Rwanda visa requirements for Ugandans

Travel and visa requirements

Rwandan Visa is not required for Ugandans

Stay Duration: 180 days

Entry Requirements

  • Ugandans looking to travelling to Rwanda are granted visa on arrival for a stay up to 180 days at the port of entry.
  • Citizens of Uganda also have the option to apply for an electronic visa for the same duration of stay as the visa on arrival.
  • Intending 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 stamps.
  • Uganda nationals 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 through a recent bank statement to cater for their needs during their stay in Rwanda.
  • Travellers under the age of 18 must show travel authorisation from their parents or guardians.
  • Ethiopian Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways are some of the carriers that fly from Uganda to Rwanda.
  • The estimated flight time from Uganda to Rwanda is 1 hour.
  • 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.
  • Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken language in Rwanda and also one of the country’s official language alongside French, English and Swahili.
  • 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.
  • Tourists can transport themselves in Rwanda through buses, taxis and car rentals.
  • 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 while in the country.
  • 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), hence, Uganda is 1 hour ahead of Rwanda.
  • Visitors are expected to be courteous and conscious of existing rules and customs as they go about their tourism-related activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rwanda safe for tourist travel?

Rwanda is one of the safest destinations in Africa, particularly for solo travellers. Crime is relatively low, with visitors sometimes experiencing petty crime, and locals are welcoming, friendly and hospitable. Violent crimes against travellers are rare.

When is the best time to travel to Rwanda?

June to mid-September, the long dry season is generally the best time to visit if you have the choice.

Do I need any vaccinations before travelling to Rwanda?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Rwanda: Hepatitis A and  B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.

What currency is used in Rwanda?

The Rwandan franc is the currency of Rwanda. It is subdivided into 100 centimes and the unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr).