TRAVEL TO RWANDA
Rwanda is a small country in East Africa known for its picturesque landscapes, including hills, lakes, and national parks. The country is also known for its rich culture and history, including the tragic events of the 1994 genocide. Today, Rwanda is developing rapidly and is becoming a popular tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty and environmental conservation efforts.
Geography and Climate
LAKES & SAVANNAHS
Lake Kivu enjoys a warm, pleasant climate, while the eastern savannahs of Akagera are generally warmer and drier.
VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS
The Virunga Mountains in the northwest feature a cool, misty climate and lush forests, home to mountain gorillas.
HIGHLANDS
Rolling green hills and mountain landscapes with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings.
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offering excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris.
Kenya has a diverse climate and geography, including:
Main destinations
Home to the endangered mountain gorillas, with dramatic volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Rwanda’s only savannah national park, with diverse wildlife, scenic lakes and rolling landscapes.
One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, renowned for chimpanzee trekking, colobus monkeys and a remarkable birdlife.
Rwanda’s vibrant and modern capital, known for its cleanliness, safety, rich culture and warm hospitality.
Rules of Conduct
Follow safety rules when observing wildlife. Do not feed animals and keep your distance.
Wildlife
Always ask for permission before photographing people or their property.
Photography
Respect local traditions and culture. For example, when meeting local residents, greet them with a smile and observe the rules of politeness.
Local Customs
Respect local traditions and customs. Dress modestly, especially in villages and religious places.
Culture
Information is current as of July 1, 2026.
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Rules of Conduct
RWANDA
– A passport valid for at least 6 months.
– A return ticket.
– Proof of accommodation.
– Proof of sufficient funds.
– A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate – when arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
When traveling directly from Russia, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is generally not required. It is required when arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission, including when entering from Uganda.
Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid are recommended, along with ensuring that routine vaccinations are up to date.
Russian citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival or apply online in advance. A single-entry visa is generally valid for up to 30 days and costs up to USD 50.
The East Africa Tourist Visa is also available for travel to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya – USD 100 for 90 days.
Vaccinations
Documents
Visa
Useful Tips
Safety
Although both countries are considered relatively safe, follow basic precautions. Avoid walking after dark and do not leave valuables unattended.
Water
Drink bottled water only to avoid illness.
Money
The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (RWF), while Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling (UGX). It is better to carry cash, especially in remote areas.
Transport
Domestic transport can be limited. Consider hiring a car with a driver or using local airlines for long-distance journeys.
What Every Tourist Should Know
Cuisine
Be sure to try local cuisine, including dishes made with bananas, cassava, and a variety of meat dishes.
The official languages are English, French, and Kinyarwanda in Rwanda; English and Swahili in Uganda. Many local residents speak English.
Language
Tipping is common practice. It is usually 10% of the bill in restaurants or small amounts for guides and drivers.
Tipping
Mobile coverage is fairly well developed, but local SIM cards are the best option for internet access and communication.
Internet and Connectivity
КЗ
Kayym Mukhamedkhanov, 4B, Apt./office 192, Astana, Kazakhstan
Kayym Mukhamedkhanov, 4B, Apt./office 192, Astana, Kazakhstan
ОАЭ
FOBC4123 Compass Building,Al Shohada Road, AL Hamra Industrial Zone-FZ, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
FOBC4123 Compass Building,Al Shohada Road, AL Hamra Industrial Zone-FZ, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Russia
300Б/5, Oktyabrskaya, 42, Novosibirsk, Russia / Mon.–Sun. (online)
300Б/5, Oktyabrskaya, 42, Novosibirsk, Russia / Mon.–Sun. (online)
Сontact us
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Сообщение об успешной отправке!
Visa Application
Documents for entry
East Africa Tourist Visa
Cost
For citizens of Russia
Citizens of Russia can obtain a tourist visa:
Advance online application is not always mandatory, but is convenient for a complex itinerary.
Citizens of Russia can obtain a tourist visa:
- upon arrival;
- online;
- through a diplomatic mission of Rwanda.
Advance online application is not always mandatory, but is convenient for a complex itinerary.
- passport valid for at least six months;
- visa or online application confirmation;
- return ticket;
- accommodation booking;
- proof of financial means;
- yellow fever certificate.
The single East African visa allows visits to:
The cost is 100 US dollars, the validity period is 90 days, multiple movements between the three countries are permitted.
The first entry must be made through the country that issued the visa.
When using the East Africa Tourist Visa, departure to Tanzania, Zanzibar or another country terminates the validity of the single itinerary: a new authorization may be required for re-entry.
- Rwanda;
- Uganda;
- Kenya.
The cost is 100 US dollars, the validity period is 90 days, multiple movements between the three countries are permitted.
The first entry must be made through the country that issued the visa.
When using the East Africa Tourist Visa, departure to Tanzania, Zanzibar or another country terminates the validity of the single itinerary: a new authorization may be required for re-entry.
- single-entry tourist visa – up to 50 US dollars;
- multiple-entry visa – up to 70 US dollars.
A single-entry visa is usually valid for 30 days, a multiple-entry visa – 90 days.
For citizens of countries participating in special agreements, including some countries of the African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie, the fee may not be charged.
Rwanda provides citizens of all countries with the opportunity to obtain a visa upon arrival. An application can also be completed in advance online or through a diplomatic mission.
Information is current as of 01.07.2026
Vaccination
Children
Recommended vaccinations
Recommendation against yellow fever
Mandatory vaccination for entry
A certificate when arriving from a country at risk is required from one year of age.
Age restrictions for gorilla trekking are established separately and are not related to vaccination.
Age restrictions for gorilla trekking are established separately and are not related to vaccination.
The following are usually recommended:
For trekking to mountain gorillas, the absence of symptoms of an infectious disease is especially important. A tourist with signs of a respiratory infection may not be allowed to visit the primates even if all vaccinations have been received.
- hepatitis A;
- typhoid;
- hepatitis B;
- up-to-date vaccination against measles and polio;
- rabies — for trekking, work with animals and prolonged stays in remote areas.
For trekking to mountain gorillas, the absence of symptoms of an infectious disease is especially important. A tourist with signs of a respiratory infection may not be allowed to visit the primates even if all vaccinations have been received.
For a standard tourist trip to Rwanda, the vaccine is generally not recommended, but it may be considered individually for prolonged stays and when it is not possible to ensure protection against mosquito bites.
When entering directly from a country without a yellow fever risk, a certificate is usually not required.
It is required for tourists from one year of age arriving from a country at risk.
When entering by land from Uganda, the certificate becomes particularly important in practice, since Uganda is considered a country at risk and requires vaccination for arriving travelers.
It is required for tourists from one year of age arriving from a country at risk.
When entering by land from Uganda, the certificate becomes particularly important in practice, since Uganda is considered a country at risk and requires vaccination for arriving travelers.
Before traveling, we recommend consulting your doctor.
Visa Application
Validity period
Cost
Where and how to apply
The standard tourist visa is most often issued for a single entry with a stay of up to 90 days. The actual permitted period is indicated by the immigration officer.
Approximate government fees:
The fee is usually non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
- single-entry tourist visa — 50 US dollars;
- East Africa Tourist Visa — 100 US dollars;
- multiple-entry visas — the cost depends on the validity period.
The fee is usually non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
The application is submitted only through the official Uganda Electronic Visa and Permit System.
The following will be required:
The following will be required:
- passport scan;
- photograph;
- yellow fever vaccination certificate;
- itinerary;
- proof of accommodation;
- return ticket;
- sometimes an invitation or letter from a tour operator.
Most foreign citizens, including citizens of Russia, require an electronic visa.
The visa should be obtained before the trip. Simply completing the application form without obtaining approval is not grounds for boarding the flight.
The visa should be obtained before the trip. Simply completing the application form without obtaining approval is not grounds for boarding the flight.
Information is current as of 01.07.2026
Vaccination
Children
Recommended vaccinations
Recommendation against yellow fever
Mandatory vaccination for entry
Children from one year of age must have a valid yellow fever certificate.
Travel with a child under 9 months of age requires special medical assessment. The vaccine is live and is usually not used in young infants.
Travel with a child under 9 months of age requires special medical assessment. The vaccine is live and is usually not used in young infants.
For most tourists, the following are recommended:
It is also necessary to discuss medication prophylaxis for malaria.
- hepatitis A;
- typhoid;
- hepatitis B;
- routine vaccinations;
- rabies – for prolonged travel, contact with animals, trekking and being away from medical facilities.
It is also necessary to discuss medication prophylaxis for malaria.
The vaccine is recommended for all travelers from 9 months of age, since there is a risk of yellow fever transmission in the country.
Thus, for children aged 9–11 months, the vaccine may be recommended by a doctor from a medical point of view, although the formal border requirement begins at one year of age.
Thus, for children aged 9–11 months, the vaccine may be recommended by a doctor from a medical point of view, although the formal border requirement begins at one year of age.
Uganda is the only country from this list where a yellow fever certificate is required for all arriving tourists from one year of age, regardless of the country of departure.
The vaccine must be administered no later than 10 days before the first entry if this is the first dose.
The vaccine must be administered no later than 10 days before the first entry if this is the first dose.
Before traveling, we recommend consulting your doctor.