Rwanda

Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA)

Rwanda Film Office (RFO)

Visas & Work Permits

ntry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Most Western passport holders can obtain a visa either on arrival or online prior to travelling.

Rwanda requires press and media accreditation for each crew member, from the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Sports & Culture. This usually takes a minimum of three weeks to process. Passport scans and passport size photos, as well as other documents, are required to obtain authorisation.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Rwanda.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.

 

Film Location Permits

Film location permits to shoot in public locations, around Rwanda, are generally quick and easy to obtain.

A permit is required for drone filming, which must be applied for in advance.

Unauthorised photography of military sites, government buildings, airports and public monuments is prohibited. Penalties may include arrest, fines and confiscation of equipment.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Rwanda is not an ATA carnet country.

Very little camera, grip and lighting equipment exists locally. The closest place that has all of the standard equipment is Nairobi, Kenya.

Bringing in gear is a simple process.

When to Film

Rwanda’s high altitude gives it a temperate climate, despite its close proximity to the equator.

The dry season runs from June to September. Rwanda has two wet seasons – one from March to May and the other from October to December. The wet season turns the landscape green and verdant.

Rains are heavier and more frequent in the northeast, where the volcanoes are covered by rainforest. The summit of Karisimbi, the highest peak in Rwanda, is often covered in snow.

In Rwanda, Christianity is the largest religion, so those holidays are observed.

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Rwanda.

Rwanda’s local costs such as talent, supporting crew and locations are inexpensive, but imported goods can be expensive.

Since little to no filming infrastructure exists in Rwanda, all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Kenya is the closest major production centre.

The standard VAT rate in Rwanda at the time of writing is set at 18%.

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up to date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up to date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.