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🇷🇼 Rwanda

Moving Guide

Moving to Rwanda is one of the smoother relocations within Africa — the visa-on-arrival policy means you can arrive and assess before committing, English is widely spoken, and bureaucratic processes are efficient by regional standards. The key logistical steps are straightforward: secure accommodation, get a Rwandan SIM card, set up banking and mobile money, and orient yourself to Kigali's compact and navigable layout.

All nationalities

Visa on Arrival

30-day tourist visa; $50

IDP valid 90 days

Driving Licence

Then Rwandan licence required

Via Mombasa/DSM

Shipping Port

Landlocked — add transit time

MTN or Airtel

SIM Card

Register with passport at airport

KGL

Kigali Airport

International flights; 15 min to city centre

Overview🏙️Kigali🌋Musanze
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Overview

Moving to Rwanda is one of the smoother relocations within Africa — the visa-on-arrival policy means you can arrive and assess before committing, English is widely spoken, and bureaucratic processes are efficient by regional standards. The key logistical steps are straightforward: secure accommodation, get a Rwandan SIM card, set up banking and mobile money, and orient yourself to Kigali's compact and navigable layout. Rwanda's landlocked position means shipping personal effects takes longer and costs more than coastal African countries.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa: no advance application needed — 30-day visa-on-arrival for all nationalities ($50 at airport)
  • Get an MTN SIM card at the airport immediately — required for mobile money and data
  • Sea freight arrives at Mombasa or Dar es Salaam then overland to Kigali — add 2–4 weeks to shipping times
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) valid for 90 days; after which a Rwandan licence is required
1

Before You Arrive

Pre-arrival preparation is minimal compared to most African relocations — the visa-on-arrival policy means you can arrive first and figure out the rest. However, a few steps smooth the transition.

  • Visa: no advance application needed — 30-day visa-on-arrival for all nationalities ($50 at airport)
  • If staying longer: apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, 90 days) online at irembo.gov.rw
  • Yellow fever vaccination: required if arriving from an endemic country; get the certificate before travel
  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, meningococcal — consult a travel medicine clinic
  • Arrange comprehensive health insurance before landing — essential for private hospital access
  • Book initial accommodation: Airbnb or serviced apartments in Kimihurura or Kiyovu for the first 4–6 weeks
  • Prepare USD cash for initial expenses — ATMs are available but card acceptance varies
  • Download Yego Moto app (ride-hailing) and WhatsApp (primary communication tool in Rwanda)
2

First Weeks in Rwanda

The first weeks are about establishing your administrative foundation — SIM card, banking, mobile money, accommodation, and orientation. Kigali's compact size makes this faster than in larger African capitals.

  • Get an MTN SIM card at the airport immediately — required for mobile money and data
  • Register for MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) at any MTN shop — your primary payment method
  • Open a bank account: Bank of Kigali or I&M Bank with passport, visa, and proof of address
  • Register with your embassy or consulate (important for emergencies)
  • Find permanent accommodation: use Kwanda Real Estate, Plut Properties, or expat Facebook groups
  • Explore Kigali by moto taxi — the best way to learn the city's hilly geography quickly
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial — essential for understanding Rwanda's history and national character
  • Join Kigali Expats Facebook group and InterNations for social connections and practical advice
3

Shipping & Customs

Rwanda is landlocked, so imported goods arrive via the ports of Mombasa (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and then overland — adding cost and transit time compared to coastal African countries.

  • Sea freight arrives at Mombasa or Dar es Salaam then overland to Kigali — add 2–4 weeks to shipping times
  • Total transit from Europe: 6–10 weeks; from North America: 8–12 weeks
  • Import duties apply: 25–35% of assessed value for general household goods
  • Personal effects of relocating residents may qualify for reduced duty — check with Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA)
  • Vehicle import: Rwanda drives on the RIGHT; left-hand drive vehicles required; high import duty
  • Consider buying appliances and furniture locally rather than shipping — Kigali has good retail options
  • Air freight to Kigali International Airport is fast but expensive — use for essential items only
  • Licensed customs clearing agents in Kigali handle import paperwork — budget $200–500 for their services
4

Driving & Transport Setup

Rwanda drives on the RIGHT side of the road. Road quality in Kigali and between major cities is excellent by African standards — among the best-maintained road networks on the continent.

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) valid for 90 days; after which a Rwandan licence is required
  • Rwanda drives on the RIGHT — straightforward for visitors from continental Europe, Americas, and most of Africa
  • Road quality: excellent in Kigali and between major cities; well-maintained tarmac with clear markings
  • Kigali–Musanze (Volcanoes NP): 2.5 hours on excellent road
  • Kigali–Huye (southern Rwanda): 2.5 hours on good tarmac
  • Kigali–Akagera National Park (eastern Rwanda): 2–2.5 hours
  • Motorbike helmets are mandatory for both riders and passengers — strictly enforced
  • Buying a car locally: secondhand market exists but limited; Toyota and Suzuki dominate
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in Rwanda

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