Rwanda

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

Because of the high altitude of the country, Rwanda has a pleasant tropical highland climate, with a daily temperature range as great as 14°C (25°F). Temperature vary considerably from region to region because of the variations in altitude. The average daytime temperature is about 30°C except in the highlands where it is much cooler. There are four seasons; long rains from mid March to mid May, short rains from mid-October to mid-December; long dry period from mid-May to mid-October and short dry season from mid-December to mid-March. The north-east has more rainfall than other parts of the country.

Climate Chart for Kigali

For today's weather forecast see    CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

For UK Nationals and Nationals of the following countries; Burundi Canada Democratic Republic of Congo Germany Hong Kong Kenya South Africa Sweden Uganda United States of America. there is no fee for a visa application and visas can be obtained at any major point of entry into the Republic of Rwanda at no cost.

However please always check with your nearest embassy for current visa requirements

Click for details of Rwandan Embassies abroad

MONEY

Official Currency:    Rwanda Franc (FRw)=100 centimes.
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

BANKING and FOREX: Bills older than the year 2000 are generally not accepted. $100 bills will fetch the best rate; bills under $20 are often not accepted. Credit cards are still not in general use and won't be very helpful except at the country's top hotels..


BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday: 0830-1130 and 1330-1630     Saturday: 0830-1130
Shops:     Monday to Friday: 0830-1300 and 1400-1700     Saturday: 0830-1230


LOCAL TIME

Rwanda is two hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

International Flights

Click for flights from Europe with KLM

Domestic Flights within Rwanda
Air Rwanda runs domestic flights from Kigali to Gisenyi and Kamembe. There is a small departure tax charged for domestic flights

Public Transport:
Minibuses serve most of the main towns but road conditions are poor, and very pot-holed.


Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. There are no international car hire firms in Rwanda but local establishments can be found in Kigali.

The Africa Guide's recommended Map
		Rwanda/Burundi Folded Map   (Maps Worldwide) Published by ITMB Publishing Ltd Subtitle International Travel Maps specialise in areas that are interesting, exotic and off the beaten track.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Rwanda, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.