Information for travelers to Rwanda

The following compilation contains all important information about traveling to and within Rwanda.

Table of Contents:

  1. Entry requirements for German citizens
  2. Security notes
  3. Financial information
  4. Medical information
  5. Arrival and local transportation
  6. Communication
  7. Accommodations
  8. What should I bring?
  9. Additional information / Travel guides

1. Entry Requirements for German Citizens

German citizens can only enter the country with a passport, which must be valid for 6 months beyond the travel period. An identity card is not sufficient. Since November 1, 2014, Germans are also required to have a visa for Rwanda. You can obtain a visa upon arrival, online, or at the Rwandan Embassy in Berlin.

Prices (as of June 2023):

  • Holiday Single-Entry (30 days) for $50 USD, approx. €45
  • Holiday Multiple-Entry (90 days) for $70 USD, approx. €63
  • EAC Visa (90 days) for $100 USD, approx. €90

More information about visa requirements in Rwanda can be found on the Rwandan Embassy website and at the German Foreign Office.

2. Security Notes

Caution is advised when traveling to the immediate border areas with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, south of Lake Kivu, as well as when continuing travel to these countries. The same applies to the border area with Uganda in the north of the country. Cross-border effects of conflicts in/with neighboring countries cannot be ruled out in the immediate border areas.

Special caution is requested when traveling in the Nyungwe Forest National Park area and on the connecting road between Cyangugu (formerly Rusizi) and Nyamagabe (formerly Gikongoro). On December 15, 2018, several buses were stopped by armed groups in the Nyungwe Forest and travelers were killed. Security forces were significantly reinforced afterwards and state control in the area was restored. In view of possible activities by terrorist groups, increased caution is advised in Rwanda, as in other countries in the region. Particular caution and heightened vigilance are advisable especially in larger cities – particularly in public places such as markets or bus stations (German Foreign Office, as of August 15, 2024).

3. Financial Information

Rwanda’s currency is the Rwandan Franc. It is divided into 100 centimes, which are no longer used due to their low value, so only banknotes are in circulation.

The current exchange rate is 1€ = 1,492.40 RWF (as of September 9, 2024). Foreign currencies may be imported but must be declared, meaning they must be reported upon entry and may not exceed the declared amount upon departure – minus the exchanged money. Exchange receipts should therefore be kept!

Exchange opportunities on site are very good and possible in almost all banks, hotels, or foreign exchange offices. Especially in larger cities like Kigali, it’s also possible to pay in US dollars. We recommend bringing Euro or Dollar notes, as credit card payments are only possible in a few hotels.

4. Medical Information

When entering Rwanda, proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination is not required if you are coming from a yellow fever-free country. Standard vaccinations should also be updated before travel.

The WHO declared insufficient measles vaccination protection a threat to global health in January 2019. A review and possible supplementation of measles vaccination protection for adults and children is therefore urgently recommended, especially during travel preparation.

The malaria risk is high in all regions of Rwanda. Since the disease is transmitted through mosquito bites, adequate mosquito protection is recommended. This means specifically that mosquito repellent should be applied to all parts of the body, including areas covered by clothing. There are also alternative products that can be used to impregnate clothing against bites. Additionally, it’s recommended to hang mosquito nets over sleeping areas.

There is no vaccination against malaria! There is only malaria prophylaxis, which requires a prescription in Germany. The different medications can be very expensive depending on the manufacturer, and side effects are not uncommon, such as depressive mood.

Since prophylaxis cannot provide 100% protection against malaria, prevention through appropriate mosquito repellent is recommended even when taking medication. Based on extensive on-site experience by our staff, we advise against taking prophylaxis if you are in good health. Malaria has similar symptoms to a severe flu. A healthy person can overcome this relatively easily. Side effects occur in most users, and the chemical cocktail of medications is not insignificant for the body. Careful application of mosquito repellent is sufficient.

It’s best to take out travel insurance before departure. This is offered by many insurance companies for a small fee.

5. Arrival and Local Transportation

Various national and international airlines serve the airport in Kigali, which is located about 10 km outside the city. There are direct connections from Europe via Brussels, Amsterdam, or Istanbul, as well as connecting flights via Addis Ababa, Doha, and Nairobi.

A means of transport that most Rwandans use, especially in cities, is the shared taxi. A minibus travels to various central points for relatively little money. However, plenty of time should be planned, as there are no exact departure times and the taxi only leaves when it’s fully loaded.

  • There are also many regular taxis. However, these are significantly more expensive.
  • Another means of transportation are bicycle taxis, moped taxis, or motorcycle taxis. They are much faster than shared taxis and cheaper than regular taxis. Helmets are mandatory, but caution: the provided helmets are usually not sufficiently stable.
  • The roads are very well developed. Between cities and important centers of the country, there are comfortable bus lines that are very affordable.
  • Rwandans themselves usually travel on foot for their routes, as even bicycles are too expensive for them. Shared taxis and other taxis are only popular in cities; in rural areas, they are unaffordable for most people.

6. Communication

There is a well-functioning national mobile network with providers Airtel, MTN, and Tigo. However, since not all German SIM cards are usable, it’s advisable to buy a very inexpensive card locally. Internet cafes are often available even in more remote locations. Mobile internet is increasingly being expanded and already covers many areas well.

7. Accommodations

Especially in larger cities, there are also more comfortable hotels. Otherwise, there are also relatively inexpensive guesthouses that can be booked conveniently on site.

8. Your Packing List Should Include:

  • Passport
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Mosquito net (depending on accommodation)
  • Money belt / travel wallet
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Long clothing
  • Flashlight
  • Sunscreen
  • Medications (malaria prophylaxis, motion sickness tablets, diarrhea medication, aspirin, etc.)
  • Travel guide

9. Additional Information / Travel Guides

(Sources: see German Foreign Office)