In a major step to boost ties, Rwanda and Qatar have agreed to a mutual visa waiver, allowing Rwandan passport holders to enter Qatar without a visa. The deal, approved during Qatar’s weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 12, highlights the growing partnership between the two nations.
Rwanda already has an open visa policy, offering visa-free entry to citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, La Francophonie, and East African Community (EAC) member states. Previously, Rwandans could only enter Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. The new agreement removes this limit, making travel easier and strengthening connections between the two countries.
The visa waiver was finalized during President Paul Kagame’s visit to Qatar, where he met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday. The leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in key areas like defense, security, ICT, and aviation, reaffirming their commitment to stronger ties.
A key area of collaboration is aviation. RwandAir, Rwanda’s national airline, has partnered with Qatar Airways for passenger and cargo operations. This partnership has improved air connectivity, boosted trade, and supported tourism, benefiting both economies.
Qatar Airways has also invested heavily in Rwanda’s aviation future, taking a 60% stake in the $2 billion Bugesera International Airport project. The airport, set to open in 2028, will feature a 130,000-square-meter terminal handling 8 million passengers annually, with capacity expected to grow to over 14 million in the coming decades. Developers say the airport will position Rwanda as a major aviation hub, driving economic growth and improving global connectivity.
The visa waiver and aviation partnership are just two examples of the strong relationship between Rwanda and Qatar. Over the years, the two nations have worked together in defense, security, and ICT, showing their shared focus on economic growth and regional integration.
For Rwanda, this partnership supports its goal of becoming a regional hub for trade, tourism, and investment. Its open visa policy has already made it a popular destination for business and leisure travelers, and the new agreement with Qatar will further boost its global appeal.
For Qatar, the partnership is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Africa and expand its influence in aviation, trade, and investment. The Gulf nation has been actively investing in Africa’s infrastructure, and its collaboration with Rwanda reflects its commitment to the continent.
The visa waiver and aviation projects are expected to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Rwanda and Qatar. As the Bugesera International Airport nears completion, it will transform Rwanda into a key aviation hub, attracting travelers and investors worldwide.
President Kagame’s visit to Qatar and the agreements reached during his trip highlight the strong and growing partnership between the two nations. As they explore new areas of cooperation, their relationship stands as a model for South-South collaboration, benefiting both countries and their people.