Chinese tourist arrivals in Rwanda rose by 367%, from 3,000 in 2021 to 14,000 in 2025, while the number of Rwandans travelling to China nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025, reflecting growing travel between the two countries.
The figures were highlighted on Monday, November 9, 2026, by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kangeli Muganza during an interview with Chinese broadcaster CGTN.
The interview took place in China, where Rwanda is participating in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
Muganza said the growth in Chinese visitors was encouraging, although the number remained relatively small. She explained that the increase showed the potential for Rwanda to attract more travellers from China as the country continued promoting its tourism attractions internationally.
The rise is particularly significant because China represents a large international travel market that Rwanda is seeking to reach through tourism promotion and stronger cooperation with Chinese businesses.
While the number of Chinese visitors has increased more than fourfold since 2021, travel in the opposite direction has also grown considerably.
Figures shared by Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi in April 2026 showed that the number of Rwandans travelling to China increased from more than 3,500 in 2023 to approximately 7,000 in 2025.
The increase came as China introduced measures intended to make visa applications easier and less expensive for Rwandan travellers.
Among the changes was an online visa processing system introduced by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda in March 2025.
The system allows applicants to complete their forms and submit supporting documents online before visiting the embassy when required to complete the application process.
China also reduced visa application fees by 25%, a measure that was extended until December 31, 2026.
Another arrangement exempts eligible applicants for short-term visas involving stays of no more than 180 days from providing fingerprints. The exemption does not apply to certain visa categories requiring residence permits.
These changes have made parts of the application process simpler for Rwandans travelling to China for business, education, tourism and other purposes.
However, the increase in travel cannot be attributed entirely to visa measures, as growing business and educational cooperation has also brought more people into contact with opportunities in China.
The figures suggest that people-to-people exchanges are becoming a more visible part of relations between Rwanda and China, alongside trade and investment.
For Chinese tourists, Rwanda’s wildlife remains one of the country’s strongest attractions.
Muganza highlighted Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, as one of Rwanda’s most recognised tourism destinations.
She explained that conservation efforts had helped protect the gorillas and contributed to an increase in their population, making the country an important destination for visitors interested in wildlife and nature.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers other experiences that can appeal to travellers seeking different attractions during the same visit.
Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five animals: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos.
Nyungwe National Park offers opportunities for birdwatching, primate tracking and exploring tropical forests. Visitors can also experience its waterfalls and the Canopy Walkway, which provides views above the forest.
Kigali adds another dimension to the country’s tourism offering.
The city hosts international conferences, exhibitions and business meetings, while also providing visitors with opportunities to explore Rwandan culture, food and local attractions.
Muganza said Rwanda remained interested in welcoming more Chinese visitors and introducing them to the country’s natural attractions and hospitality services.
For local tourism businesses, the growing Chinese market could bring additional customers to hotels, restaurants, transport companies and tour operators.
It could also create opportunities for guides and businesses offering cultural experiences, particularly as more travellers discover destinations beyond the country’s best-known attractions.
The increasing movement between Rwanda and China comes as the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Their cooperation covers several areas, including education, tourism, business and investment.
For Rwanda, participation in international events such as the China International Import Expo offers opportunities to promote the country not only as a destination for investment and exports, but also as a place to visit.
During the Shanghai exhibition, Muganza highlighted Rwanda’s tourism attractions alongside the country’s business opportunities.
The event brings together companies and investors from different countries, providing a platform for Rwanda to introduce its products and services to potential partners.
Rwanda is represented at the exhibition by businesses involved in exporting products such as coffee, tea, chili and macadamia nuts.
Although the event is primarily focused on trade, it also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of Rwanda among Chinese businesses and visitors who may later consider travelling to the country.
The increase in visitor numbers also comes during the recovery of international tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly reduced global travel in 2021.
This means the rise from 3,000 Chinese visitors in 2021 to 14,000 in 2025 reflects both the return of international travel and Rwanda’s efforts to attract visitors from China.
For Rwanda’s tourism industry, the next challenge is to turn growing interest into more visits and encourage travellers to explore a wider range of attractions.
As more Chinese tourists discover Rwanda and more Rwandans travel to China, the expanding movement of people is adding another dimension to a relationship that has traditionally received greater attention for its trade, investment and infrastructure projects.
RADIOTV10