CAPITAL  Kigali

TEL COUNTRY CODE   +250 

CURRENCY   The Rwandan Franc.   See today’s exchange rate.

CULTURE
Languages spoke: Kinyarwanda, English, French, Kiswahili.  Nearly 50% of the population is Catholic.

The last Saturday of every month is Umuganda on which people are expected to take part in community service. Normal services may remain closed until midday.

CLIMATE
Temperate with two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January).

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• 1 Jan                                   New Year’s Day
• 2 Jan                                   Day after New Year’s Day
• 1 Feb                                   National Heroes Day
• Varies                                  Good Friday
• 7 April                                 Genocide Memorial Day
• 1 May                                  Labour Day
• 1 July                                  Independence Day
• 4 July                                  Liberation Day
• Friday first week August     Umuganura Day
• 15 Aug                                 Assumption Day
• 25 Dec                                Christmas Day
• 26 Dec                                 Boxing Day
• Varies                                   Eid ul Fitr
• Varies                                    Eid el Adha

VISAS 
For information about visas see https://www.migration.gov.rw/
Visas can be obtained in advance, online.
People entering Rwanda from a yellow fever endemic country require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

AIRPORT
Kigali International Airport (KIA) is about 14 km from the central business district of the city.
Due to limitations on expansion at KIA, a new international airport is planned.

TRAVEL TIPS
Kigali is a relatively safe city when compared to others in Africa. If you decide to walk your only problem may be the steep hills. Otherwise many people travel by motorbike taxi, known as motos. Note that motos only carry one passenger at a time and a crash helmet is mandatory. The driver will have a spare helmet - bring a hair net (or a helmet) if you’re queasy about that.

Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda. If you have one as you enter the country it will be taken away from you – including the bag holding your duty free. Take reusable bags with you.