242 destinations shown · Natural Earth boundaries · small states appear as dots. Boundaries are illustrative and do not imply a position on any territorial dispute.

Visa requirements for Rwanda

Who can enter Rwanda, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 14, 2026.

Passport holders from 242 countries can enter Rwanda without a visa in advance. 0 have full visa-free access; 242 more can get a visa on arrival or use an electronic travel authorisation.

0 visa-free
242 on arrival
0 eTA
0 e-visa
0 visa required

Visa on arrival

242 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rwanda

Rwanda has 2 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
Nyungwe Forest

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

Burundi Uganda Kenya South Sudan Tanzania Central African Republic

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?

It depends on your passport. 242 nationalities can enter Rwanda without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What is the best time to visit Rwanda?

March, May, June, July, August, September, December, based on Kigali's climate normals: mild temperatures and below-average rainfall for the year.

What currency is used in Rwanda?

Rwandan franc (RWF). 1 USD is approximately 1477.99 RWF.

What side of the road does Rwanda drive on?

Rwanda drives on the right.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Rwanda have?

2: Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero, Nyungwe Forest.

What is the emergency number in Rwanda?

112 / 912.

What time zone is Rwanda in?

Kigali (UTC+2).

What is the nearest airport to Kigali?

Kigali International Airport (KGL), about 9 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Rwanda

Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Its geography is dominated by mountains in the west and savanna in the southeast. The largest and most notable lakes are mainly in the western and northern regions of the country, and several volcanoes that form part of the Virunga volcanic chain are primarily in the northwest. The climate is considered tropical highland, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons each year. Its capital and largest city is Kigali, located at the centre of the country, at 1,567 metres above sea level. Rwanda lies a few degrees south of the Equator in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. With a population of about 14 million people living within a total area of 26,338 square kilometres (10,169 sq mi), of which land accounts for about 93.7%, Rwanda is the 21st most densely populated country in the world, with an average of about 578 people per square kilometre.

CapitalKigali

RegionEastern Africa

Population14.6M

Area26,338 km²

CurrencyRwandan franc (1 USD ≈ 1477.99 RWF)

LanguagesEnglish, French, Kinyarwanda

Calling code+250

Drives on theright

TimezoneKigali (UTC+2)

Nearest airportKigali International Airport (KGL), 9 km

Emergency number112 / 912

UNESCO sites2

Income levelLow income

GDP per capita$1,124 (2025)

Tourist arrivals1.6M (2019)

Climate in Kigali

Warmest August, coolest November, driest July, sunniest May. Best time to visit: March, May, June, July, August, September, December.

Monthly climate normals for Kigali, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	25.4°C	15.5°C	132mm	286h
February	26.5°C	15.6°C	107mm	301h
March	25.9°C	15.8°C	99mm	303h
April	24.7°C	15.9°C	165mm	277h
May	24.5°C	15.4°C	58mm	350h
June	25.1°C	15.4°C	19mm	323h
July	26.1°C	15.4°C	11mm	325h
August	27.9°C	16.1°C	19mm	337h
September	27.8°C	15.6°C	59mm	321h
October	26.1°C	15.4°C	169mm	317h
November	25.3°C	14.9°C	126mm	290h
December	25.8°C	14.7°C	101mm	331h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Rwanda is an East African country known as the land of a thousand hills. It is easily accessible from Kenya and Uganda, and is one of the safest and most organised countries on the continent. The rolling green highlands, volcanic mountains, and ancient rainforests make it a striking destination. Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, but also offers savannah wildlife in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park, and a vibrant capital in Kigali. The country is compact, well connected, and easy to travel around.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
Nyungwe Forest

Upcoming public holidays

December 25, 2026Christmas Day

December 26, 2026Boxing Day

January 1, 2027New Year's Day

Full source list on About.