Rwanda is a relatively stable Central African country, and although not easy to get to, it is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around. It is landlocked, surrounded by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Regions Map of Rwanda Cities
Other destinationsUnderstandGet inFor all citizens, a passport is required to enter Rwanda and a certificate of vaccination for yellow fever is required to return back to the country of origin. A visa is required but is free of charge for nationals of the US, UK, Canada, Congo (Dem Rep), Germany, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, and Uganda staying less than 90 days. Citizens of other countries must contact the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate for more information. By planeThe easiest way to travel to Rwanda would be to fly to Kigali (the capital) national airport, or fly in to Entebbe (by the capital of nearby Uganda), and then get a coach from there. There are direct flights into Kigali from Belgium and Kenya. By trainNo train By carBy busBuses run from Kampala in Uganda to Kigali. Getting to or from Tanzania is more difficult, involving a night at one of the smaller towns in north-west Tanzania. A bus runs between Mwanza to Benako (both Tanzania) and from Benako buses run onto Kigali. Another town to consider on this route is Ngara (Tanzania). By boatGet aroundShort distances can be travelled either on foot, or by velotaxi (bicycle taxi). Velotaxis are widespead, and are relatively inexpensive. A velotaxidriver will cycle, and the passenger will sit rather precariously on the back. Slightly longer distances (indeed the whole country) can be travelled by Matatu or minibus-taxis. These white minibuses are found throughout East Africa, and are crammed full of adults, children, and anything else you can think of (bags, chickens) TalkBuyEatSleepDrinkLearnWorkStay safeTourists are welcomed in Rwanda. It is largely considered safe for travellers to visit Rwanda. The possible exceptions are certain places along the Congolese and Burundian borders. Rwandan troops are involved in the civil war that still plagues the north-east of Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly due to the presence of Interhamwe who fled after the 1994 genocide. Whilst Gisenyi and Kibuye are considered safe, the border situation can change at any time - check Foreign Office information for further advice. It is not recommended that you go on a gorilla trek that will take you over the border to the DRC. Stay healthyThe following is an excerpt from the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet on Rwanda, last updated on 1-12-2006: Medical and dental facilities are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. Travelers should bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. In Kigali, Americans may go to King Faycal Hospital, a private facility that offers limited services. There is also a missionary dental clinic in Kigali staffed by an American dentist. An American-operated missionary hospital with some surgical facilities is in Kibagora, in southwestern Rwanda. Another hospital with American physicians is located in Ruhengeri, near the gorilla trekking area, and a Chinese hospital is located in southeastern Rwanda in Kibungo. The U.S. Embassy maintains a current list of healthcare providers and facilities in Rwanda. This list is included in the Consular Section’s welcome packets for American citizens. There are periodic outbreaks of meningitis in Rwanda. Yellow fever can cause serious medical problems, but the vaccine, required for entry, is very effective in preventing the disease. RespectWomen show respect to their husbands. It is also impolite to make eye contact with an elder. Please understand that Rwanda is still recovering from a civil war and genocide in which over 800,000 people, perhaps a million, were killed. Many Rwandese lost relatives and friends. Remember to be sensitive to this sad fact when dealing with Rwandese. ContactU.S. citizens may contact the Rwandan embassy in Washington, DC for more information. Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda 1714 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. Washington D.C. 20009 Telephone 202-232-2882 Fax 202-232-4544. According to the US State Department's website, US citizens in Rwanda may contact the US Embassy for assistance. The U.S. Embassy is located at Boulevard de la Revolution in Kigali. The mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda. Call (250) 505-602 or (250) 505-603, then dial zero; fax: (250) 572-128. The U.S. Embassy also has a homepage at http://kigali.usembassy.gov/
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