This archive report was first published on 14 August 2020.
On June 27, 2019, Rwanda began issuing East African e-passports, marking the country's commitment to regional integration with EAC partner states. This move was in line with the EAC Heads of State's directive during the 17th ordinary summit in Arusha, Tanzania, in March 2016.
According to a statement from the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, all passports issued before June 27, 2019, will be phased out and replaced by the Rwanda East African electronic passport after June 27, 2021. This means that holders of the Rwandan passport will have a two-year grace period to replace their travel documents with East African e-passports.
The e-passport, used in other EAC partner countries including Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, grants its holders access to more countries without stringent visa requirements. The public is urged not to wait until the expiry date to apply for new passports, and applicants are required to apply through the online platform Irembo, which enables the public to access government services.
