A new visa policy will come into force effective November 1, after Cabinet approved immigration regulations.

According to the new regulations, nationals from countries that were previously exempted from paying visa fees, including Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, will now part with an entry visa fee of $30, valid for a period of 30 days.

Ange Sebutege, the public relations officer at the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration, said the above mentioned nationals will pay visa fees upon arrival at any Rwandan entry point without prior application.

"Nationals from the listed countries may also choose to get visas at our diplomatic missions online, except the UN Mission in New York,” Sebutege said.

Good move

Foreign nationals The New Times talked to yesterday welcomed the move, saying the visa charge was reasonable, although they expressed concerns over the implementation and collection of the fees.

"We were aware that this might happen. It is nothing new; many countries do it, so we respect the decision taken by government. Our concern, however, is more about the implementation – whether all payment methods, such as credit and Visa cards are acceptable,” Roger Webb, the public relations officer at the American embassy, said.

However, the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration sought to allay these fears, saying Rwanda’s border posts have banking facilities that accept various currencies as well as effecting payments.

The new policy also indicates that citizens from within the East African Community will continue to be issued with six-month visitors pass at entry points at no fee, while those from DR Congo will continue getting visitors’ visa for a stay not exceeding 90 days.

Nationals of Singapore, Hong Kong, Mauritius and Philippines are exempted from acquiring tourist visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Nationals of African countries not exempted from visa fee will continue getting the visa at entry points, including the airport and water landing sites.

The rest of the nationals  whose countries are not mentioned will get visa upon application before travelling and also pay subscription fees.