Rwandans spent nearly $198 million on overseas travel in first half of 2026

Rwandan residents spent an estimated $197.8 million (about Rwf291 billion) on travel abroad in the first half of 2026, with business trips accounting for nearly half of spending in the second quarter, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

The half-year figure comprises $98.1 million spent in the first quarter and $99.7 million in the second quarter, recorded as imports of travel services under Rwanda’s balance of payments accounts. The figures are contained in the NISR's Travel Expenditure Survey Report released on September 15.

The expenditure covers goods and services acquired by residents during trips abroad, including accommodation, food and beverages, entertainment, sightseeing, souvenirs and gifts, transport within destination countries and other expenses. International transportation costs are excluded.

Business travel accounted for 49.1 per cent of $99.7 million spent abroad between April and June. Visits to friends and relatives accounted for $20.5 million, followed by education at $18.9 million, holidays at $8.6 million and health-related travel at $2.8 million.

Air travel accounted for $76.2 million in the second quarter, while land travel accounted for $23.5 million. Among air travellers, business trips accounted for $32.8 million, followed by education at $17.6 million, visits to friends and relatives at $14.6 million, holidays at $8.5 million and health-related travel at $2.7 million.

For land travellers, business trips accounted for $16.2 million, while visits to friends and relatives accounted for $5.9 million.

NISR recorded 53,904 Rwandan residents returning from abroad by air during the second quarter of 2026. 31,876 had travelled for business, 14,928 to visit friends and relatives, 4,929 for holidays, 1,644 for education and 527 for health-related purposes.

Another 276,416 residents returned by land during the same period. Nearly 210,000 had travelled for business, while 59,599 had travelled to visit friends and relatives.

Spending also varied by destination and purpose. Among residents travelling by air, average daily expenditure on business trips ranged from $102 in East African Community (EAC) countries to $140 in North America.

For holiday travel, average daily spending ranged from $130 in Europe to $170 in the EAC.