The Republic of Rwanda

Learn more about the host country & venue

Visitors To Rwanda

For information on the capital city, visitors to Rwanda can refer to Kigali, renowned for its modern infrastructure and cultural heritage. The official website of the Rwanda Development Board at www.rdb.rw provides comprehensive guides and resources. In June, Kigali experiences a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from approximately 16°C to 27°C (61°F to 81°F).  

Time in Rwanda follows Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2. 

Arrival at the Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center and 15 kilometers from the Marriott Hotel, the venue for the AGM, delegates can expect efficient transportation arrangements. Transport services will be provided, with official delegations received by the Rwanda Protocol Team.

Ministers and heads of delegations will have individual cars allocated to them for convenience. For other participants, organized and registered airport taxis are available, charging approximately 5,000 to 20,000 Rwandan Francs for transportation to the city or preferred destination, depending on the location. 

Introduction & Background

 

Visa Requirements

All people wishing to enter Rwanda must possess a valid passport or other internationally recognized travel documents. 

A visa is required by all visitors to Rwanda excluding citizens of countries members to the following international organizations; African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie – Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Comoros, Congo, Cyprus, Dominica, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Gabon, Grenada, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Kiribati, Jamaica, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Maldives, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Principality of Andorra, Romania, Republic of Macedonia, Saharawi Republic, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, The Bahamas, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

A citizen of East African Community Member States (Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and South Sudan) shall be issued a pass/entry visa free of charge upon arrival to stay for the period of six months. 

The following countries will be granted 90 days valid visa free of charge upon arrival: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore and the state Qatar. 

Citizens of all countries that are not visa exempt are allowed to get a 30-days visa upon arrival without prior application. They may also submit applications online at www.migration.gov.rw or at the Rwanda Diplomatic Missions of the country of residence before departure. 

Visa fees must not exceed 50 USD for a single-entry visa or 70 USD for multiple-entry visa. 

Port Health Entry Guidelines

As of 2024, visitors to Rwanda are required to adhere to Port Health Entry Guidelines. These guidelines typically include health screening procedures to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure public health safety. Specific requirements may vary depending on current global health situations and Rwandan government regulations. Travelers should expect to undergo temperature checks, health questionnaires, and possibly COVID-19 testing upon arrival at Rwandan ports of entry, such as airports and border crossings. Additionally, travelers may be required to provide proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test results, as well as comply with any quarantine or self-isolation measures deemed necessary by Rwandan health authorities. 

Access to the Conference Venue

All participants must pre-register before the conference to gain access to the event. Participants who have registered online can collect their badges from the registration area. Participants who want to register on site must complete the appropriate registration forms to get their badges.

All registered participants will undergo a security check and are advised to avoid bringing weapons, ammunition, flammable substances or sharp objects.

Participants must produce their passport (for international participants) or identity card (for national participants) to get their badges.

Where can you Collect you Badge?

At the conference venue, the Marriott Hotel, a designated counter waits for the collection of badges. This specialized facility is exclusively reserved for attendees who have diligently completed their online registration process in advance. 

Participants

  1. All member states of Shelter Afrique 
  2. Representatives of interested state governments and Ministry departments and Agencies.  
  3. Representatives of intergovernmental organizations 
  4. Individual experts and consultants in the field of affordable and low-cost housing  
  5. Media members accredited by the Ministry of Infrastructure.  

Interpretations

The Shelter Afrique Annual General Meeting & Symposium will be held in English, with translations available in French and English.  

Medical Services

Medical costs incurred during the stay in Kigali shall be shouldered by the meeting participant. It is therefore recommended that participants arrange for their own health insurance or carry sufficient funds to cover any medical costs incurred.  

An emergency clinic will be set up at the conference venue to provide free medical services for minor ailments.  

Money and Banking

The National Bank of Rwanda provides official currency exchange rates, ensuring transparency and reliability for both locals and visitors. As of March 27, 2024, the exchange rates for the United States Dollar (USD) are as follows: 

 

  • Buying Value: 1,277.33 RWF 
  • Average Value: 1,290.10 RWF 
  • Selling Value: 1,302.88 RWF 

These rates are subject to change and can be verified on the National Bank of Rwanda’s official website: National Bank of Rwanda Currency Exchange Rates. 

Additionally, visitors can also exchange money at various bureaus de change located throughout Rwanda. 

Other information

Electricity

Rwanda operates on a standard voltage of 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Travelers are advised to bring appropriate adapters if their devices require a different plug type. 

Water

For drinking purposes, it’s recommended to use bottled water to avoid any potential health risks. Bottled water is readily available in most stores and hotels throughout Rwanda. 

Telecommunications and ICT Services

Upon arrival in Rwanda, visitors have access to various telecommunication services. SIM cards can be purchased from major service providers such as MTN Rwanda, Airtel Rwanda, and Tigo Rwanda at approximately 0.5 USD. These SIM cards typically offer options for voice, text, and data plans. Additionally, internet services will be available at the conference venue via WiFi.