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4,090 mi away
£1 RWF 1,930
Today
4:36 pm
+2h from you
Travel warning
There's ongoing fighting across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it's not always clear where the border is, so you could accidentally wander into an unsafe area near Rusizi District.
Weather & climate
Weather in Rwanda
Rwanda
24°
Partly cloudy
Thu
13°
24°
Fri
13°
24°
Sat
12°
24°
Sun
12°
25°
Mon
13°
25°
Tue
12°
25°
Wed
14°
24°
SPF level in Rwanda
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Rwanda
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to enter Rwanda as a visitor, which you can get as a free 30-day visa on arrival.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date and at least one blank page for entry stamps.
Foreign nationals who have travelled to or transited through the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 30 days will be denied entry.
Rwandan nationals and foreign residents with valid proof of residency who have travelled through DRC in the last 30 days will be subject to mandatory quarantine procedures.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when going through customs.
Good to know:
You must declare drones on arrival, as they may be confiscated or held until you leave.
If you are coming from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a certificate to prove you have had the vaccination.
Safety in Rwanda
Tips when travelling
Rwanda is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take care when walking at night, particularly in less populated areas, to avoid crime and military zones.
Do not bring plastic bags into the country as they will be confiscated due to a national ban.
Be aware that last Saturdays of each month are community service days when most services close from 7am to 11am.
Carry both the 1949 version of an International Driving Permit and your UK driving licence with you if you plan to drive.
Avoid carrying large amounts of money or valuables and do not leave valuables in parked cars.
Bonus tips:
Check for potential border closures if planning to travel near the Democratic Republic of Congo border for gorilla or chimpanzee trekking.
Be extremely cautious with alcoholic drinks in popular travel destinations due to a risk of methanol poisoning.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Rwanda
A UK driving license is valid for up to six months. An international driving permit is recommended.
Side of 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.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
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
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Rwanda
Country code
+250
To call the British High Commission in Kigali from the UK, you would dial 00 250 252 582 207.
To call Rwanda, you'll need the country code 250. When calling from the UK, replace the initial '0' of the Rwandan phone number with the exit code 00 and then the country code.
Languages in Rwanda
UK Embassy
British High Commission Kigali
26 KN 41 Street, Kiyovu, Kigali, Rwanda
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
15 days ago
Travel between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 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.
Airports in Rwanda
Beaches in Rwanda
Frequently asked questions
Rwanda is generally considered a safe country with a low crime rate. However, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly in Kigali, and take precautions against petty theft. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Road safety can be a concern, especially outside of Kigali.
British citizens generally require a visa to enter Rwanda. You can apply for a visa online before your trip. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days. Check the latest visa requirements on the Rwandan High Commission website or with your travel agent before travelling.
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. This period offers the most pleasant weather for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. The short dry season from December to February is also a good time to visit, though it can be more humid.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. For gorilla trekking, wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy hiking boots. A rain jacket is also advisable, as rain can occur at any time of year.
The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted, particularly at tourist establishments. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in Kigali, but less so elsewhere. ATMs are available in Kigali and other major towns, but it's wise to carry some cash, especially if traveling to more remote areas.
Rwandan culture values politeness and respect. Ask permission before taking someone's photograph. Avoid public displays of affection. Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs, especially in rural areas. It is polite to greet people with a handshake.
Rwandan cuisine features staples like beans, rice, potatoes, and plantains. Grilled meat and fish are also popular. 'Agatogo' (plantains cooked with meat and peanut sauce) and 'brochettes' (grilled meat skewers) are common dishes. Be sure to try the local coffee and tea, which are of high quality.
While Rwanda is generally safe, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true and inflated prices aimed at tourists. Always negotiate prices before agreeing to services, such as taxi rides. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure to avoid petty theft.
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.