Africa
Rwanda
Clean, orderly and very safe by African standards, with gorillas, hills and fast Kigali growth. Fewer nightlife and budget options, strict rules, and eastern DRC tension are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa107 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyRWFUS$1 ≈ FRw1,478.51Details
- Price level27%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, J230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 111 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; tap water is treated but advised against for visitors.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSame-sex acts are not criminalised but there is no legal protection; society is conservative.Details
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors can drive with a foreign licence for up to 90 days alongside an IDP; riding a moto-taxi requires a helmet, which drivers provide.
Where to go in Rwanda
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Rwanda
June-September and December-February are the dry seasons, best for gorilla trekking and Akagera safaris. March-May is the heaviest rain; October-November has shorter showers.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities get a visa on arrival (30 days, US$50), and citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie states are exempt; apply early online at Irembo to avoid queues.
- The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya for 90 days.
- Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country.
- Health screening and border restrictions for the DRC Ebola outbreak apply in 2026; check current rules before crossing at Goma or Bukavu.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Plastic bags are banned; customs may confiscate them
- Drones and unauthorised photography of officials or military are prohibited
- Umuganda community work on the last Saturday of the month closes streets in the morning
Etiquette
- Dress neatly and modestly; Rwandans value order and cleanliness
- Avoid discussing the 1994 genocide casually; follow memorial rules
- Greet people politely before asking questions
- Keep plastic bags out of your luggage
Tipping
Not expected; 5-10% in restaurants is welcome, and guides or porters on treks appreciate tips.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
- Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Rwanda
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.