Citizens of all countries are allowed to get visa upon arrival without prior application.
Citizens of country members to the African Union, Commonwealth and Francophone nations can get free visas upon arrival in Rwanda for a visit of 30 days.
The unit of Rwandan currency is Francs (RWF), but US Dollars are widely accepted. Rwanda is growing in many places that accept credit and debit cards, with Visa being more accepted than MasterCard (such as gorilla tracking permits and big hotels).
Expect to pay for local services in cash. You can always keep your cash in dollars and francs. In case you need small change, it can be done at hotels, banks, and private forex bureaus around.
Do not forget to bring tracking gear like:
If you swim, bring your swimming costume. The major hotels in Kigali have swimming pools. If your itinerary includes Kibuye or Gisenyi, you will get the opportunity to swim in Lake Kivu.
Rwanda has an excellent cellphone network covering the entire country, making it easy to make international calls. In terms of internet connectivity, Rwanda is among the first African countries advancing with fiber optic network infrastructure.
To enter Rwanda, a Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers (residents and non-residents) coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries and any country with active Yellow Fever transmission.
COVID-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to boarding flights to Rwanda. However, regular COVID-19 testing is encouraged especially for all visits to primates in Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks.
Testing is available at health facilities and other designated sites:
Hotter and drier climate, characteristic of savannah regions like Akagera National Park.
Moderate temperatures with pleasant weather year-round, ideal for exploration.
Cooler climate found in areas near Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks.
Temperate climate influenced by the lake, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Rwanda can be visited throughout the year! However, we recommend considering your preferred activities when planning your trip.
March - May & October - November: Slightly challenging for big primate trekking, but the best season for bird watching in Rwanda. The landscapes are lush and vibrant during these months.
June - September & December - February: Ideal for gorilla trekking, mountain hiking, and park walks with less rainfall and clearer trails.