Rwanda once evoked images of gorillas and breathtaking mountain views, until the country was devastated by the attempted genocide of the Tutsi tribe in 1994. These days, much of the country is rebuilt, the economy resurrected, and travellers can move around much more safely. Read the overview

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Visas overview

All foreign nationals bar those from other East African countries, Canada, Germany and the USA need a visa to visit Rwanda. A visa arranged in advance of your visit will require USD 60.00 and two passport photos, and will allow you to stay for up to three months; multiple entry visas cost USD 90.00 and are recommended to give you flexibility when it comes to visiting neighbouring countries. But keep in mind that unless you enjoy the prospect of being tied up in red tape and beaten senseless with a Manila folder, it's generally best to organise the visa after you've arrived in East Africa. At the Rwandan border, 15-day visas are issued in a matter of minutes for USD 60.00 . Visa extensions of up to 90 days are available at the Ministry of the Interior near Kigali within a day or two of applying (though sometimes much longer) for around USD 30.00 a month depending on the length of the extension. You may be asked for proof of yellow fever vaccination.