Rwanda, aptly nicknamed “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” is one of East Africa’s most stable and accessible destinations. This remarkable country offers travelers an easy, safe, and simple journey through stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re planning to trek with mountain gorillas or explore the vibrant capital of Kigali, this comprehensive guide will help you prepare for your Rwandan adventure.

Kigali International Airport serves as Rwanda’s primary gateway, perched on a hilltop just a few kilometers from the capital city center. The airport welcomes numerous international carriers, providing excellent connectivity to the rest of the world.

Airlines serving Rwanda:

• Rwanda Air (WB) – National carrier with flights to all East African capitals and Southern Africa
• Kenya Airways (KQ)
• Ethiopian Airlines (ET)
• Brussels Airlines (SN)
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• South African Airways (SAA)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)
• Air Burundi

Most airlines maintain offices at the passenger terminal building for convenient service and support.

Rwanda is easily accessible by road from neighboring countries including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, making it ideal for multi-country East African adventures.

Rwanda has a progressive visa policy that makes entry simple for many nationalities. Visa-exempt countries (can stay up to 90 days without a visa) include:

• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Germany
• Sweden
• South Africa
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• East African Community: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Mauritius

Important: All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their entry date.

*The East African Tourist Visa allows multiple entries to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for three months.

Option 1: Online Application

• Apply for a single entry visa at www.migration.gov.rw
• Receive an entry facility to obtain your visa at any official point of entry

Option 2: Embassy Application

• Download the visa application form (PDF)
• Submit personally or by post to the Embassy of Rwanda or Diplomatic Mission in your country

To apply for a Rwanda visa, you must provide:

1. Passport – Valid for at least 6 months
2. Application Form – One (1) properly completed visa application form (handwritten or typed)
3. Passport Photos – Two passport-size photos with white background, showing both ears clearly
4. Cover Letter – Signed letter detailing your reason for visiting Rwanda
5. Invitation/Accommodation – Invitation letter and/or hotel reservation confirmation
6. Proof of Payment – Non-refundable payment confirmation (see payment details below)
7. Return Envelope – For postal applications: stamped, prepaid, registered, self-addressed envelope

For UK Travel Document holders (UN Convention 1951): Also provide proof of address via current bank statement or utility bill.

• Standard Visa: 24 hours (for complete applications)
• Travel Documents: 48 hours

Note: Due to high application volumes, apply well in advance of your travel date.

The Consular office accepts applications and collections:

• Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

The High Commission no longer accepts cash, postal orders, or cheques.

Payment must be made via bank transfer to:

Rwanda High Commission Consular Account

• Account No: 23389012
• Sort Code: 40-62-54
• IBAN: GB86GTBI40625423389012
• SWIFT Code: GTBIGB2L
• Bank Address: GT Bank, 62 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8TF

Submit proof of payment with your application documents.

Important: Visas do not permit employment in Rwanda.

Required:

• Yellow Fever – Certificate required for entry

Recommended:

• Anti-malaria prophylactics
• Routine vaccinations

Pro Tip: Carry your yellow fever certificate at all times as proof of vaccination.

It is highly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and health insurance before arriving in Rwanda.

The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the national currency, available in the following denominations:

Banknotes:

• 500 RWF (smallest note)
• 1,000 RWF
• 2,000 RWF
• 5,000 RWF (largest note)

Coins:

• 50 RWF
• 100 RWF

Foreign currency can be exchanged at:

• Banks (available in Kigali and major towns)
• Bureau de change offices
• ATMs (recommended – better exchange rates)

ATMs: Available throughout Kigali at every bank branch, offering favorable exchange rates

Credit Cards: Limited acceptance outside Kigali

Travel Tip: Carry sufficient cash when traveling outside the capital to avoid inconvenience, especially for extended stays.

Tipping is not standard practice at local establishments but is appreciated at tourist-oriented venues:

• Restaurants: 5-10% is customary
• Safari guides and drivers: Always tip
• Porters: Tipping expected for assistance

• Kinyarwanda – Indigenous language spoken nationwide
• English – Official language (used in government and business)
• French – Official language (used in government and business)

Note: Don’t be surprised if meetings and discussions are conducted in Kinyarwanda, even in official settings.

Rwanda operates on Central Africa Time (CAT):

• UTC+2
• GMT+2

Rwanda experiences a tropical highland climate with two rainy seasons:

Rain Seasons:

• Long rains: February to June
• Short rains: Mid-September to mid-December

Dry Months:

• January
• July
• August to mid-September

Good News: Rwanda can be visited at any time of year, with each season offering unique advantages.

• Dry seasons (June-September and December-February) offer easier hiking conditions
• Rainy seasons can offer better photography opportunities with lush vegetation

Rwanda’s moderate climate makes it suitable for year-round travel. Choose your timing based on your specific interests and preferred weather conditions.

For General Travel:

• ✅ Light clothing for warm daytime temperatures
• ✅ Warm clothing for cool evenings and nights
• ✅ Sweaters for high-altitude areas
• ✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirts (for gorilla trekking)

For Mountain Hiking:

• ✅ Warm layers for alpine temperatures
• ✅ Waterproof/rain jacket or poncho
• ✅ Hand gloves

• ✅ Solid walking shoes suitable for hiking
• ✅ Jungle-appropriate boots
• ✅ Long socks (essential for gorilla trekking)

• ✅ Sun hat or cap
• ✅ Sunglasses
• ✅ Sunscreen/sun cream
• ✅ Insect repellent

• ✅ Zoom lens for wildlife (70-300mm or similar recommended)
• ✅ Binoculars
• ✅ Spare batteries and memory cards
• ✅ Waterproof camera bag

Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s safest countries for travelers. The government maintains excellent security, and violent crime against tourists is rare.

Safety Tips:

• Keep valuables secure
• Follow local customs and laws
• Stay informed about local conditions
• Register with your embassy if staying long-term

• Greet people respectfully
• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas
• Ask permission before photographing people
• Remove plastic bags before entry (plastic bags are banned in Rwanda)

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking – One of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters
2. Genocide Memorials – Important historical sites offering powerful insights
3. Volcanoes National Park – Home to endangered mountain gorillas
4. Lake Kivu – Beautiful lakeside relaxation and water activities
5. Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks
6. Kigali City – Clean, modern, and culturally rich capital

Rwanda is committed to conservation and sustainable tourism, with strict environmental policies and community-focused tourism initiatives.