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Rwanda FAQ

Is tipping customary in Rwanda?

Tipping isn’t expected of you in Rwanda. It's up to the individual whether to tip or not. Rounding up a bill for good service at restaurants is a good idea.

What is the internet access like in Rwanda?

Internet access has recently improved in Rwanda. Travellers will be able to access the internet in large cities like Kigali but expect limited to no access in regional and rural areas.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Rwanda?

Mobile phone coverage is quite good in Rwanda’s larger towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

What are the toilets like in Rwanda?

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Rwanda, except for western-style, flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper as they are rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Street snack = 300 RWF
Beer at a bar or cafe = 1,000 RWF
Meal at a mid-range restaurant = 7,500 RWF

Can I drink the water in Rwanda?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Rwanda. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Rwanda?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Rwanda?

International ATMs are not so common in Rwanda. They can be found in Kigali and other larger towns, but may not accept foreign cards. Be sure to have other modes of payment before entering Rwanda, as relying solely on ATM usage isn’t wise. American dollars or euros can be exchanged easily at the airport, local forex bureaus and at banking institutions in Rwanda’s large cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Rwanda?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Rwanda?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Feb 1 Heroes’ Day
Mar 29 Good Friday
Apr 7 Genocide Memorial Day
May 1 Labour Day
Jul 1 Independence Day
Jul 4 Liberation Day
Aug 15 Assumption
Oct 1 Patriotism Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Rwanda/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Rwanda?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • RWANDA:
    Visas are required by all nationalities and need to be obtained in advance. You can apply for this visa online at www.migration.gov.rw.

    You'll need to apply for an Entry Visa on their website (Services tab, Visa) which should take approx 2-5 days to come through. You must print this Entry Facility out to present at the border.

    If you are asked to provide an address in Rwanda on your visa form, please use the address below -
    Centre Pastoral Notre Dame De Fatima
    Avenue de la Nutrition
    Ruhengeri, Rwanda

    Supporting Documents may also be required - the embassy will contact you if they require these.

    The visa costs approx US$60 payable on the border with the exception of USA, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Sweden, Singapore, nationals where the visa is free of charge.

    Note: Rwanda is constantly updating its visa information; therefore we recommended that you check the website carefully for the latest up to date information www.migration.gov.rw
  • RUANDA:
    Das Visumserfordernis gilt für alle Staatsangehörige, Visa müssen im Voraus beschafft werden. Ein Visum für Ruanda können Sie online unter www.migration.gov.rw beantragen.

    Das Verfahren nach einer online erfolgten Beantragung dauert etwa zwei bis fünf Tage. Diese Einreiseberechtigung müssen Sie ausdrucken und an der Grenze vorlegen.

    Sollten Sie bei der Beantragung eine Adresse in Ruanda angeben müssen, können Sie die folgende Adresse verwenden:
    Centre Pastoral Notre Dame De Fatima
    Avenue de la Nutrition
    Ruhengeri, Ruanda

    Unter Umständen sind weitere Dokumente erforderlich. Die Botschaft, bzw. das Konsulat wird sich in diesem Fall mit Ihnen in Verbindung setzen.

    Das Visum kostet ca. USD60, die an der Grenze zu bezahlen sind. Hiervon ausgenommen sind deutsche, südafrikanische, kenianische, britische, schwedische und singapurische Staatsangehörige, für die das Visum kostenlos ist.

    Beachten: Ruanda verändert ständig seine Visumsvoraussetzungen. Daher empfehlen wir Ihnen die Website zu besuchen, um auf dem neuesten Stand zu sein: www.migration.gov.rw

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Rwanda at a glance

  • 22
  • Kigali (population 851,000)
  • 11.3 million
  • Kinyarwanda, French, English
  • RWF
  • (GMT+02:00) Windhoek
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type J (Swiss 3-pin)
  • +250

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