Passport and Visa:
A valid passport is mandatory.  Visa is required except for a stay of three months and for nationals of  Burundi, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, DR of Congo, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, UK, and USA.  Visa costs USD 60.00

Application for Rwanda Visa:
Get your visa at the Rwandan Embassies abroad or directly via internet.  visit this page and apply for the visa directly http://www.migration.gov.rw/EntryFacility/entryfacility_form.php

Extension of Rwanda visitor’s visa:
On expiry of visa, you can renew it at the cost of RFW 25,000 Equivalent to USD 50.00

When to Visit:
Throughout the year.

Temperatures:
The sun shines nearly all year round and whatever the season, the mean daily temperature is close to 24 C. The minimum night temperatures is around 10C (50F) and maximum daytime temperatures ranges about 34C (94F).

Altitude:
The altitude is less than 1500 metres in the eastern plateau but rising to between 1500 and 2000 metres in the west and north.

Seasons:
The climate of Rwanda is made up of two wet seasons and two dry seasons.The short wet season lasts from October-November, and the main rainy season, lasting from mid-March to the end of May.During the dry seasons, which last from December to mid-March and from June to the end of August, frequent light cloud cover yields a pleasant, never stifling, temperature.

Dressing:
Dressing codes are informal. Light clothing is recommended during the day but at night a light sweater can be necessary.  Those wishing to visit Nyungwe forest and Virungas must bring with them heavier clothing.  Hiking boots are recommended for Volcanoes and Nyungwe forest.  Sunglasses and a hat may be necessary especially during the hot months.  For gorilla tracking a baseball cap is recommended.

What to bring:
Camera, a pair of binoculars, a video camera for non professional photography is recommended even when visiting gorillas, laptops (most hotels have free WiFi), music or reading material.

Communication:
Rwanda’s Telephone network is very efficient.  The entire country is covered by a mobile phone network provided by the MTN Rwanda Cell, other provider include Rwandatel and Tigo. One can easily make international calls even from the phone kiosks available in the streets.   You can surf the internet from the cyber cafes in various towns and most hotels and restaurants provide free WiFi.  Kigali city is covered by 3g network for all three providers and one can expect speeds of 512/256 Kbps on this connection which is available on all prepaid SIM cards.<

Photography:
It is advisable to seek permission before photographing the local people. Flash is prohibited when photographing gorillas. The large variety of birds and insects form a very good collection of subjects for photographers. The landscape and the lakes are also interesting.

Health:
Yellow fever certificate is required if you have been transiting infected areas.  Malaria Prophylaxis is recommended.   It is not recommended to drink tap water.  Boil it or buy mineral water from the shops.  The equatorial sun can be deceptive even on overcast days.  Sun glasses and sun creams are recommended especially if you intend to sun bath at Lake Kivu, which can give you really bad sun burns.  You can find number for major clinics and hospitals in the Important numbers section of travel tips.

Security:
Rwanda is as safe as (if not safer than) most other countries.  However some common sense precautions should be taken.  Do not flaunt your wealth by wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large wads of money openly.  Avoid changing money in the streets.  Likewise avoid overcrowded streets and do not leave  your baggage un-attended.  Leave your valuables with the hotel for safe keeping.

Electricity:
230/240 volts at 50 Hz.