Travel information for visitors to Rwanda

Visa Requirements

All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Rwanda. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times. In view of the bilateral agreements, nationals of the following countries may visit Rwanda without visa for a period up to 90 days: USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong

Getting to Rwanda

One can fly to Rwanda with SN Brussels, Alliance Express/Alliance Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and Air Burundi. All international flights land at Kanombe Airport which is 10kms away from central Kigali.
Safety and Health

A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are located in all major towns.

Wildlife

Rwanda is home to the vast spectrum of East African wildlife, as well as both classic safariscapes and verdant equatorial rainforest.

Money

The Franc is the official currency of Rwanda. 1 Franc (RWF) = 100 centime. The Rwandan currency is available in both paper Notes and Coins.

Foreign currencies and traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and airports, railway stations, ports & major hotels in Rwanda at the official exchange rates.

Credit & Debit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are widely accepted in Rwanda. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability in Rwanda. ATMs are widely available.

Traveler Cheques, International traveler’s cheques in Sterling Pounds, Euro, and US Dollars are widely accepted.

Electricity

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

When to visit

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. Gorilla trekking and other forest walks are less demanding during the drier months. The European winter is the best time for birds, as Palaearctic migrants supplement resident species.

What to wear

Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the Parc des Volcans and Nyungwe. When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and solid walking shoes. A hat and sunglasses provide protection against the sun, and a waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains.

What to bring

Binoculars will greatly enhance game drives and forest walks, as will a good field guide to East African birds. Bring a camera and an adequate stock of film. Print film is available but transparency film is not. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

Gorilla sightings

Though not formally guaranteed, are extremely likely in all cases. Gorilla permits cost $500 per person per day and should be applied for well in advance, especially if you plan on travelling during the high tourist season (July and August or over the Christmas holidays).