Travel Information

Travel Information
Uganda and Rwanda

Visa for Uganda

Apply for a visa online first. Go to this webpage: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ You will receive a letter and with this letter you can buy your visa upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border.

Visa for Rwanda

This is obtained upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border. The Visa for Rwanda, it’s visa procedure is very different and very strict. When you are visiting Rwanda you must take these steps. First visit the webpage, www.migration.gov.rw/INFORMATION-FOR-APPLICANTS.html You are now on the website of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. Here you find the necessary information about the ‘Class V-1(s) Single Entry Visa-Online Visa’ which is suitable for most people who travel to Rwanda for holiday purposes. Please read the information on the website carefully. 

List of countries who have to apply online but who do not have to pay for their visa: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Hong Kong, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States of America. 

Class V-1 (s) Single entry visa: is applicable when you are travelling from Uganda to Rwanda and back to Uganda. It is valid for 30 days and the costs are USD 30. NB. If you want to enter Rwanda more than once you need a tourist visa for USD 50 which is a multiple entry visa. 

Class T1 tourist visa; is applicable when you are a citizen of the above mentioned countries and you want to enter Rwanda multiple times. For example you travel from Rwanda to Uganda and back to Rwanda. It is valid for 90 days and there are no costs attached because your country has a diplomatic relationship with Rwanda. 

Class T2 tourist visa: is applicable when you are NOT a citizen of the above mentioned countries and you want to enter Rwanda multiple times. For example you travel from Rwanda to Uganda and back to Rwanda. It is valid for 90 days and the costs are USD 50. 

On the website you will see a link to the online application form through which you can apply for the visa you need. Fill this form in its entirety. You will be asked to mention your entry point. Normally we use entry point number 5 (Cyanika) when you are coming from South-Western Uganda. This is the border crossing near Volcanoes National Park. When arriving in Kigali by plane, you will use entry point number 1 (Kigali International Airport). You are also requested to attach an invitation letter. This letter will be sent to you by your TripCare Adventures contact person. When you send the form you will immediately receive a tracking code. This code helps you to keep track on how far your application has progressed. You can check its status from this webpage: www.migration.gov.rw/tracking.php. The Rwandan authorities will send you a letter in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too). Print this letter and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Kigali International Airport. You need this letter to be allowed to purchase the entree visa there. It is your own responsibility to arrange your visa(s) correctly and in time, but if anything is unclear of course we will be glad to assist you. Note: This information is subject to change! Always consult the Rwandan embassy in your country if you are not sure.

Money

Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are very limited in Uganda and Rwanda (outside Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali). We advise our clients to bring enough money with them for their trip (in US Dollars, Euros or Pound Sterling) and exchange it for local currency at banks or Forex bureau’s in large towns. Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years. Traveler’s Cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala and Kigali and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside Kampala and Kigali. Uganda’s currency is the Ugandan Shilling. The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc. The US dollar is traditionally the preferred currency, but the Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to Uganda or Rwanda. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities. Also please note that a Visa card is most friendly to use and accepted by most of the ATM but be aware that there is a daily limit of withdrawing money; this differs from bank to bank.

Health

A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations! Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor): 

  • Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
  • DTP
  • Hepatitis 

And for malaria you need to take tablets as well, Malarone or Lariam, Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor). Lastly always drink bottled water instead of tap water.

AMREF Flying Doctors

We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed. AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Tourist). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia). Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member: http://www.flydoc.org/index.php.

Language

Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language in Uganda. Next to English there are about 30- plus different indigenous languages. The official language of Rwanda is French, but at the main tourist attractions many people will also speak English.

When to visit

Uganda and Rwanda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March – May and October – November). For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda.

What to wear

Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of sweaters too. Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. When you are doing gorilla tracking some gardeners gloves are handy because of the thick vegetation and thorns. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies). If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders.

What to bring

We advise you to bring traveling bags instead of suitcases and try to not exceed the max. amount of 25 kg per bag. A valid passport (including visa) is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 more months after your tour with TripCare Adventures has ended. To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks it is advisable to carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards or films with you. Carry your valuable items in your hand luggage. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities. We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Uganda and Rwanda is the British system. A flashlight can proof to be useful since the electricity can be cut off every now and then.

Driving

Driving in Uganda is on the left-hand side, while driving in Rwanda is on the right-hand side. Visitors without extensive experience with African roads are advised to travel with a 4×4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide.

Facilities and accommodations

Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be very basic in Uganda and Rwanda when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room. You can charge devices from the reception.

Stopover points

Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say, (T.I.A) This is Africa.

Tipping

Tipping will always be appreciated, in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers. depends on your satisfaction.

For more information and details

The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for both countries. The Lonely Planet, Footprint Guides and Spectrum Guides produce other guidebooks. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.