Rwanda
Last update 21 October 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Bulgarian citizens travel to Rwanda without visa for stays up to 90 days.
Republic of Rwanda
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in the capital of Rwanda - Kigali. Bulgarian citizens residing in Rwanda for a short or long period of time may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Nigeria for consular issues.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Nigeria
Address: 10 Euphrates Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Tel .: + 234 9038600017; +234 8033078578
Phone only for emergencies outside working hours: +234 903 000 0275
Working hours: 9.00 - 17.30
Reception hours at the Consular Service: 09.00-12.00
E-mail of the Embassy: Embassy.Abuja@mfa.bg
E-mail of the Consular Service: Consular.Abuja@mfa.bg
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The Embassy of Rwanda in Tel Aviv is accredited for Bulgaria
Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Tel Aviv
Address: 8 Maskit Street, Herzliya, P.O. Box 4066, Tel Aviv
Tel .: (+972) 9-799 7177; (+972) 9-884 7793
Email: ambatelaviv@minaffet.gov.rw
General information
General information
Crime and security
In general, the situation in the capital Kigali is calm. Avoid traveling inland, where kidnappings and pickpocketing are not uncommon. Only in cases of extreme urgency should travel to areas near Rwanda's borders with Burundi and the DRC.
It is recommended to bring a copy of an identity document and a small amount of money.
Legislation
In Rwanda demonstrating homosexuality is prohibited and punishable under the law.
Customs requirements
You can import an unlimited amount of currency in Rwanda, but it must be declared. You can import goods for personal use as duty-free. The import of plants is prohibited. Export of foreign currency - without restriction within the declared upon entry.
Traffic on the roads
It is recommended to rent a taxi after prior arrangement of the tariff. Be especially careful when driving at night. International and Bulgarian driving licenses are needed. When traveling outside Kigali during the rainy season (February to June and October to December), appropriate equipment must be worn, including for vehicles. Loss of signal for mobile phones and other equipment when traveling inland is likely.
Healthcare
Outside the capital, Kigali, the healthcare does not meet European standards. Relatively high percentage of people are infected with AIDS. Immunization against yellow fever is required only for travellers coming from countries at increased risk of contracting yellow fever.
Be careful when eating fruits and vegetables - after washing do not eat immediately, but leave in the sun for 10-15 minutes. Water should be boiled or bottled.
Local currency
Rwandan Franc (RWF). The US dollar is also largely used for payment. Credit card payments are also widespread in the capital.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens enter the country with an international passport, which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Bulgarian citizens (holders of ordinary, official and diplomatic passports) travel to Rwanda without visa for stays up to 90 days. For periods longer than that they need visa, which can be obtained at the Rwandan Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Consular service
EU Emergency Travel Document
In case of a damaged, lost, stolen or expired passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an EU Emergency Travel Document (EU ETD) at an Embassy of an EU Member State. The ETD is issued only for the purpose of a single trip to Bulgaria or the country of permanent residence.
Certifications and legalizations
In order to be valid in Bulgaria, all documents issued by the authorities in Burundi to Bulgarian citizens should be printed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda.
They should then be certified either by the Bulgarian Embassy in Abuja (in which case prior certification by the Rwandan Embassy in Abuja is required) or by the Rwandan Embassy in Tel Aviv (in this case the Rwandan Embassy Consular Certifications are also to be certified at the Bulgarian Embassy in Tel Aviv).
Thereafter, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized Translation Agency in Bulgaria, and the translation certified by the Department of Certification and Legalization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.