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Be sure to watch it to learn tips and tricks to make the most of your time in Kigali during the ICFP!
We wish you a warm welcome to Kigali for the International Conference on Family Planning 2018. This global gathering will take place at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
The KCC is conveniently located a short 15-minute drive from the airport and marks the halfway point to the Kigali Central Business District. The information provided below is to enable all conference delegates to better access both the ICFP and Kigali, but for further assistance please do not hesitate to contact the local event management team at servation@theeventsfactory.biz or the ICFP conference organizers at 0788625656.
Immigration & Visas
As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders.
Costs
- A single entry tourist visa costs US $30 (exclusions apply for selective countries and is valid for 30 days.
- A single entry conference visa costs US $30 and is valid for 30 days.
- A multiple entry business visa costs US $50 and is valid for one year.
- The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, costs US $100 and is valid for 90 days.
For further information on visas or work permits, please consult the Rwanda Directorate of Immigration and Emigrationwww.migration.gov.rw .
Applicants should have a valid passport or another acceptable travel document. The document must have a validity of at least six months on the day of entry into Rwanda.
Visas can be applied for before departure, by submitting an application online, with the option to pay online www.irembo.gov.rw or upon arrival. Alternatively applications can be submitted at the Rwanda Diplomatic Missions of the country of residence.
On arrival in Kigali
All delegates to the ICFP 2018 will be received by a team of ushers just outside the luggage area at the Kigali International Airport in a branded ICFP Tent. This team will assist participants with all information about the event, transport and hotel details. Registration and accreditation All delegates are required to register and we highly advise all participant to register in advance on the ICFP website to receive their conference materials (bags & badges) on arrival. Onsite registration is open from 9-14 November from 09:00–20:00 daily at the KCC just beyond the main security gate The accreditation center at the Kigali Convention Centre will be open from 9-13 November 2018 from 09:00–20:30.
Transportation
Transportation has been organized for all ICFP delegates staying at designated ICFP partner hotels. This includes airport shuttles to the different partner hotels (posted on the ICFP website) as well as daily shuttles between the partner hotels and the Kigali Convention Centre. Taxis are also available at the Kigali International Airport and at many of our partner hotels.
Currency
Rwanda’s unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (FRW). Most international currencies are freely exchangeable at all banks and Forex Bureaus. It is advisable to always use an official Forex Bureau or bank when exchanging currency. The official rates are available on the website of the national bank (www.bnr.rw) but the Forex Bureau will normally offer a better rate. There are multiple ATMs throughout Kigali, including at the KCC, that are accessible to visitors. Credit cards are accepted in most supermarkets, restaurants and hotels.
Weather
Fractionally south of the Equator and with much of the country lying at 1500m altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate. Temperatures in Kigali vary between 24 and 20 degrees in the evenings. The month of November is however during the rainy season and travelers are advised to plan accordingly.
Electricity
The electricity current in Rwanda is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The plug type mostly used is the round European plug but travelers are advised to carry a universal adapter as some hotels might have different plugs.
Security
Rwanda remains one of the safest countries to live in on the African continent and ICFP attendees’ security while in Kigali is of the utmost concern. However, in case of an emergency, the toll free number to call is 112.
Customs
Delegates and exhibitors who are importing goods will need to send them to the KCC in advance as it takes between 2 to 3 days to process through customs. Our preferred clearing firms are:
Bolloré Logistics
Contact: Jean Luc Miravumba
Tel +250252575584
Email: jeanluc.miravumba@bollore.com
Spedag Interfreight
Contact: Humphrey Tel: +250788383012
Email: humphrey.pule@spedaginterfreight.com
Telecommunication Facilities
Upon arrival at the airport, interested delegates have the option to purchase SIM Cards for either of the two local telecom operators (MTN, Airtel). Internet Most hotels will offer Internet connectivity to all residents but heavy users are advised to buy their own data connectivity from any of the telecom companies available at the airport.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in most places in Rwanda, with the exception of some higher-end restaurants in town where 10% of the final bill is standard.
Kigali City
Kigali is located at Rwanda’s geographical heart. The rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country’s most important business center and main port of entry. Peacefully nestled along picturesque hilltops, Kigali is a thriving African city immediately notable for its cleanliness, orderliness and hospitality. There are currently over 1,000 three to five star rated hotel rooms within easy access of the Kigali Convention Centre and downtown Kigali.
Some other key info:
Land Area : 26,338 square Kilometers
Population : 11.5million GDP per capita : $729 USD (as per 2016)
Time zone : CAT (UTC+2)
Traffic flow : Keeps right
Calling code : +250
Bars & Restaurants in Kigali
The city’s many restaurants serve traditional or contemporary African and international cuisine – a wide choice to suit every taste. For more information, visit here.
Tourism
Attractions in Rwanda Rwanda is a lovely country to visit. If you make time before or after the event, feel free to contact any of our partner tour agencies through the ICFP websites. For more information on tourism in Rwanda please visit rwandatourism.com/destinations
Health
There will be a standby medical team at the Kigali Convention Centre to assist ICFP 2018 delegates requiring their services. The Help Desk at the facility will be happy to assist, alternatively please call + 1110 Travelers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations. The government of Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever or a country with an active yellow fever outbreak. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled water can be bought in all towns – make sure the seal is intact.
Kigali’s elevation sits at about 5,000 feet, which may require adjustments for those coming from lower altitudes or who have health issues.
Accepted International Health Insurances:
Henner-GMC
Britam
Bupa
Seven corners
Oxfam
PWC et Allianz
UAP
For more information on tourism in Rwanda please visit http://rwandatourism.com/destinations
