Travel Tips
Travel Tips
A comprehensive guide to arriving safely in NYC.
VISA & PASSPORT
As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive visas on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Costs A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 (exclusions apply for select countries and are valid for 30 days. A single-entry conference visa costs $30 and is valid for 30 days. A multiple-entry business visa costs $50 and is suitable for one year. The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda costs $100 and is valid for 90 days. For further information on visas or work permits, please consult the Rwanda Directorate of Immigration and Emigration. Applicants should have a valid passport or another acceptable travel document. The document must have a validity of at least six months on the day of entry into Rwanda. Visas can be applied for before departure by using online, with the option to pay online or upon arrival. Alternatively, applications can be submitted at the Rwanda Diplomatic Missions of the country of residence. Visa extension applications should be submitted to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration offices. Details on each class of Visa are set out in the Information section. Visa extensions should be applied for while the initial Visa remains valid.
MONEY & BUDGETING INFO
Although US dollars are widely accepted, the Rwandan franc (Rfw) is the principal currency. Expect to pay for local services in cash, in Rwandan francs. The greater the amount, the more likely US dollars or other hard currencies are preferred, such as gorilla tracking and upmarket hotels. A growing number of places accept credit and debit cards, with Visa being more widely accepted than Mastercard. It’s best to check when making a booking. The ATM machines can be found in Kigali and nearly all major cities. The Cash can be exchanged at banks and private forex bureaux (bureau de change). Both are closed on Sundays and public holidays. It may be impossible to exchange traveler’s cheques away from the capital. Western Union facilities are standard. Tipping is discretionary and appreciated. Cash is usually preferred.
PLASTIC BAN
Many visitors comment on their amazing experiences outside of our tours just as much as during their stay in NYC. It’s truly an amazing experience. We encourage you to plan and take your time getting to NYC and also heading back after your stay. Make it a memorable journey.
WEATHER INFO
Fractionally south of the Equator and much of the country lying at altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary considerably between locations but vary little from month to month. Peak temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or drop below 15°C (59°F) at night. Akagera is generally the warmest, and the Virunga mountains are the coolest. The average daily temperature in Kigali is 21°C (70°F). There are two rainy seasons a year, from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December. From June to mid-September, the dry season sees light cloud cover and occasional light rainfall. The roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate in this period.
CONNECTIVITY
Rwanda has an excellent mobile phone network covering almost the entire country, and people can make international phone calls quickly. The country has an ever-growing fiber optic network among the top three African countries in internet connectivity.
TERRAIN
Rwanda has five volcanoes, 23 lakes, and numerous rivers known as the land of a thousand hills. The country covers 10,169 square miles or 26,338 square kilometers. Much of the country lies at elevations between 1,500m and 2,500m. The highest peak is Mount Karisimbi at 4,507m, and the lowest point is the Rusizi river at 950m above sea level. The terrain is often uneven and sensible shoes are essentia
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
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