Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Rwanda. Some areas have increased risk. Exercise increased caution to the Rwanda-Burundi border due to armed violence. Reconsider travel to Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to escalating levels of armed conflict which could spill across poorly marked boarders.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
+(250)-252-596-400 (Monday through Thursday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.); EMER: +(250)-252-596-400, and dial 1; U S Embassy Kigali, 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie (Kacyiru), PO Box 28, Kigali, Rwanda; consularkigali@state
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
250
Local Emergency Phone
Fire 111, Ambulances and Medical Emergencies 112, Traffic accidents 113, Police 999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Rwanda: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible
Currency (Code)
Rwandan francs (RWF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, J
Major Languages
Kinyarwanda, French, English, Swahili/Kiswahili
Major Religions
Protestant 49.5% (includes Adventist 11.8% and other Protestant 37.7%), Roman Catholic 43.7%, Muslim 2%, other 0.9% (includes Jehovah's Witness)
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Kigali Genocide Memorial; Volcanoes National Park; Nyungwe Forest National Park; Ethnographic Museum; Murambi Genocide Memorial; King's Palace Museum
Major Sports
Soccer
Cultural Practices
Personal space is often much tighter in Rwanda, so do not be surprised if conversations occur at closer distances.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping private guides $5-10 (USD) per person per day is common. Hotel and lodge staff would appreciate $5 (USD) per day.
Souvenirs
Imigongo art; tribal wall hangings, masks, weapons, and musical instruments; baskets with painted lids, embroidered cloth items
Traditional Cuisine
Brochettes — meat (typically goat, beef, chicken, or pork) or fish on a skewer, sometimes with vegetables, and roasted over hot coals; typically served with roasted potatoes, deep-fried bananas, or salad
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, April 01, 2024
