Rwanda has assured Belgian citizens that they will continue to receive free visas upon arrival, despite the recent severing of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
On March 17, Rwanda announced the closure of its embassy in Brussels and the termination of all diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing tensions over Belgium’s actions that Rwanda claims undermine its position and promote a false narrative.
Despite the diplomatic fallout, Rwanda emphasized that Belgian travelers would not face changes to their entry requirements.
In a statement released Thursday, March 20, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed that the rupture of diplomatic relations would not affect Belgian citizens either residing in Rwanda or planning to visit.
“Belgian nationals will continue to obtain a visa on arrival, free of charge, for a 30-day stay, in accordance with the current visa regime,” the ministry said, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to maintaining free movement for travelers.
Rwanda has long positioned itself as a key destination for tourism, business, and international conferences. The country’s visa policy is part of its broader efforts to promote free movement, especially within Africa, and it is one of the few African nations offering visa-free access to all African passport holders.