The Qatar Cabinet has approved a draft agreement on mutual visa waivers for holders of ordinary passports between Qatar and Rwanda.
This agreement, which was approved during a visit by Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Doha, will allow citizens of both countries to travel freely between the two nations for up to 30 days without requiring a visa.
The approval comes after President Kagame met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emir of Qatar, in Doha on Wednesday.
The two leaders discussed the ongoing positive bilateral relations between their nations, emphasizing their shared commitment to enhancing partnerships in key sectors such as civil aviation, trade, and investment.
Rwanda and Qatar have long enjoyed strong diplomatic and economic ties, with cooperation extending to civil aviation, among other sectors.
Rwanda’s foreign policy, which emphasizes sovereignty, mutual respect, and international law, aligns closely with Qatar's objectives for strengthening relations across Africa.
The visa waiver agreement is expected to significantly ease travel and further bolster economic growth and collaboration between the two countries.
Both governments are now working on finalising the implementation protocols for the new policy.
Rwanda has made significant strides in providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries.
As of recent developments, Rwandan passport holders can access more than 50 countries without needing a visa or can obtain a visa upon arrival.
Some of the countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Rwandan passport holders include several African nations, countries in the Caribbean, and others in Asia and Latin America.
Additionally, Rwanda has been proactive in establishing partnerships like the one with Qatar, further easing travel for its citizens.
