Rwanda visa requirements for Tanzanians

Travel and visa requirements

Rwandan Visa is not required for Tanzanians

Stay Duration: 180 days

Entry Requirements

  • The visa policy in Rwanda allows nationals of Tanzania to visit the country for a period of 180 days without a visa.
  • Prospective visitors are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival into Rwanda. The passport should have at least a blank page for visa stamping.
  • Citizens of Tanzania travelling to Rwanda must provide proof of a confirmed means of accommodation for their entire stay in Rwanda. This could be in the form of a hotel reservation or a sponsor letter from a host living in the country.
  • The import and export of local currency are limited to RWF5000. Although the import and export of foreign currency are unlimited, it must be declared upon arrival and exchanged within 8 days.
  • Tourists are required to provide proof of enough funds to cater for their needs during their stay in Rwanda, which can be a recent bank statement.
  • Travellers below the age of 18 must show travel authorization from their parents or guardians.
  • Intending visitors can get to Rwanda from any international airport in Nigeria. There are international airports in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.
  • RwandAir and Coastal Aviation are some of the carriers that fly from Tanzania to Rwanda.
  • The estimated flight time from Dar es Salaam to Kigali, Rwanda is 2 hours, 30 minutes and from Mwanza, it is  1 hour, 30 minutes.
  • Christianity is the dominant religion in Rwanda, with Roman Catholics, Protestants and Seventh-day Adventist being the leading denominations. About 5% of the population are Sunni Muslims and 2% practice indigenous religions. 
  • The Rwandan Franc is the official currency used in Rwanda. However, the US Dollar can also be used for transaction purposes. Visitors can exchange their foreign currency at various bank and exchange outlets in the country.
  • Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate. From June to mid-September is the long dry season, which is generally the best time to visit, from October to November is the rainy season and the short dry season from December to February. 
  • Tourists can transport themselves in Rwanda through buses, taxis and car rentals. 
  • Kinyarwanda is the national and the spoken language in Rwanda. It is also one of the country’s official language alongside French, English, and Swahili. 
  • Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate. From June to mid-September is the long dry season, which is generally the best time to visit, from October to November is the rainy season and the short dry season from December to February. 
  • Brochettes,  Mandazi and Ugali are some foods tourists can try during their stay in Rwanda.
  • Tourists in Rwanda can budget about $43 to spend on daily expenses.
  • The power and socket plug used in Rwanda are of Type C and J. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Rwanda uses Central Africa Time (GMT +2), which puts Tanzania one hour ahead in time.
  •  Visitors are expected to be courteous and conscious of existing rules and customs as they go about their tourism-related activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear in Rwanda?

A short-sleeved shirt or top with trousers or a skirt that goes over the knee would be fine. Outside of Kigali and other tourist areas, Rwandan locals tend to dress in a more conservative way. Also, when tracking gorillas, avoid bright colours and bright white. Muted colours are the best - greens, browns, blues, etc.

Is Rwanda safe for tourist visit?

Rwanda is a very safe destination for tourists with very rare violent crimes done against travellers. Tourists are nevertheless advised to take necessary precautions while in the country.

When is the best time to travel to Rwanda?

Generally, the best time to visit Rwanda is from June to mid-September which is the long dry season. The months between December and February (called the short dry season) is great too.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Rwanda?

Tourists are not advised to drink tap water during their time in Rwanda. Always ensure you drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth. You must also make sure that the ice in your drinks is made from bottled or purified water.