Essential Guide To Airports in Rwanda For New Comers

Although Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority lists 08 airports available for civilian flights, only Kigali International Airport and Kamembe International Airport offer regular commercial services. Kigali International Airport, also known as Rwanda International Airport, serves as the primary international gateway. 

To assist you in your travels, here’s a detailed guide to airports in Rwanda.

Kigali International Airport

• Location: Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
• Overview: Kigali International Airport is the primary gateway for international travelers entering Rwanda. Located approximately 10 kilometers east of Kigali's city center, the airport is the largest and busiest in the country.
• Best If: You are flying internationally or booking a domestic flight to Kamembe International Airport. 
• Avoid If: You are planning an overland trip through East Africa and intend on entering Rwanda via one of its 16 land borders. 

Kigali International Airport is located on the eastern edge of the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, and is approximately 7 miles from the city center. Travel time between the two typically takes around half an hour by rental car or airport taxi. 

Kigali International Airport is the main point of entry for international travelers and is the only airport in Rwanda offering scheduled international flights. The airport has three terminals and three runways, facilitating direct flights to 31 destinations across 21 countries. Many of these routes are served by Rwanda's national airline, RwandAir, which also operates scheduled flights to Kamembe, the country's only domestic airport. 

Other major airlines operating from Kigali include Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Turkish Airlines and KLM, with KLM offering the longest flight from Kigali, an 8-hour 15-minute journey to Amsterdam. Currently, there are no direct flights between Kigali and the United States.

Although Kigali International Airport is modest in size by global standards, it offers the most amenities a traveler might need. These include ATMs, currency exchange offices, free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, souvenir and electronics shops (including Rwanda SIM cards), a post office, and two Bourbon coffee shops. Additionally, travelers can wrap their luggage in plastic for added security. Kigali Airport has three separate lounges—two departures and one arrival—with access typically reserved for business and first-class passengers on specific airlines or VIP cardholders.

Kigali International Airport is the primary gateway for international travelers entering Rwanda 

Kamembe International Airport 

• Location: Kamembe, in the southwestern part of Rwanda, near the town of Cyangugu and the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Overview: Kamembe International Airport is the second major airport in Rwanda, mainly serving the western region of the country and providing a vital link to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Best If: You want to reduce travel time from Kigali to western attractions, including Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest National Park. 
• Avoid If: You wish to fly internationally to anywhere other than a handful of East and Central African destinations. 
• Distance to Volcanoes National Park: 161 miles, or just under six hours by car. Again, public transport is not recommended, and the best way to get there is via private transfer or rental car. 

Kamembe International Airport is located approximately 3 miles north of Cyangugu, the capital of Rusizi District in Rwanda's Western Province. As the country's only domestic airport, it serves as a convenient gateway to Western tourist attractions such as Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest National Park, famous for chimpanzee trekking. Flying into Kamembe significantly reduces travel time to Nyungwe from almost five hours (from Kigali and Rwanda International Airport) to under 1.5 hours.

The airports in Rwanda have a single terminal and runway and were renovated in 2014 to ensure they remain well-maintained. RwandAir is the only airline offering scheduled flights to and from Kamembe, with seven weekly arrivals from Kigali. The airport also serves charter flights from neighboring countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, attracting wealthy tourists and business travelers.

Kamembe International Airport is the second major airport in Rwanda 

Tips For Travelers 

Visa Requirements

Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Rwanda. You can check visa requirements for your country on the Rwanda Immigration Services website. If you do require a visa, you can apply online in advance or obtain one upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. It’s important to have all necessary documentation and fees ready when applying for a visa. 

All travelers entering the country must have a valid passport for at least 6 months from the issued date. Be sure to check your passport's expiration date before traveling and renew it if needed.

Visitors should check visa requirements on the Rwanda Immigration Services website 

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance before your trip is strongly advised. This will cover any unforeseen medical costs or emergencies that may occur while you're traveling. 

It is advised that visitors visiting Rwanda receive specific vaccines, such as those for hepatitis A and B and yellow fever. It's crucial to speak with your doctor at least four weeks before your trip to make sure you have had all the recommended shots and prescriptions. 

Local Currency

The currency used locally is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). Major airports have ATMs, but for smaller purchases, you should always have cash on hand.

The currency used locally is the Rwandan Franc 

Rwanda's airports, though varying in size and capacity, are pivotal in connecting the country to the rest of the world. Kigali International Airport stands out as the primary hub, with Kamembe and Gisenyi airports serving regional needs. The upcoming Bugesera International Airport promises to elevate Rwanda's aviation infrastructure further, enhancing travel and economic opportunities. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or transit, Rwanda's airports offer a welcoming and efficient entry point to this remarkable country.