Diplomatic representation of Rwanda in Canada
Rwandan High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Republic of Rwanda in Ottawa represents Rwanda in Canada and provides consular assistance and official information for Rwandan citizens and other eligible applicants.
Contact details
Contact the Rwandan High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Republic of Rwanda is located on Albert Street in downtown Ottawa.
Before visiting: Many Rwandan immigration and travel-document services are initiated online through the Government of Rwanda’s Irembo platform. Check the current procedure for your service before travelling to the High Commission.
High Commission location
Where is the Rwandan High Commission in Ottawa?
The High Commission for the Republic of Rwanda is located at 294 Albert Street in downtown Ottawa.
The official address is 294 Albert Street, Suite 404, Ottawa, ON K1P 6E6, Canada.
About the mission
About the Rwandan High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Republic of Rwanda in Ottawa is Rwanda’s resident diplomatic mission in Canada.
As Rwanda and Canada are both members of the Commonwealth, the resident diplomatic mission is designated a High Commission rather than an embassy.
The High Commission represents Rwanda in its official relations with Canada and serves as a point of contact for Rwandan citizens requiring consular assistance.
Several Rwandan government services for citizens abroad, including passport and emergency travel-document applications, are now initiated through central government digital services.
Consular assistance
Consular Services
Rwandan citizens in Canada can contact the High Commission for consular information and assistance, while several government services are processed through Rwanda’s national digital platforms.
Passport information
Rwandan passport applications are submitted through Irembo and processed through the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
Emergency travel documents
Eligible applicants abroad who have lost their travel documents can apply online for an Emergency Travel Document through Irembo.
Consular assistance
Rwandan citizens in Canada can contact the High Commission for guidance and assistance in eligible consular situations.
Citizenship information
Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration administers citizenship procedures, including eligible acquisition, recovery and renunciation applications.
Digital services: Do not assume that a passport or travel-document application begins at the High Commission counter. Check Irembo and the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration first.
Rwandan travel documents
Rwandan Passport Applications
The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration issues Rwandan passports, and applications are initiated through the Irembo platform.
Rwanda issues ordinary, service and diplomatic e-passports. An ordinary e-passport is available to eligible Rwandan citizens who meet the applicable requirements.
Adult ordinary passports are available in different formats. Rwanda currently publishes a 50-page adult passport valid for five years and a 66-page adult passport valid for ten years.
The application is submitted online through Irembo. Biometric procedures are required as part of passport processing, including the applicable photograph and fingerprint capture.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration also publishes a dedicated contact for applicants from the Rwandan diaspora.
Start online: Rwandan citizens seeking a passport should begin with the official Irembo application and follow the instructions provided by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
Urgent travel
Emergency Travel Documents
Rwanda provides an online Emergency Travel Document service for eligible applicants who have lost their travel documents and need to travel back home.
The service is available to eligible Rwandans or Rwandan residents living abroad and certain other qualifying applicants.
Applications are submitted through IremboGov under Immigration and Emigration.
Applicants can apply with or without an existing Irembo account. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, identification information can include a Rwandan National ID number, foreign ID, passport number or child application number.
Supporting documents can include proof of residence, proof of Rwandan citizenship, a passport photograph and a police declaration concerning a lost document.
The Government of Rwanda currently states that this service is free of charge and has a published processing time of one day.
Online application: Emergency Travel Document applications are made through Irembo and processed by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration rather than being treated as a standard paper application at the High Commission.
Travel to Rwanda
Rwanda Visa and Entry Information
Rwanda operates a broad visa-on-arrival system for international visitors.
Since 1 January 2018, citizens of all countries have been eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival in Rwanda without making a prior visa application.
Citizens of countries belonging to the Commonwealth are eligible for a visa on arrival with the visa fee waived for a visit of up to 30 days.
As Canada is a Commonwealth country, this arrangement applies to eligible Canadian citizens travelling under the applicable visitor rules.
Travellers must hold an acceptable travel document valid for at least six months under Rwanda’s current visitor-visa requirements.
Travellers who prefer to obtain authorization before departure can also use Rwanda’s online application procedure where applicable.
Canadian travellers: Eligible Canadian citizens can currently receive a visa on arrival for a visit of up to 30 days without paying the visa fee under Rwanda’s Commonwealth arrangement. Verify current entry requirements before departure.
Visitor information
Before You Visit
Check whether your service is handled directly by the High Commission or through a Rwandan government digital platform before travelling to Ottawa.
Check Irembo first
Passport, Emergency Travel Document and several other government applications are initiated online through Rwanda’s Irembo platform.
Confirm your procedure
Requirements vary according to the applicant and service. Follow the current instructions issued by the responsible Rwandan authority.
Contact the High Commission when needed
For consular guidance or assistance concerning your situation in Canada, use the High Commission’s official contact details.
Frequently asked questions
Rwandan High Commission Ottawa FAQ
What is the address of the Rwandan High Commission in Ottawa?
The High Commission for the Republic of Rwanda is located at 294 Albert Street, Suite 404, Ottawa, ON K1P 6E6, Canada.
What is the telephone number of the Rwandan High Commission?
The High Commission’s current telephone number is +1 613 569 5420.
Why is Rwanda represented by a High Commission rather than an embassy?
Rwanda and Canada are members of the Commonwealth. Diplomatic missions exchanged between Commonwealth countries are generally designated High Commissions.
How do Rwandans abroad apply for a passport?
Rwandan passport applications are initiated through the official Irembo platform and administered by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Applicants should follow the current online instructions for their passport type.
How do I apply for a Rwandan Emergency Travel Document?
Eligible applicants can apply online through IremboGov under Immigration and Emigration. The Government of Rwanda currently lists the service as free of charge with a published processing time of one day.
Can Canadian citizens get a visa on arrival in Rwanda?
Yes. Under Rwanda’s current entry regime, eligible Canadian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival. As Canada is a Commonwealth member, the visa fee is waived for an eligible visit of up to 30 days.
How long must my passport be valid when travelling to Rwanda?
Rwanda’s current visitor-visa requirements specify an acceptable travel document valid for at least six months.
Official information
Sources
Official Rwandan and Canadian government sources used to verify the High Commission and current immigration and travel-document procedures on this page.