Travelling to Rwanda? Know before you go.
Visas, safety, money, health, packing and etiquette: the practical side of Rwanda, from people who live here.
Visas & entry
Visa on arrival or online for most nationalities; US$50 for 30 days. Passport valid 6+ months.
Read moreSafety
One of Africa's safest countries, with low crime and clean, orderly cities.
Read moreHealth
Malaria risk at lower altitudes; yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country. Drink bottled water.
Read moreMoney & tipping
Rwandan franc; US dollars widely accepted. Mobile money everywhere. Tip guides US$15–25/day.
Read moreWeather & seasons
Dry June–September and December–February; rainy March–May and October–November.
Read moreGetting around
Good paved roads, drive on the right. Private 4x4 with driver-guide or self-drive.
Read moreWhat to pack
Layers, rain jacket, waterproof boots, gloves for trekking. Plastic bags are banned.
Read moreCulture & etiquette
Greet before asking, dress modestly, ask before photographing people, respect Umuganda.
Read moreGetting there
Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) via Brussels, Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Dubai, Addis or Nairobi.
Read moreRwanda at a glance.
- Capital
- Kigali
- Languages
- Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF)
- Time zone
- CAT, UTC+2 (no daylight saving)
- Plugs
- Types C and J, 230 V
- Driving
- On the right
- Airport
- Kigali International (KGL)
- Dialling code
- +250
- Emergency
- 112 (police 112, traffic 113)
Travelling from…
Flights, time difference, plug adapters and entry rules for your home country.
Essential reading
PlanningRwanda + Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda: East Africa Safari Combos
Gorillas in the morning, lions by the weekend. How to stitch East Africa together.
PlanningWhere to Stay in Rwanda: Best Lodges & Hotels by Park and Budget
Where to sleep near the gorillas, in Akagera, on Lake Kivu and in Kigali, for every budget.
PlanningFirst Time in Africa? Why Rwanda Is the Perfect Place to Start
Safe, compact, organised and wildly beautiful: Rwanda takes the worry out of your first African adventure.
PlanningRwanda with Kids: A Family Safari Guide
Gorillas are 15+, but Rwanda is full of adventures for younger travellers too.
Travel essentials25 Things to Know Before You Travel to Rwanda
The practical details that make your first days in Rwanda smooth.
PlanningA Rwanda Honeymoon: Gorillas, Lakes and Lodges Made for Two
Adventure and romance rarely share an itinerary this naturally.
Let's plan your Rwanda journey.
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