Practical information to help delegates prepare for the ESAAMLG Annual Meeting 2026, from weather and visas to getting around Kigali.
The meeting falls within Rwanda's long dry season, which typically runs from June to September.
Warm, sunny afternoons
Cool mornings & evenings
Occasional light shower
Strong midday sun at altitude
Kigali's dry-season days are warm, but a few extras will keep you comfortable indoors and out.
For plenary sessions and receptions, in a style suited to Kigali's warm days.
Conference and meeting rooms are air-conditioned and can be too cold. Bring an added layer to be comfortable through long sessions.
Sunglasses and sunscreen, according to your own sensitivity — the sun is strong at Kigali's altitude.
For walking between venues, and for standing up well to long stretches in meetings.
Rwanda runs on 230V at 50Hz. Bring a universal adaptor if your devices use a different plug shape.
Two round pins — the common European-style plug.
Three round pins in a triangle — the Swiss-style socket also used in Rwanda.
Both cash and cashless payment are widely available everywhere in Kigali, from hotels to markets.
The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the local currency.
Widely available at hotels, banks and larger venues.
Widely used locally for everyday payments.
Ensure it's USD, EUR or GBP — all easily exchangeable in all Forex Bureaus in Kigali.
Kinyarwanda is the national language, used everywhere across Kigali.
English, Kinyarwanda and French are all used in business and official settings.
Citizens of all 55 African Union (AU) member states receive a free entry pass upon arrival.
Must present a valid travel document (passport) with at least six months of validity and usable space within.
Free 30-day visa upon arrival at all border points.
Receive a free entry pass valid for up to 6 months.
Can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport at not more than 50 USD for single entry and 70 USD for multiple entry.
Delegates should be in good health before travelling, and avoid travel if they have recently been in contact with, or in a place with, a known active spreadable infection.
Check current travel health guidance with your airline or a travel clinic before departure.
Rwanda generally requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from endemic regions.
Delegates should remember to pack enough of any medication they need for the full duration of their stay.
You will enter Rwanda through Kigali International Airport (KGL), 30 minutes from the Kigali Serena Hotel, with modern facilities, lounges and seamless immigration processing. A professional conference team will give you a warm welcome at the airport and assist with hassle-free clearance.
Pre-arranged conference shuttles will be available for registered delegates. For everything else, Kigali is easy to get around.
Fast and affordable for short trips — electric options are available.
Available at hotels for straightforward point-to-point trips.
YegoMoto, Move and GreenRide Africa all operate across Kigali.
Safe and affordable, though less convenient than other options.
Contact the Professional Conference Organizer, Global Planners, for assistance.
Rwandans are very hospitable, often greeting with handshakes, light hugs, waves, and smiles. Modesty, calmness and respect are highly valued.
From around Kigali experiences to 3 hour drives, Rwanda offers plenty for delegates arriving early or staying on. See the Tourism page for great options.
Should the need arise, Kigali is served by state-of-the-art health facilities, including CHUK, King Faisal Hospital and Rwanda Military Hospital. Ambulances will be on standby throughout the meeting, with reserved direct access to these designated health facilities.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| General Emergency / Police | 112 |
| Ambulance | 912 |
| Fire Brigade | 111 |
| Traffic Accidents | 113 |
| Gender-Based Violence Hotline | 3512 |
| English | Kinyarwanda | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Muraho | Formal, respectful greeting |
| Good morning | Mwaramutse | Morning greeting |
| How are you? | Amakuru? | General greeting |
| I'm fine | Ni meza | Response to "Amakuru?" |
| Welcome | Murakaza neza | Welcoming someone warmly |
| Thank you very much | Murakoze cyane | Warm, polite thanks |
| Please | Nyabuneka | Polite request |
