Rwanda Travel Information
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About Rwanda
Rwanda is popularly known as the land of a thousand hills which is stable East African country, easily accessed overland from Kenya and Uganda. It is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around.
Air Gateway to Rwanda
The Air gateway to Rwanda is Kigali International Airport which is located on the top of the hill few kilometers from the main capital city center Kigali.A number of Airlines operate flights and grace the skies of Rwanda. These include Kenya Airways (KQ), Air Burundi, Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Brussels Airlines (SN), Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), South African Airways (SAA), Qatar Airways (QR), and Turkish Airlines (TK). Rwanda Air (WB) is the national carrier and it operates flights to all the East African capitals and Southern Africa. Most Airlines operating at Kigali International Airport have offices at the passenger terminal building.
Visa
Visa Information and Applications
Whoever is interested in traveling into Rwanda, you should have a valid passport or any other internationally acceptable travel documents that, in theory, include a visa equivalent to his or her intent behind entering into this country acquired ahead of time from the closest embassy of Rwanda abroad.
A Visa is needed by all visitors traveling into Rwanda excluding nationals of South Africa, the United States of America, Uganda, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, United Kingdom, Mauritius, Germany, Burundi, Sweden, Tanzania, Hong Kong as well as Kenya.
The Consular office is always opened for visa applications as well as collections from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Visa Requirements
All Applicants should present a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Applicants have to present appropriately completed one (1) visa application form (pdf) in your own hand writing or one that is in type.
The Applicant has to present two passport photos with a white background showing both ears clearly.
Present a Signed associated letter detailing the reason for your entering Rwanda.
Present an invitation letter together with / or confirmation of your hotel accommodation reservation.
Proof of payment (which is Non-Refundable or Non-Transferable) to the High Commission Bank Account
A stamped or prepaid, registered as well as self-addressed envelope should be included together with an application that was submitted through mail. On the other hand, an applicant could organize to collect their passport through a courier.
Holders of UK Travel Document – UN Convention of 1951 are advised to present the above together with proofs of the address in form of a present bank statement or a current utility bill.
Processing of a visa takes 24 hours (while processing of Travel Documents takes 48 Hours) for a complete file.
Please Keep in Mind that due to the escalating number of applicants, you are advised to offer the authority’s adequate time between your date of application and the travel date.
Visa Exempt Countries
Listed Below is the countries that don’t need visas to enter Rwanda. However they must have passports valid at least for 6 months.
Burundi, Maritius, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Uganda, Kenya, Singapore, South Africa and Sweden.
Payments for Visa Applications
The High Commission no longer accepts money, postal orders or even cheques for the visa applications.
Whoever is applying for a visa must pay or transfer online the money into the account of the Rwanda High Commission Consular and personally submit or post the documents showing proof of payment.
For Multiple Entry valid for three months: Visa Fee £35.00
For Single Entry valid for one month Visa Fee £20.00
Multiple Entry -V-1 (m)/Transit visa – Visa Fee £40.00
Group Tourism, six to ten people entering together who plan to enter and leave on same date: Visa Fee £65.00 This works for Rwanda safari tours.
East Africa Tourist Visa, Multiple Entry into Rwanda, Uganda plus Kenya which is Valid for three months: Visa Fee £65.00
Below are the Bank Account Details;
Rwanda High Commission Consular Account
A/C No: 23389012, Sort Code: 40-62-54, IBAN: GB86GTBI40625423389012, SWIFT Code. GTBIGB2L, Bank Address: GT Bank, 62 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8TF
How to apply for a Rwanda Visa
There are two ways you can apply for a visa
Option One: download a Visa application form – PDF to personally present to the mission or through post
Option Two. You may apply for a single entry visa over the internet.
In order to obtain a Visa to Rwanda, you are required to submit your applications to the Embassy of Rwanda or Diplomatic missions in your country of residence so that processing starts straight away.
In the case of those coming from countries where Rwanda has an Embassy or Diplomatic Mission, they should request for an entry facility on line which will be used to obtain a visa on any official point of entry in Rwanda. Our website is www.migration.gov.rw
In view of the bilateral agreements, the Nationals of the following Countries may visit Rwanda without visa for a period up to 90 days: USA, Germany, Canada, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Sweden, Hong Kong and Burundi.
The visitor’s visa should not be used for employment.
For more, visit the website of Rwanda Directorate General of immigration and Emigration.
Local currency
The national currency is Rwandan Franc (RWF), which can be exchanged against other major foreign currency at any bureau de change or banks within the capital and major big towns around the country. The smallest-value note is a 500 RWF, note which is the smallest note in the physical size as well. There are notes also in denominations of 1000, 2000, and 5000 RWF, which is the larger note and becoming slightly larger in physical size too. There are also coins of 50, 100 RWF
There are few places in Rwanda that accepts credit cards therefore travelers are advised to carry cash if travelling outside Kigali to avoid embarrassments especially if staying long days.
There are ATMs all over Kigali in every bank branch, depending on your bank card; this can be much cheaper way of getting Francs because ATM uses a much better exchange rate than currency exchangers.
Tipping
Tipping is not a standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at a tourist oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped even porters who might accompany you.
Language
Kinyarwanda is the local indigenous language which is widely spoken nationwide in Rwanda, however the official language is French and English used in official meetings but don’t be surprised when all discussions are held in Kinyarwanda, even in government and private offices.
Health
It is recommended you get anti –malaria shot before arriving in Rwanda. Travelers should also have a yellow fever shot before arrival. Therefore, you are advised to carry a yellow fever certificate for proof of vaccination.
It is also recommended that you have a travel and health insurance cover before coming to Rwanda.
Time zone: CAT/UTC+2/GMT+2
Health
It is recommended you get anti –malaria shot before arriving in Rwanda. Travelers should also have a yellow fever shot before arrival. Therefore, you are advised to carry a yellow fever certificate for proof of vaccination.
It is also recommended that you have a travel and health insurance cover before coming to Rwanda.
Time zone: CAT/UTC+2/GMT+2
Visit
When to visit Rwanda
Rwanda experiences two rain seasons-the long rains between February to June and the short rains between mid- September to mid-December. Dry month are January, July, and August to mid-September.
The country can be visited at any time of the year.
What to carry for your Trip
Light clothing for hot day hours and warm clothing for Night time or evenings when weather cools especially at high altitudes pack sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly.
- Solid walking shoes suitable for hiking and jungle walks
- Long socks
- Carry your hat
- Sun glass
- Rain jacket/water proof jacket and or poncho
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Photographers will need a zoom lens for Wildlife (70-300 or similar), Print film
- A pair of binocular
- Both light clothing for warm weather and sweater for cold weather
- Hand gloves