Practical Tips for Rwanda
Before you travel
- Visa: citizens of every country can get a visa on arrival. African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie citizens get a free 30-day visa; others pay USD 50 for a single entry.
- Business visitors: a business survey visa is available for prospective investors and traders.
- Plugs: 220 V, 50 Hz, European round two-pin sockets. Most hotels lend adaptors.
- Time: GMT+2 all year.
Source: Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Visa on arrival; Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Visitors visa; Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information1,2,3
Money and phones
- Currency: the Rwandan franc (RWF). Cards are accepted in hotels, shopping malls and many restaurants; carry some cash for markets and moto-taxis.
- Mobile money: widely used for payments and transfers. 8,135,275 SIM cards were linked to active mobile money accounts at the end of 2025.
- SIM cards: sold widely by MTN and Airtel. The law requires every SIM to be registered with an ID card or passport, which can be done at the point of sale.
- Banks: usually open 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays, except on Umuganda, the last Saturday of the month.
Source: Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information; Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority: ICT sector statistics, fourth quarter of 2025; Visit Rwanda: Rwanda destination guide3,5,7
Getting around
- Buses: shared minibuses are the most popular transport. Kigali buses use the Tap&Go smart card.
- Moto-taxis: common and quick. Check your travel insurance, which may not cover them.
- Taxis and car hire: taxis run in the larger towns, and agencies rent cars and 4x4s, with or without a driver.
- Roads: major towns are linked by well-surfaced roads; smaller roads are often unsurfaced and harder in the rainy season.
- Driving: international driving licences are recognised. Front-seat passengers must wear seat belts, and using a phone while driving is banned.
Source: Visit Rwanda: Getting around; Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information4,3
Rules and customs
- Plastics: plastic bags are not allowed into Rwanda and are taken away at Kigali International Airport and border posts.
- Smoking: banned inside all venues, including e-cigarettes.
- Dress: informal but respectful. Women may feel more comfortable in knee-length or longer; men should not walk around shirtless.
- Parks: take heavier clothing for Volcanoes and Nyungwe, and avoid wearing blue in Akagera, as it attracts tsetse flies.
Source: Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information; Visit Rwanda: What to wear3,8
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency | 112 |
| Traffic accidents | 113 |
| Health services | 114 |
| Ambulance | 912 |
| Traffic police | 118 |
| Maritime problems | 110 |
| Child helpline | 116 |
| Gender-based violence | 3512 |
| Anti-corruption | 997 |
Source: Government of Rwanda: Emergency numbers6
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Yes, every nationality can. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries pay nothing.
What plugs does Rwanda use?
European two-pin plugs, 220 V 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number?
112.
Can I bring plastic bags?
No. Leave plastic bags at home.
Sources
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Visa on arrival
- Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration: Visitors visa
- Embassy of Rwanda in Germany: Practical information
- Visit Rwanda: Getting around
- Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority: ICT sector statistics, fourth quarter of 2025 (PDF)
- Government of Rwanda: Emergency numbers
- Visit Rwanda: Rwanda destination guide (PDF)
- Visit Rwanda: What to wear
Facts checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information.
