Spotlight on Rwanda - Part 3: Preparing for Your Trip (A Checklist)

Airplane landing at Kigali Rwanda airport mirrored in terminal

You may be considering Rwanda as a location for your impact sourcing initiative and want to start scouting potential BPO sites in the area. Before you book your plane ticket, there are a few things you need to know and steps to take before you even set foot in the country.

In this second part of a three-part spotlight on Rwanda, we’ve put together a checklist to guide you through the essential requirements and considerations for a smooth and successful business trip to Rwanda.

Visa Requirements

Unlike some locations in Africa, Rwanda makes it very easy to travel to and from the country. The immigration process is simple and quick, which is largely due to the government’s desire to grow the economy and make Rwanda a more business-friendly country. As a result, you won’t encounter much red tape.

Here are a few things you should know when it comes to Rwanda’s visa requirements:

Visa on arrival: Both Canadians and Americans can easily obtain a visa for Rwanda. This visa is typically valid for 30 days, and the process is straightforward at the airport.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and has at least one empty page.
Visa fees: Nationals of member states of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, or La Francophonie are exempt from visa fees when obtaining a visa on arrival. For others, the visa fee is generally around $50 USD.

Health and Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. This includes measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Recommended vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Meningococcal meningitis (especially between December and June)
- Rabies (if you plan to spend time in remote areas)
- Yellow fever (with certificate)
Malaria prevention: Talk to your healthcare provider about malaria prophylaxis, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.
Travel health insurance: Medical facilities in Rwanda are limited, so we recommend you purchase travel health insurance to cover any medical costs.

Travel and Transportation

Airport arrival: Arriving passengers should expect to spend 30 to 40 minutes completing police and customs formalities and retrieving luggage.
Airport departure: There are two things to consider when leaving Rwanda that are
slightly different than most other countries:
- Check-in time: It’s advisable to check-in for your flight well in advance. If your airline offers the option to check in online or with an app, we recommend you do so the day before. Check-ins at the Rwanda airport can close up to two hours before you get to the airport so do yourself a favour and don’t rely on an airport check-in. It may be too late!
- Security at airport entrance: If you arrive at the Kigali International Airport entrance in a personal vehicle, all cars are required to go through a high-tech X-ray scanner. You’ll be directed to exit your vehicle while it undergoes the X-ray inspection (it’s kind of like going through a car wash). Once that process is complete, there’s an additional security check by a drug/bomb-sniffing dog. The overall experience is pretty stress-free but you do need to allow for that extra time.
Transportation options: There are a few transportation options available to you during your visit to Rwanda. Travelling in taxis is very comfortable and safe, feel relaxed and enjoy the beauty of the country.
- Taxis: Pre-arrange taxis with your hotel or use local services. Note that there is no Uber in Rwanda, but drivers are often open to WhatsApp arrangements.
- Moto taxis: An adventurous and popular mode of transport. Ensure you wear a helmet, as mandated by law.
- Car rentals: Volkswagen offers low-cost vehicle rentals through a special deal in Rwanda.

Accommodation

Hotel options: Kigali offers a decent range of hotel options at reasonable rates. The Kigali Marriott is a popular choice for business travellers as it’s located in the heart of Kigali, has amenities like a pool and fitness centre, business facilities and multiple restaurants.

Wi-Fi

Rwanda has made significant strides in internet connectivity, especially in urban areas like Kigali, where Wi-Fi is generally reliable with good speeds. Major providers offer high-speed options, and the infrastructure continues to improve. However, connectivity can be less consistent in rural areas. For business travellers, Kigali offers dependable internet access, but it's advisable to check specific locations for the best service.

Cultural and Practical Tips

Language: While English is the official language and is widely spoken, French is also a popular language in the region. Knowing a few phrases in Kinyarwanda can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
Currency: The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the official currency. U.S. dollars are also accepted, but ensure they are bills printed after 2009 and preferably in denominations of $100.
Plastic bags: Rwanda has banned plastic shopping and grocery bags. Be prepared to use alternatives or have them confiscated upon arrival.
Service etiquette: Rwandans are generally very polite and respectful. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated for good service. When dealing with service people, patience and politeness go a long way.
Photography: Avoid taking photos of military sites, government buildings, airports, and public monuments. A permit is required for flying drones. If you want to take pictures of locals, be sure to ask their permission first.
Dress and behaviour: Dress conservatively and behave discreetly. Respect religious and social traditions.
Emergency numbers: The emergency number in Rwanda is 112. For U.S. and Canadian citizens, you can contact your embassy for assistance.

Additional Considerations

Local customs: If you want to connect with locals and contribute to the community, consider taking part in Umuganda, a community service day held on the last Saturday of every month.
Food and water safety: Use only commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes. Avoid eating food that you haven’t peeled yourself or that hasn’t been cooked or boiled.
Bug bites: Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent bug bites, which can spread diseases like malaria and dengue. Mostly applicable if you plan to do some personal travel outside the main cities.

While this checklist is fairly comprehensive, it’s a good idea to do some additional research on your own. If you’re based in the U.S., the International Trade Administration offers up-to-date information on business travel to Rwanda. For Canadians, Rwanda travel advice can be found on the Government of Canada website.

In the third and final segment of our Rwanda spotlight series, we discuss why Rwanda is the ideal destination for your impact sourcing initiatives. If you missed part one of this series, you can read it here.

Interested in impact sourcing in Rwanda but not sure where to start? We can help.