Kigali: The Government of Rwanda on Friday 28 June 2019 commenced the issuance of the Rwanda East Africa electronic Passport.
From this date, all passports issued to Rwandan citizens will be of the new design, which complies with the technical specifications for travel documents contained in the International Civil aviation Organisation (ICAO) document 9303 and with the passport specifications of the East African Community.
The Rwanda EAC e-Passport has a modernised design that reflects Rwanda’s culture and enhanced security features that will make it much harder to forge.
The Rwanda EAC e-Passport booklet variants will be categorised depending on the number of pages, validity and structures.
Consistent with EAC Heads of States directives, passports of the previous design already issued to Rwandan citizens will remain valid for up to two years from the date of issuance of the electronic passport up to June 27th 2021. All passport applications and payment will be made only through IREMBO.
The Rwanda EAC e-Passport requires capturing of the biometric data to ensure successful identification of applicants. All applicants will be required to physically provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos), except for children of age below 16 years. A passport is offered within four working days. (End)