FAQs

In Rwanda, both credit cards and cash are accepted. In major cities like Kigali, credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, larger shops and more upscale establishments. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly used cards, though it’s always a good idea to inform the merchant in advance if you plan to pay with a credit card, as not all places may have card payment systems.

A major step toward strengthening regional integration and boosting tourism, Rwanda recently made news for its progressive decision to remove the need for a visa for all African people. This policy, which was announced by President Paul Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council in Kigali, permits any African national to visit Rwanda without paying an entry fee or obtaining a visa. Joining nations like Benin, Seychelles, and Gambia who have taken similar actions, Rwanda is now positioned as a leader in the fight for free movement throughout the continent.

Citizens of several countries enjoy visa exemptions when entering Rwanda, allowing for varying lengths of stay. Here’s a detailed overview of the visa-free policies: 6 months: Citizens from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda can enter Rwanda without a visa and stay for up to six months. 90 days: Nationals from countries such as Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d'Ivoire can visit Rwanda visa-free for up to 90 days. 30 days: Citizens from various nations, including Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda and Armenia, are allowed to enter Rwanda without a visa for a period of 30 days.

The biggest threat to mountain gorillas is habitat loss, primarily driven by human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and infrastructure development. As human populations expand in regions near mountain gorilla habitats, especially in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, people clear land for farming and settlements. This encroachment shrinks the gorillas’ natural habitat, leaving them with smaller areas to live, forage, and migrate.

As of recent estimates, there are around 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, and they are classified as endangered. These remarkable primates are found only in two specific regions of East Africa: the Virunga Mountains, which span across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. While their population has seen a slight increase in recent years due to successful conservation efforts, their numbers remain critically low.

Rwanda's national dish is Isombe, a flavorful and nutritious meal made primarily from cassava leaves. Cassava, known locally as "manioc," is a staple crop in Rwanda, and its leaves are boiled and mashed to create Isombe. The dish is typically prepared with ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and ground peanuts, which add depth and richness to the flavor. Sometimes, palm oil and garlic are also added, giving the dish a savory and slightly creamy texture.

If they plan to visit Rwanda, foreign visitors should bring recent passport-biographical page images that were shot within the last six months. The Irish nationals' e-visas now require a certain number of face photo requirements set by the Rwandan government. Accordingly, each Ireland applicant's digital photo for an e-visa needs to meet the following requirements:

Depending on the type of e-visa, there are restrictions on how long one can stay in Rwanda. When planning a trip to Rwanda, travelers from Ireland should consider the maximum number of days they are permitted to stay there. Those visiting Ireland should read the following part:

The price of a Rwandan visa depends on the total service fee and the government fee. The government cost is non-refundable once the visa application form has been submitted. Depending on the quantity of applicants and the length of time needed to process their applications, the price of the service may change. The higher the service fee, the quicker citizens of Ireland need their visas. Ireland residents can use the Rush Visa program if they require a Rwanda e-visa more quickly. Residents of Ireland may be assessed an additional cost if they select this option.

Of the countries that can obtain an e-visa through the internet application process is Ireland. In the past, Ireland citizens had to make an appointment for an in-person interview with embassies or consulates and spend considerable time waiting in line. But don't worry, since Rwanda Immigration Services makes it simple and quick for all Irish citizens to apply for an e-visa, allaying any worries.