Short answer: After you land at Kigali International Airport, complete immigration, collect your bags, pick up a local SIM or mobile data if you need it, and meet your pre-arranged driver. The ride to Holy Apartments on KK 101 St takes about 3 minutes, and check-in is possible at any time.
Key takeaways
- Check visa and entry rules on the official immigration site before you fly. They depend on your nationality and change.
- Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc (RWF). Cards and mobile money are widely used in Kigali, and you can withdraw cash at ATMs.
- Single-use plastic bags are banned. Do not pack them.
- Arrange airport pickup in advance for the simplest first ride.
Before you fly
Passport, visa and entry requirements
Rwanda’s entry rules depend on your nationality and purpose of travel. Many travellers can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online, some nationalities are exempt for short stays, and longer stays or work require the right permit. Rules and fees change, so confirm them shortly before you travel using the official Rwanda immigration website, and the government services portal Irembo for online applications. Carry a passport with enough validity and blank pages, and keep your onward or return ticket and accommodation details handy, as officers may ask for them.
Health and documents
Check whether any health documents are required for your route. A yellow fever vaccination certificate, for example, may be required if you are arriving from certain countries. Speak to a travel clinic about routine vaccines and malaria advice for any onward trips. Rwandan authorities may update health requirements, so verify before travel.
Book your first ride
Send your flight number and landing time to your accommodation so a driver can meet you. At Holy Apartments, airport pickup is a paid service we confirm with your booking, and we ask you to share your flight details so we know when to expect you. If your flight is delayed or lands early, tell us.
Step by step: from plane to apartment
- Land at Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kanombe, Kicukiro District.
- Immigration. Follow the signs to arrivals. Have your passport, visa or visa approval and any forms ready.
- Baggage reclaim. Collect your luggage. If anything is missing, report it to your airline’s desk before leaving the hall.
- Customs. Rwanda restricts single-use plastic bags, so avoid carrying them, and declare anything you are required to declare.
- Money and SIM. Withdraw some cash or exchange a little for immediate needs. Buy a local SIM card if you want mobile data (you will need your passport to register it).
- Meet your driver in the arrivals area, using the contact details you shared.
- The ride. The trip to Holy Apartments takes about 3 minutes.
- Check in. Check-in is possible at any time. Your apartment’s cleaning, internet, gas and bills are already covered.
Money in Rwanda
The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). In Kigali, hotels, many restaurants and larger shops accept cards, and ATMs are common, but small vendors, taxis and market stalls usually want cash or mobile money. Mobile money services such as MTN MoMo and Airtel Money are widely used by residents. Exchange rates at the airport can be less favourable than in town, so change only what you need immediately. Carry smaller notes for taxis and markets.
Phone, SIM cards and internet
Rwanda’s main mobile networks include MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda. SIM registration requires identification, so bring your passport. Data bundles are inexpensive compared with roaming. Your apartment’s internet is included at Holy Apartments, so a SIM is mostly for when you are out and about. If you plan to stay longer, ask us about local advice for setting up mobile data and mobile money.
Getting to your accommodation
| Option | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-arranged pickup | Late arrivals, first-timers, luggage | Share flight number and landing time. Price confirmed in advance. |
| Licensed taxi | Flexibility | Agree the fare before you set off. |
| Ride-hailing app | Residents, longer stays | Needs a local SIM or data. Local apps operate in Kigali. |
| Moto-taxi | Solo travellers with light bags | Helmets are required. Not ideal with luggage. |
Your first hour in the apartment
- Connect to the Wi-Fi (already included) and message your family that you have arrived.
- Check the hot water, air conditioning and TV, and ask if anything is unclear.
- If you are staying in a one-bedroom, locate your own kitchen and cooking gas. In a studio, find the shared kitchen.
- Ask about parking, security and the rooftop, which is easy to access.
- Rest. You have arrived.
Departure day
Check-out at Holy Apartments is at 11:00 am. For afternoon or evening flights you can arrange to leave your bags, and because the airport is about 3 minutes away you can leave comparatively late. For early flights, tell us the evening before so your ride is ready. Airlines set their own check-in deadlines, so confirm them with your carrier.
If something goes wrong
- Flight delayed or early: message us so your driver can adjust.
- Luggage missing: report it at your airline’s desk in the baggage hall and keep the reference number.
- No signal: use airport Wi-Fi if available, or ask the driver or a staff member to help you call.
- Visa questions at the desk: ask for clarification politely and refer to the official immigration site if needed.
Arrival checklist you can screenshot
- Passport (with valid pages), visa or approval, return or onward ticket
- Accommodation address: Holy Apartments, KK 101 St, Kicukiro District, Kigali
- Your host’s phone or WhatsApp number
- Flight number and landing time shared with your driver
- A little cash in RWF and a card
- Reusable bags (no plastic bags)
- A charged phone and, if needed, a power adapter (Type C or J)
Arriving with children or family
Long flights are harder with children, so a short transfer and a flexible check-in make a big difference. Ask your host for a car with enough space for luggage and car seats if needed, tell them how many passengers you are, and consider booking an apartment with a kitchen so you can prepare simple meals on arrival. Holy Apartments’ one-bedroom units have their own kitchen, which is useful for families.
Special assistance and accessibility
If you need mobility assistance, speak to your airline before travel and to your accommodation about access. The building has a lift that serves every floor except the rooftop, so confirm details for your specific needs before you arrive and arrangements can be made.
What to buy on your first day
- Bottled or filtered water for drinking.
- Basic groceries for the first meals (the apartment has a kitchen or a shared kitchen, with gas included).
- Toiletries you may have left out of your hand luggage.
- A local SIM if you did not buy one at the airport.
Understanding the arrival process in context
Kigali International Airport is relatively compact, and many travellers find the process straightforward when their documents are in order. The most common delays come from incomplete documentation, long immigration queues when several flights land together, and bags arriving late. Allow a margin before meeting your driver, and keep your host updated if you are running late. Because the apartment is only minutes away, your first night can start soon after you leave the terminal.
Arriving at different times of day
A daytime arrival
Daytime flights make errands easy: you can exchange cash, buy a SIM, shop for groceries and get your bearings before dark. Ask your host for local recommendations and plan your first evening nearby.
An evening arrival
Evening arrivals work well with a pre-arranged pickup. After checking in, you can still reach a nearby restaurant or order a simple meal. Keep water and a snack in your hand luggage in case shops are closed.
A late-night or early-morning arrival
This is where a short ride and flexible check-in matter most. Confirm the exact arrival time with your host, keep your phone charged, and avoid unplanned transport at night. At Holy Apartments, check-in is possible at any time.
Connecting with your driver: a simple routine
- Send your flight number and landing time at least a day before.
- Message your host when you land and again when you clear immigration.
- Look for your driver in the arrivals area, and confirm their name and your name before getting into the car.
- Keep your phone on and your host’s number saved.
Cash, cards and mobile money: a practical mix
Plan to carry a small amount of cash in Rwandan francs for taxis, snacks and markets, a card for hotels, restaurants and larger shops, and, if you will be staying for a while, to set up mobile money as residents do. Withdraw modest amounts at a time and keep your cash in more than one place. Always keep a record of your bank’s international contact number.
Staying connected from the first minute
Download offline maps and any messaging apps you will need before you fly, and note your host’s WhatsApp number. If you are collecting a SIM at the airport, make sure your phone is unlocked and your passport is easy to reach. For longer stays, ask about mobile data bundles and how to top up. Apartment Wi-Fi covers you indoors.
Customs and what you can bring
Rwanda has rules about what you can bring in and out, including restrictions on single-use plastic bags, and rules for items such as drones, certain electronics and agricultural products. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, check the relevant official guidance before you fly rather than at the border. Declare anything you are required to declare, and keep receipts for valuable items.
Your first 24 hours
- Check in, rest, and shower.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and tell family you have arrived.
- Buy water and basic groceries.
- Take a short walk to get oriented in daylight.
- Plan the next day: transport, meetings or sightseeing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to enter Rwanda?
It depends on your nationality and purpose of travel. Check the official Rwanda immigration website before you fly.
What currency should I carry?
The Rwandan franc (RWF). Cards are accepted in many places in Kigali, but carry some cash.
Can I buy a SIM at the airport?
Yes, local SIM cards are available and require your passport to register.
How long is the ride from the airport to Holy Apartments?
About 3 minutes by road.
Is airport pickup free?
No. It is a paid service, and we confirm the price with your booking.
Can I arrive in the middle of the night?
Yes. Check-in is possible at any time.
Are plastic bags really banned?
Yes. Rwanda restricts single-use plastic bags, so avoid bringing them and use reusable bags instead.
Entry rules, fees and health requirements change. This guide is general information, last reviewed October 2026. Always verify with official sources.