The figure, which is equivalent to more than 462.4 billion Rwandan francs, was recorded in the first two quarters of the year, according to Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics (NISR).
Foreign visitors spent more than $151.4 million in the first quarter, while spending rose to $161.8 million in the second quarter.
Air travel accounted for most of the money spent by visitors during the second quarter. Travellers who entered Rwanda by air spent $135.4 million, or 83.7 percent of total foreign visitor spending.
Those who entered through land borders spent a further $26.4 million.
Tourism drives spending
Travellers visiting Rwanda for leisure were among the biggest contributors to the country’s tourism earnings.
In the second quarter alone, leisure visitors spent $59.7 million. They were followed by people visiting friends and relatives, who spent $4.5 million, while business travellers spent $40.2 million.
Visitors from North America accounted for the largest share of spending among those who arrived by air, spending $40.2 million during the quarter.
European visitors followed with $27.7 million, while travellers from African countries outside the East African Community spent $27.1 million.
For visitors who crossed into Rwanda by land, travellers from EAC countries were the biggest spenders, accounting for $13.6 million.
Tracking where travellers spend
The NISR survey looks beyond the amount visitors spend and tracks where their money goes.
It covers spending on hotels and other accommodation, food and drinks, transport within Rwanda, entertainment, tourist attractions, healthcare and other services.
The figures also show that money is flowing in the opposite direction, as Rwandans continue to spend abroad.
Rwandan travellers spent $98.1 million outside the country in the first quarter of 2026. Their spending increased slightly to $99.7 million in the second quarter.
The data offer a picture of the growing role of travel in Rwanda’s economy, showing both the money foreign visitors bring into the country and the amount Rwandans spend when travelling abroad.
