Rwanda

Government advisories

• ☐ United States: level 3/4 — Level 3: Reconsider Travel
• ☐ United Kingdom: level 2/4
• ☐ Canada: level 1/4 — Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)

Health notices

• ☐ Global Measles (level 1)
• ☐ Tap water: avoid — bottled/filtered only

Entry requirements

☐ The Republic of Rwanda, a member of the East African Community, allows citizens of all countries that are not visa-exempt to obtain a visa on arrival. In addition, they may also obtain an e-Visa online before departure.

☐ Passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay

Practical

• ☐ Plug type C/E/G, 230V — bring an adapter if yours differs
• ☐ Drives on the right
• ☐ Emergency (police): 112
• ☐ Emergency (ambulance): 912
• ☐ Emergency (fire): 112
• ☐ Money: The currency is the Rwandan franc (French: franc rwandais, Kinyarwanda: Ifaranga ry'u Rwanda), denoted by the symbols "FRw" or "RF" or "R₣" (ISO currency code of RWF (sometimes displayed as FRw, and possibly RF or R₣). In the Kinyarwanda language, it is also called the amafaranga.
• ☐ Tipping: Tipping is not expected but is appreciated. In upscale restaurants, a 10% service charge is sometimes included in the bill. For motos and small services, rounding up the fare is common.

Laws that could get a tourist arrested

• ☐ Restricted photography — Photography is prohibited near high-level government buildings like the President's office and military installations. Look for posted signs indicating where these restrictions apply.
• ☐ Public displays of affection — While same-sex activity is not criminalized, Rwandan society is conservative. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples will attract attention.

Before you go

General trip-prep, not specific to Rwanda — the same short list applies anywhere.

• ☐ Register with your embassy's traveler program if one exists
• ☐ Check your passport's validity and blank-page requirements on your destination's official entry-rules page
• ☐ Photograph/screenshot your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents
• ☐ Download offline maps for your destination
• ☐ Confirm your bank/card issuer knows you're traveling
• ☐ Check whether your phone plan needs a travel add-on or a local SIM