Cerium doped SnO2 hollow nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning. High resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed hollow nanofibers with diameters around similar to 200 nm. The optimized substitution of Ce ion into SnO2 lattices happened above 6 mol. % doping- as confirmed by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Optical band gap was decreased by the doping confirming the direct energy transfer between f-electrons of rare earth ion and the SnO2 conduction or valence band. The compound also exhibited room temperature ferromagnetism with the saturation magnetization of 19 x 10(-5) emu/g at 6 mol. %. This study demonstrates the Ce doped SnO2 hollow nanofibers for applications in magneto-optoelectronic devices. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.