From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders.

Citizens of countries members to the following international organizations; African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days.

A citizen of East African Community Member States  shall be issued a pass/entry visa free of charge upon arrival to stay for the period of six months.

Please click here for more details on Rwanda’s Visa Regime

With an estimated total population of 13 million people, Rwanda is a relatively young country. 50 percent of the Rwandan population is under 20 years old, with the median age standing at 22 years old.

is a country situated in Central Africa, bordered to the North by Uganda, to the East by Tanzania, to the South by Burundi and to the West by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s total area is Km2 26,338, with a population density estimated to be 445 people per km².

Rwanda has been a unified state since pre-colonial times, populated by the Banyarwanda people who share a single language and cultural heritage. Music and dance are an essential part of Rwandan ceremonies, celebration, social gatherings and storytelling.

The basic Rwandan values are founded on basic beliefs that allow people to live peacefully, in freedom and in mutual respect. They put emphasis on individual rights and dignity in the family depending on how people carry out their activities.

Rwanda's long dry season lasts from end June to the end of August. Daily high temperatures are around 23°C (79°F), rarely falling below 23°C (75°F) or exceeding 28°C (83°F). Overnight temperatures are generally mild with an average low of 15 °C (59 °F). Kigali is safe clean, and a competitive modern city with expanding opportunities.

The following mobile telecommunication service providers are available:  
•    MTN
•    Airtel

Mobile telephone service companies provide internet via GPRS, 3G and 4G and will be offering special CHOGM packs. Cell phone SIM cards are widely available; however, every SIM card user/buyer in Rwanda is expected by law to be registered for activation on presentation of an identification document (ID card or passport). The SIM card can be registered at the point of purchase.
 

Average banking hours are from 08:00 to 18:00hrs from Monday to Friday and from 08:00 to 15:00hrs on Saturday, except from Umuganda day (community work), every last Saturday of the month. Some branches are open on Sunday. Banking amenities are available at all commercial banks. Most banks have cash dispensing machines accepting Visa and MasterCard. Foreign exchange facilities are available in all parts of Kigali city. 

Most internationally recognised currencies and travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels and international airport. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

The power supply in Rwanda is 220V AC, 50Hz. Electrical sockets are rounded two pronged (EU). Most hotels provide adaptors on request.

Rwanda recognises international driver’s licenses, as well as certain national driver’s licenses. The license must be carried when driving a motor vehicle. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Front seat passengers of motor vehicles must wear seatbelts. It is prohibited to use mobile phones while driving.

As part of an environmental protection policy, plastic bags are not allowed into Rwanda. Passengers entering Kigali International Airport (KIA), or any other border posts with plastic bags are required to discard them. They will be supplied with an environmentally friendly alternative at a cost.

Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not permitted inside any venue in Rwanda nor in the Government of Rwanda vehicles. 

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Public offices open from 07:00 to 17:00hrs from Monday to Friday. Business opening hours are usually from 8:00 to 18:00hrs, Monday to Friday. Businesses’ opening hours range between 09:00 to 22:00hrs on weekends