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Tips and how to apply for an E-Passport for the first time

Now that you are ready or plan to travel outside of Rwanda, you might be wondering how and what you need in order to get your passport. It's easy!!!! This is what you need to know:


This applies to someone who is applying for a passport for the first time or replacing or renewing a passport that was issued by DGIE before 28 June 2019.


E-passport Types and Requirements

Required attachments vary by passport type, validity, and applicant's age, as outlined in the tables below.


                             Applicant: Below 18 years

Passport Type

Passport Validity 

Fees (Rwf)

Attachments

Service

5 years 

15,000

  • Citizen application number (child ID) for a minor below 16 years old.

  • Copy of National ID

  • Passport Photo 

  • Signature (Write the names of the child)

  • A recommendation letter issued by a government institution

  • Other attachments, depending on the selected "Minor Category," 

Ordinary

2 or 5 years

25,000

  • Copy of National ID

  • Passport Photo 

  • Signature (Write the names of the child)

  • Other attachments, depending on the selected "Minor Category," such as birth certificate, parents' marriage certificate, etc.

Diplomatic

5 years

50,000

  • Copy of National ID

  • Passport Photo 

  • Signature (Write the names of the child)

  • A recommendation letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Cabinet Resolutions

  • Appointment letter of the parent

  • Other attachments, depending on the selected "Minor Category,"



                             Applicant: Between 18 and 26 years

Passport Type

Passport Validity 

Fees (Rwf)

Attachments

Service

5 years 

15,000

  • Copy of National ID 

  • Passport Photo 

  • Signature

  • A recommendation letter issued by a government institution

Ordinary 

5 years

75,000

  • Copy of National ID

  • Passport Photo

  • Signature

Diplomatic

5 years

50,000

  • Copy of National ID

  • Passport Photo

  • Signature

  • A recommendation letter issued by MOFA or Cabinet Resolutions

  • Appointment letter of the applicant.



                             Applicant: 27 years and above

Passport Type

Passport Validity 

Fees (Rwf)

Attachments

Service

5 years 

15,000

  • Copy of National ID 

  • Passport Photo 

  • Signature

  • A recommendation letter issued by a government institution

Ordinary 

5 years

75,000

  • Copy of National ID

  • Passport Photo

  • Signature

10 years

100,000

Diplomatic

5 years

50,000

  • Copy of national ID

  • Passport Photo

  • Signature (Write names of the child)

  • A recommendation letter issued by MOFA or Cabinet resolutions

  • Appointment letter of the applicant.


Note:

All documents must meet the following format and size requirements:

  • Documents: PDF format, maximum size 500 KB; Passport photo: JPG format, maximum size 200 KB. Signature: PDF format, maximum size 50 KB

  • The application process takes 4 working days from the date of submission to the day you receive your passport


Steps to apply for an e-passport for the first application
  1. Visit www.irembo.gov.rw and under Immigration and Emigration, click on e-Passport Application.

  1. Select the e-Passport first application and click on Apply. 

  1. Choose who needs this service, whether the applicant is above 18 or below 18.

  • If an applicant is above 18, he/she enters their Rwandan National ID. 

  • If an applicant is between 16 and 18 years of age, they can use their Rwandan National ID.

  • If an applicant is below 18, he/she enters the citizen application number. 

  • If the applicant is under 18 and doesn't have a citizen application number, they can also apply by selecting "no document".


  1. Fill in the applicant’s details by clicking in the blank space to input the required details (* means mandatory information). 

    1. Adult applicants should fill in the following: 

      • ID number 

      • Profession and Employer

      • Height in cm 

      • Residence details 

      • Birth location 

      • Other nationality and other nationality passport (optional)

      • Street number and house number (optional) 


  1. Minor Applicants should fill in the following: 

    • Minor category

    • Identity document 

    • ID/Citizen Application number 

    • Height in cm 

    • Guardian's Nationality and their ID/Passport number 

    • Residence details 

    • Birth location 

    • Other nationality and other nationality passport (optional)

    • Street number and house number (optional) 


  1. Fill in the Passport & Travel Details for the Applicant.

  1. Select the passport type and the corresponding validity along with the travel details: purpose of travel, destination country, and destination city. 

  1. Attach all the required documents in the right format and size by clicking on 

  2. Click on Next to proceed. 

  1. Verify that the information is true, enter a phone number and/or email address, check the verification box, and click Submit

  2. A billing number/ID (88….) will be generated for payment.


What to expect after submitting your application

Step 1: Your application will be submitted to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) for review.

Step 2: You will receive an email or SMS with the date and location for your biometric capture, either at the DGIE office or the Rwandan Embassy.

Step 3: You will be notified when your passport is ready for pickup.

Note:

  • If you are in Kigali, go to the DGIE Headquarters.

  • If you are outside Kigali, visit the DGIE office at your district headquarters.

  • If you are outside Rwanda, visit the Rwandan Embassy in your country of residence.

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