewed by TripminuteFrench passport · tourism · short stayInformation reviewed on August 9, 2026

The 30-second summary

DocumentPassport valid for at least 6 months after entry; yellow fever certificate depending on countries visited before arrival.

EntryVisa required

A free single-entry tourist visa is issued on arrival to French nationals.

Duration30 days, extendable twice to a maximum of 90 days without leaving the country.

Key warningEvery exit requires a new application; areas near the Congolese border must be checked on the vigilance map.

Before you book

This block covers the standard case stated above. If your situation differs, open the consular source directly.

Document

Passport valid for at least 6 months after entry; yellow fever certificate depending on countries visited before arrival.

Entry

A free single-entry tourist visa is issued on arrival to French nationals.

Duration

30 days, extendable twice to a maximum of 90 days without leaving the country.

Vaccines and health

Recommendations depend on age, health, stopovers, regions and season.

A travel medicine consultation is important: yellow fever, malaria and recommended vaccines depend on the country, transit and itinerary.

Check yellow fever certificate rules based on origin, transit and areas visited.
Assess malaria prevention, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and meningitis according to the trip.
Seek advice several weeks before departure and use strict mosquito protection.

Driving locally

An international driving permit is a translation: it never replaces your valid French licence.

Carry the French licence together with an international driving permit and check which convention the country recognises.

Service-Public · international permit ↗

Documents to prepare

Required identity document and a separate copy
Authorisation, visa or QR code available offline
Return ticket and first accommodation address
Medical insurance and assistance number
Prescriptions and medicines in original packaging
French licence and any required supporting permit

What can change the answer

Dual nationality or residence permitTransit through border controlMinor travelling alone or with one parentWork, internship, volunteering or a longer stayEmergency, damaged or nearly expired passportControlled medication or specialist equipment

Frequently asked questions

Is a visa or authorisation required?

A free single-entry tourist visa is issued on arrival to French nationals.

Which vaccines should I consider?

A travel medicine consultation is important: yellow fever, malaria and recommended vaccines depend on the country, transit and itinerary.

Is a French driving licence sufficient?

Carry the French licence together with an international driving permit and check which convention the country recognises.

When should this information be checked again?

Check once before any non-refundable purchase, then again 48 to 72 hours before departure. The destination authorities and carrier retain the final say.