From Kigali International Airport (KGL), Step Town Hotel is about 20 minutes' drive, according to the hotel. Most visitors buy a visa on arrival, keep plastic bags out of their luggage and take a taxi, a moto or a hotel transfer into the city.
This guide covers each step, from the visa desk to the ride, using the official pages and the hotel's own advice. The hotel is a small hotel in Kigali, and it can help with airport transfers.
Entry And Visa On Arrival
Visit Rwanda says citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival without applying in advance. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member countries get a free visa for a visit of 30 days. Citizens of East African Community countries get a free pass for six months.
Everyone else pays. The immigration site lists the visitor visa at 50 US dollars for a single entry, valid 30 days, and 70 dollars for multiple entries, valid 90 days. Irembo, the government services portal, lists the same two fees. Your travel document must be valid for at least six months.
You can also apply online or at a Rwandan diplomatic mission in your country before you fly. Visit Rwanda warns that no single agent is authorized to apply on your behalf, so use the official portal only. Free categories depend on nationality, so check your own on the official pages before you travel.
The Plastic Bag Ban At Entry
Plastic bags have been banned by law since 2008. Visit Rwanda says any plastic bags in your luggage will be confiscated at the airport or another point of entry. The hotel gives the same advice: avoid prohibited plastic bags.
Pack shoes, toiletries and snacks in cloth or paper bags, and leave the supermarket bags at home. A reusable cloth bag also works for the rest of the trip.
Ways Into The City
The hotel says it is about 20 minutes' drive from the airport. It also asks visitors to allow extra time for airport transfers in peak traffic, so leave room in your plans if you land at rush hour.
There are three common ways in:
Hotel transfer. The hotel says it can help with airport transfers, with the vehicle chosen by group size. Its booking form has an option to be met at the airport. Ask the hotel for the cost when you book.
Taxi. A Kigali expat guide says to expect to haggle with airport taxis and calls a hotel transfer the easier choice. Agree the fare before you get in.
Moto or ride app. The same guide says motorbike taxis are the most popular transport in Kigali for most people, and that Yego cabs can be ordered on the toll-free number 9191. Buses and motos use a different gate from cars.
If you arrive with a group, or with a lot of luggage, a pre-arranged transfer saves the haggling and the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa before I fly?
In most cases no. Visit Rwanda says citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival. You can apply online through Irembo first if you prefer.
How far is the hotel from the airport?
About 20 minutes by car, according to the hotel. Allow more time in peak traffic.
Can the hotel meet me at the airport?
The hotel says it can help with airport transfers, and the booking form has an option to be met at the airport. Tell the hotel your group size so it can choose the vehicle.
What happens to plastic bags at the airport?
They are confiscated, according to Visit Rwanda. Bring cloth bags instead.
Book Your Stay And Airport Meeting
Send a booking request on the reservation page, choose the option to be met at the airport and give your arrival details, so the hotel can plan the ride before you land.