Analogue (non-electronic) Rwandan passports will no longer be valid effective 28 June 2022. This is one year beyond the original deadline of 28 June 2021.
The Directorate of Immigration and Emigration said that all passports issued before 27 June 2019 will be phased out and replaced by the Rwanda East African electronic passport.
CGTN Africa reports the expiration follows Rwanda’s adoption of the e-passport in June 2019.
When the country began issuing the e-passport, holders of the existing national passports were given a two-year grace period to replace their travel document. They have since been granted one additional year to replace their old passports with the more modern e-passport.
Rwandans are now asked to apply for the document through the Irembo portal.
CGTN Africa reports the new passport – currently used in other East African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – is accepted globally.
According to the immigration office’s statement, e-passports grant its holders access to more countries without strict visa requirements.
Sources/References:
Tariffa
CGTN Africa
The Keesing Platform team brings you the latest in various fields, including security documents, security printing, banknotes, identity management, biometrics, blockchain, crypto technology and online onboarding.
