Can I Create an Irembo Account Using a Passport or Foreign ID? (2026)

If you are a foreigner in Rwanda or a Rwandan living abroad, you may wonder whether you can create an IremboGov account using a passport or foreign ID.

The short answer is no for a standard IremboGov account. IremboGov's current account-management guidance says an account requires a phone number or email address associated with a Rwandan National ID or a valid Consular Card. A passport cannot be used to create the standard IremboGov account.

However, this does not mean foreigners cannot use IremboGov. Many services, particularly immigration services such as visa applications, can be accessed without creating an IremboGov account.

Quick Answer

Can You Create an Irembo Account With a Passport?

No. According to IremboGov's official account-management FAQ, a passport cannot be used to create an IremboGov account.

The standard account requires an email address or phone number with a corresponding Rwandan National ID or Consular Card.

This means that simply having a valid foreign passport does not make you eligible to create the standard IremboGov account.

Can You Create an Irembo Account With a Foreign ID?

No, not for the standard IremboGov account.

IremboGov's account verification system is designed around the identification documents accepted for account creation. For citizens living in Rwanda, this is generally a Rwandan National ID. For eligible Rwandans living abroad, a Rwandan National ID and Consular Card are used for verification.

A foreign national should therefore not try to register a standard IremboGov account using a foreign national identity card.

Does This Mean Foreigners Cannot Use IremboGov?

No. This is one of the most important distinctions to understand.

Not having an IremboGov account does not automatically prevent a foreigner from using government services available through the platform.

Some services are specifically designed to accept foreigners without requiring them to create an IremboGov account. For example, IremboGov states that visa applications can be submitted with or without an IremboGov account.

Some other services also provide a Foreigner applicant option where the applicant can enter a passport number and other required information.

Can Foreigners Apply for a Rwanda Visa Without an Irembo Account?

Yes.

IremboGov's official visa FAQ states that applicants can apply for a visa with or without an IremboGov account.

This is particularly useful for tourists and foreign visitors who do not have a Rwandan National ID and therefore cannot create the standard IremboGov account.

During the application, the applicant provides the identification and supporting information required for the selected visa service.

For the current visa application process, use the official IremboGov portal.

What Identification Can a Foreigner Use on IremboGov?

The identification document depends on the particular service.

For immigration-related services, a passport number is commonly used for foreign applicants.

For example, IremboGov documentation for certain services allows foreigners to select a foreigner applicant type and provide a valid passport number.

However, you should always check the requirements of the specific service because IremboGov does not use exactly the same identification requirements for every government service.

Why Can't a Passport Be Used to Create an Irembo Account?

The IremboGov account system uses identity information linked to the account verification process.

For citizens living in Rwanda, the account is verified using a Rwandan National ID and a corresponding phone number.

For Rwandans living abroad, IremboGov provides a diaspora verification process using a Rwandan National ID and Consular Card.

Therefore, having a passport alone does not satisfy the requirements for creating the standard account.

What Do Rwandans Living Abroad Need?

Rwandans living abroad have a different account-verification pathway.

IremboGov's account-creation guidance states that a Rwandan living abroad can use:

• A Rwandan National ID
• A valid Consular Card
• An email address associated with the Consular Card

The account can then be verified using the appropriate identification and an OTP sent to the phone number or email address used during verification.

This is different from a foreigner trying to create an account with a foreign passport or foreign ID.

What Is a Consular Card?

A Consular Card is an identification document used by Rwandans living abroad through Rwanda's diplomatic and consular system.

For IremboGov account verification, eligible Rwandans living abroad can use their Consular Card together with their Rwandan National ID.

If you are a Rwandan living abroad and cannot create an account because you do not have a Rwandan phone number, check IremboGov's official diaspora support guidance before attempting alternative registration methods.

What If I Am a Foreigner and I Need an Irembo Service?

Do not automatically try to create an IremboGov account.

Instead, first check whether the service allows applications without an account.

For many immigration services, this is the correct approach.

For example, IremboGov lists immigration and emigration services such as visa applications, permits and related services. Some of these services allow applicants to proceed without an account.

You should open the specific service and check its current requirements before starting the application.

Examples of Irembo Services Foreigners May Use

The exact eligibility depends on the service, but IremboGov provides services for foreign applicants in several areas.

Rwanda Visa Application

Foreign travelers can apply for a Rwanda visa through IremboGov without creating an account.

The visa application service explicitly allows applications with or without an IremboGov account.

Visa Renewal

Foreigners already in Rwanda who need to extend their stay can use the appropriate visa renewal service. IremboGov states that visa renewal can also be applied for without an IremboGov account.

Permits

Some permit services are available to foreign applicants. The identification and supporting documents required depend on the particular permit.

Notary Services

Certain IremboGov notary services accept foreign applicants using a valid passport number and other required personal information.

Always check the individual service requirements because not every government service has the same eligibility rules.

Can a Foreigner Create an Irembo Account Through an Irembo Agent?

For some services, foreigners who need assistance can use an Irembo Agent.

However, this should not be confused with creating a standard personal IremboGov account using a passport.

An Irembo Agent can assist applicants with eligible services and applications, but the official account requirements still apply to personal IremboGov account creation.

If you are a foreigner having difficulty accessing a particular service, check whether the service supports agent assistance before visiting an agent.

What If I Have a Rwandan National ID but I Am a Foreigner?

If you have a Rwandan National ID or another identification status recognized by the relevant government service, your eligibility may be different from that of a foreign visitor who only has a foreign passport.

Do not assume that your nationality alone determines eligibility. The requirements can depend on the service and the identification document associated with your records.

If the system rejects your identification information, contact IremboGov support rather than creating multiple accounts.

What If My Phone Number Does Not Match My National ID?

If you are a Rwandan citizen trying to create or verify an IremboGov account and your phone number does not correspond to your National ID, IremboGov recommends checking the phone numbers associated with your National ID.

You can dial *125# and follow the instructions to check the numbers linked to your National ID.

If the number does not correspond, IremboGov advises users to visit the nearest MTN or Airtel service center for guidance.

Do not create another Irembo account to work around the problem. IremboGov states that each user is eligible for one IremboGov account.

Can I Have More Than One Irembo Account?

No.

IremboGov's account-management FAQ states that a user is eligible for one IremboGov account.

If you have forgotten your password or lost access to the phone number associated with your account, use the account recovery process instead of creating another account.

What If I Lost the Phone Number on My Irembo Account?

If you lose access to the phone number registered on your IremboGov account, password recovery can become difficult because the OTP may be sent to the registered number.

IremboGov advises that you may need to swap your SIM card to regain access to the registered number.

If you continue experiencing problems, contact IremboGov support.

How to Contact IremboGov Support

If your account or verification problem cannot be solved through the normal process, contact IremboGov directly.

• Call Center: 9099
• Email: support@irembo.com

For diaspora-specific assistance, IremboGov also provides a dedicated support channel:

• Diaspora email: supportdiaspora@irembo.com
• WhatsApp: 0792222220
• Support numbers: +250 788 124 700 / 9099

When contacting support about an application or account problem, provide enough information for the support team to identify your issue. Avoid sending unnecessary sensitive information through unofficial channels.

Passport vs National ID: What Can You Use?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trying to create a standard Irembo account using a passport.
• Trying to register multiple accounts when the first account has a problem.
• Using another person's National ID or phone number.
• Ignoring the identification requirements of the specific service.
• Assuming that every Irembo service requires an account.
• Using unofficial websites that claim to create Irembo accounts for you.
• Sharing OTP codes or account passwords with other people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create an Irembo account with a passport?

No. IremboGov's official account-management guidance says a standard Irembo account requires an email or phone number associated with a Rwandan National ID or Consular Card.

Can foreigners create an Irembo account?

A foreigner cannot create the standard IremboGov account using a foreign passport or foreign ID. However, foreigners can access eligible Irembo services without an account.

Can I apply for a Rwanda visa without an Irembo account?

Yes. IremboGov states that visa applications can be submitted with or without an IremboGov account.

Can I use my foreign passport on IremboGov?

Yes, for services that specifically accept foreign applicants and passport identification. This does not mean that the passport can be used to create the standard IremboGov account.

Can Rwandans abroad create an Irembo account?

Yes. Rwandans living abroad can use a Rwandan National ID and valid Consular Card for the account-verification process.

Can I have two Irembo accounts?

No. IremboGov states that each user is eligible for one account.

What should I do if I cannot create my Irembo account?

Check that your identification and phone or email information meet the account requirements. If the problem continues, contact IremboGov at 9099 or support@irembo.com.

Can a foreigner use IremboGov without an account?

Yes. Several services allow applications without an account. Visa applications, for example, can be submitted with or without an IremboGov account.

Final Answer

If you are trying to create an IremboGov account using a passport or foreign ID, you should not expect the standard account-registration process to accept it.

IremboGov currently requires a phone number or email address associated with a Rwandan National ID or valid Consular Card for standard account creation. A passport cannot be used to create that account.

However, foreigners can still use IremboGov for eligible government services. Many immigration services, including Rwanda visa applications, allow applicants to proceed without an IremboGov account.

If you are a Rwandan living abroad, the situation is different: you can use your Rwandan National ID and Consular Card to verify an IremboGov account.

The most important thing is to check the requirements for the specific service you need instead of assuming that every IremboGov service requires an account.

Official Sources

• IremboGov – Frequently Asked Questions About Account Management
• IremboGov – How to Create Your Irembo Account
• IremboGov – Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Application
• IremboGov – Support for Rwandans Living Abroad
• IremboGov – Official Government Services Portal

Last updated: September 2026