Rwanda Holidays
The land of a thousand hills with Lake Kivu's freshwater shores and mountain gorilla encounters. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for Rwanda.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Rwanda
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in Rwanda
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Rwanda
You need a visa, but British citizens can get a free 30-day visa on arrival.
Your passport must expire at least 6 months after you arrive in Rwanda.
Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
You can apply for a Rwandan visa through the High Commission in London.
Get a UK Police Certificate before applying for certain multiple-entry visas.
Good to know:
You need a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a listed transmission-risk country.
Declare drones on arrival, as they may be confiscated or held until departure.
Safety in Rwanda
Rwanda is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take care walking at night and arrange transport in advance.
Keep valuables out of parked cars and avoid carrying lots of cash.
Do not use illegal drugs; possession can bring long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated, with fines possible.
Do not drink unknown alcohol; methanol may be fatal and cannot be detected by taste.
Bonus tips:
Plastic bags are banned and may be confiscated when you arrive.
Do not photograph restricted government areas or use drones there without a permit.
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Driving in Rwanda
A UK driving license is valid for up to six months. An international driving permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Rwanda drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Rwanda
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities can be limited, especially outside Kigali. Check that your insurance covers all activities you plan to do, such as trekking or wildlife viewing.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. It is important to take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent malaria, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Drink only bottled or boiled water, and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid stomach upsets.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in Kigali, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and larger supermarkets. However, cash is still widely preferred, especially outside the capital.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Rwanda
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Rwanda, though not always expected. It's becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
RWF 500-1000 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
RWF 1000-2000 per day
Tour Guide
RWF 5000-10000 per day
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Rwanda. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10GB for 10000 RWF (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Rwanda
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type J
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Kigali and other major towns. However, speeds can be variable.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Wi-Fi access is growing, but can be unreliable. Mobile data is a good alternative, so purchasing a local SIM with a data package is advisable if consistent internet access is needed.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Rwanda
Country code
250
To call Rwanda from abroad, dial 250 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
26 KN 41 Street, Kiyovu, Kigali, Rwanda
Phone
+250 252 582 207
Website
Kigali International Airport
Kamembe Airport
Butare Airport
Gisenyi Airport
Ruhengeri Airport
Recent updates
Health
Health screening is now in place at Kigali International Airport, with border restrictions applying to travel between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
These measures can change at short notice; check with local authorities and tour operators before travelling.
Entry Requirements
New rules now allow transit from the DRC through Rwanda only for exceptional humanitarian missions and essential travel, subject to a health risk assessment and approval.
Transit is now conditional on meeting destination-country, transport operator, and public health requirements.
Local Laws
Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Rwanda, including for personal use.
Bringing them into Rwanda is illegal; they may be confiscated and possession could lead to a fine.
Beaches in Rwanda
Gisenyi Beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.