Rwanda Travel Guide

Rwanda — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	Yes	Yes/1	Yes
USA	Yes	No/1	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes/1	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
British	Yes	No/1	Yes

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Tanzania and Mauritius for stays up to three months;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Visa Note

(a) A single-entry visa on arrival is only available to nationals who do not have a Rwandan embassy or consulate in their country. Those who this applies to should visit www.migration.gov.rw (b) Tourist and visitor visas can be renewed at the immigration department for a charge of FRW 25,000.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist in advance; £35 (single-entry, valid for up to 90 days). Transit, if necessary, is valid for two days.

Validity

Three months.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy). Applications can also be made through www.migration.gov.rw.

Working Days Required

24 hours.

Entry Restrictions

A Yellow Fever certificate may be required.

Travel Warnings

In March 2010, two grenades were thrown in separate attacks in the Kimironko and Kinamba areas of Kigali - 16 people were wounded. In February 2010, there were three grenades thrown in separate incidents in Kigali. There have been grenade attacks previously in Kigali and other provincial towns. It is not clear what the motivation for the attacks may have been. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant.

Travelers are advised against all travel to the rural border areas with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), except to the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, and against all travel to Eastern DRC except for Goma and Bukavu, and against all but essential travel to Goma and Bukavu. This is because of the risk of cross-border incursions by armed guerrillas operating from DRC's Kivu provinces and ongoing instability in Eastern Congo.

Travelers are also advised against all but essential travel to the rural border areas of Burundi. The security situation in Burundi has improved but banditry remains a problem.

Rwanda is generally safe but there have been recent incidents of street crime. You should exercise caution at night.

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Medical facilities are severely limited and extremely overburdened. Almost all medical facilities in Kigali were destroyed during the civil war, but the situation is now improving and most hospitals function to an acceptable level. However, medical insurance, including cover for emergency repatriation, is essential. Visitors are advised to bring their own personal medication.