Travel Tips
Practical information for participants
About Rwanda
Surrounded by the magnificent scenery of interlocking hills, Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, is ranked 2nd in Africa as the most preferred destination for hosting international meetings and Africa’s 1st cleanest and safest city, open for visitors from all over the world.
As the host destination for the International Congress on Conservation Biology 2023, Rwanda’s cleanliness, conducive climate, and excellent venues.
More about Rwanda as a destination can be found here: Visit Rwanda.
Travel
It is essential to mention the ease of air connectivity. Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.
Special Discount for ICCB Delegates Who Fly Direct on Rwandair
Delegates traveling direct to Kigali on RwandAir may receive a 15% discount on their airfare by applying a special discount code. Tickets must be purchased through the RwandAir website. Please login to your ICCB Profile Page to access the discount code. We are grateful to RwandAir for their support of ICCB 2023!
Visa
Rwanda has an open visa policy where a visa is facilitated on arrival for all nationalities with a valid Passport 6 months from the arrival date. The visa fee is $50 (payable on arrival by cash in USD or card), except for all citizens of member states of the African Union and the Commonwealth and Francophone countries, which is waived (free of charge). See more on Rwanda’s government’s official website.
You will find options to apply for a visa online in advance, but rest reassured that it is not required; we recommend getting the visa on arrival.
Visa fees are waived for delegates who are citizens of Member States of the African Union.
Passenger Note – COVID-19
Regarding COVID-19, Rwanda has been ranked 1st in Africa and 6th Globally in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and making information accessible to the public by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute.
Please see Rwanda's government's official website for the latest information for passengers entering Rwanda regarding COVID-19.
Communications in Kigali
Rwanda has excellent cell phone networks covering the entire country. MTN and AIRTEL/TIGO both have countrywide coverage. 3G is available in more significant areas. EDGE on 2G is activated countrywide.
Rwanda’s country code is “+250”. International phone calls to Rwandan numbers can be made easily, but “00250” is not accepted; please use “+250” if you are calling/texting from an international number, international calls and SMS.
Help desks will be available at the airport to register for a local SIM card.
Local transportation
Common local transportation means in Rwanda are taxi cars arranged via your hotel or by calling Yego Cab (taxi company) by dialling 9191.
Alternatively, moto-taxis can be taken by waiving one of the red motorcycles on the street to reach your destination.
Medical Emergency
You can call 112 for an ambulance or medical emergency if no other assistance is available.
For more information, you can visit the Ministry of Health’s website.
Daycare & Babysitter Options
Here is a list of potential daycare & babysitter places that delegates can reach out to.
General information
Time: The time in Rwanda is GMT +2
Language: Kinyarwanda, English, and French
Currency: Rwandan Francs (RWF)
Population: 13 million
Telecom providers: MTN and AIRTEL-TIGO
Electric supply: Rwanda has a 220V AC, 50Hz electricity supply—two-pronged circular electrical connectors (EU). Adaptors are available at most hotels per request.
Plastic ban: Plastic bags are not permitted in Rwanda as part of an environmental policy. Plastic bags must be discarded by passengers entering Kigali International Airport (KIA) or any border checkpoint. They will be given a cost-effective, ecologically friendly alternative.
Smoking: Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited inside any Rwandan institution or in Rwandan government vehicles.
Business and shopping: Public offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; business hours are typically 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On weekends, businesses are available from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Climate: The long dry season in Rwanda lasts from the end of June to the end of August. The average daily maximum temperature is roughly 23°C (79°F), with temperatures infrequently falling below 23°C (75°F) or surpassing 28°C (83°F). The average low temperature at night is 15°C (59°F).
Kigali is a secure, hygienic, competitive contemporary city with a thriving economy.
Banking: Monday through Friday, banking hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except on Umuganda day (community service) on the last Saturday of the month. On Sunday, certain branches are open.
All commercial banks offer a variety of banking services. Most banks feature cash dispensers that take Visa and MasterCard. Foreign exchange services are accessible across the city of Kigali.
Commercial banks, hotels, and international airports may exchange the most globally recognised currencies and travellers' checks. Most hotels, restaurants, and businesses accept major credit cards.
Vaccinations
You do not need to present a negative Covid test or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Rwanda, but we encourage all participants to get vaccinated if they have access to them.
The yellow fever vaccination is required if entering from a country where yellow fever is endemic and/or where there is an active outbreak of yellow fever. You can see what other vaccinations the CDC recommends here.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre's Yellow Fever and COVID-19 guidelines are linked here.
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.