Travel Tips and Guidelines
1. Visas & Entry Requirements
The Uganda & Rwanda entry visa fee is currently US $50.00 (cost is subject to change without prior notification) and valid for up to 30 days. Nationals of these countries may also apply for visas in Uganda/Rwanda Diplomatic Missions.
All nationals shall receive an entry visa and pay upon arrival at any entry point.
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(a) EAC Partner State citizens will be issued a six-month visitor’s pass (renewable) at entry points with no fee.
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(b) DRC citizens to Rwanda will receive a visitor’s visa for up to 90 days with no fee, as per the CEPGL agreement.
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(c) The East Africa Tourist visa costs US$100.00 and is valid for multiple entries into Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Movement is allowed between these countries with a single visa. The visa is issued by any of these countries at foreign missions or upon arrival. Note: if you enter Tanzania or any non-signatory country, the visa becomes invalid.
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(d) All travelers to Uganda must apply for their visa before arrival. Apply here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Unlike Rwanda, all nationalities can secure their visa on arrival without prior application.
2. Vaccinations & Malaria
Malaria is a risk in Africa. Despite prophylaxis, malaria may still occur, especially in areas with chloroquine resistance.
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Use insect repellents.
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Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening and morning.
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At higher altitudes, malaria risk is minimal.
Yellow Fever:
Check with your medical practitioner or WHO for health advisories.
3. Payment
All banks in Uganda & Rwanda accept various currencies, mainly US Dollars, GBP Sterling, and EURO.
4. Credit Cards
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MasterCard, Visa, and Union Pay are accepted in Kigali.
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A mandatory 3% charge applies.
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Diners Club and American Express are often not accepted.
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Elsewhere, prefer cash (Rwanda Francs).
5. Banks
Uganda:
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ABSA Bank
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StanChart Bank
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Stanbic Bank
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Equity Bank
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Kenya Commercial Bank
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United Bank of Africa
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Tropical Bank
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Centenary Bank
Rwanda:
Bank hours:
Monday–Friday 08:00–19:00, Saturday 09:00–16:00. Closed Sundays & public holidays.
6. Shopping
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Kampala & Kigali have many souvenir sellers.
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Handmade items at markets and roadside stands.
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Rwanda bans plastic bags — fines between US$100.00 and US$150.00 for use.
7. Excess Luggage
Safari flights limit luggage to 25 kg, including carry-on.
8. Dress Code
No strict dress code, but:
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Women should dress conservatively.
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Smart dress in business areas.
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Cotton clothes are comfortable during the day.
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Evenings are cool — bring a sweater and boots.
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For gorilla trekking: waterproof gear, hiking boots, hat, raincoat, garden gloves, gaiters.
9. Packing Suggestions
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Bring enough quick-drying clothes.
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Avoid T-shirts, short pants, sandals.
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Opt for greens/browns, long sleeves, long trousers.
10. Clothing
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Three fast-drying, collared long-sleeve shirts.
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Three pairs of fast-drying long trousers or jeans.
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Closed, sturdy walking shoes.
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Waterproof shoes/gum boots.
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Comfortable lodge shoes.
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Calf-length socks.
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Long gaiters.
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Comfortable casual clothing.
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Light fleece/jumper for cool evenings.
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Raingear/poncho.
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Sun hat & swimwear.
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Garden gloves.
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Slightly formal attire for city hotels.
11. Gratuities Guidelines
Tipping is optional but appreciated.
Recommendations:
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Professional Guides/Local Tour Leaders: US$20.00/group/day
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Drivers/Guides: US$50.00/person/day
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Transfer Drivers: US$5.00–US$10.00/group/transfer
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Safari Camp/Lodge Staff: US$10.00/guest/day (communal box)
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Gorilla Tracking Guides: US$20.00/person/trek
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Porters (Gorilla Tracking): US$10.00–US$20.00/porter/day
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Hiking/Trekking Guides: US$15.00/group/day
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Baggage Porters: US$5.00/person/movement
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Massage Therapists: US$3.00–US$5.00/treatment
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Meals at restaurants: ~10% of the bill
At Green Origin Tours, our team is ready to assist you anytime. Contact our 24/7 travel support team!
