Rwanda Travel Advice -

Share this article

Latest update: You no longer need a COVID-19 test to enter Rwanda. Additional COVID-19 testing is no longer in place on arrival at or departing Kigali International Airport. You should confirm rules for departure with your airline, noting these rules may vary between airlines.

Is Rwanda Safe to Visit on a safari?

Yes, Rwanda is recognised as one of the safest destinations in Africa, particularly for solo travellers. Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has stabilised greatly. The World Economic Forum ranked Rwanda as the 9^th safest country in 2017, ahead of Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, Qatar, Estonia, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Netherlands, and Morocco. The rankings consider the effects of ordinary crime, violence and terrorism and how security agencies are reliable in as far as crime prevention is concerned.

However, like any other tourist destination around the world, we encourage all travellers to exercise reasonable caution and common sense but not to be afraid to experience and embrace the thrilling attractions of this small East African nation. Therefore, pay attention to the following;

International Travel

Kigali Airport is open. Commercial flights to and from Rwanda are running as normal. You may be randomly tested for COVID-19 upon entry.

Check with your travel company/airline, and the website of the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister for the latest information.

Visas and Border Measures

The government of Rwanda has published updated guidance for passengers arriving in and departing from Rwanda.

Visas

You need a visa to enter Rwanda. Thirty-day tourist visas are free and available on arrival for citizens of member states of the commonwealth, as well as for those of the African Union and the Francophone.

You can also choose to get a visa in advance at any Rwandan diplomatic mission or online. You can apply for Rwanda entry visas electronically at Rwandan immigration department or visagov.com/en/rwa-visa-for-rwanda. Citizens of commonwealth countries receive free 30-day tourist visas on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Rwandan immigration department for more information.

Refer to Rwanda’s national health implementation agency for the latest updates on official COVID-19 measures.

COVID-19 testing is available at your own cost at health centres and other designated sites if your final destination requires one. You can book and pay for your COVID-19 tests through the online platform available at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre website, check the website for the most up to date guidance.

Some meeting venues and national parks require a negative COVID-19 test. Testing is available at health facilities and other designated sites. Refer to Rwanda’s national health implementation agency for regularly updated official information on COVID-19 measures.

If you are planning to apply for resident/business or missionary multiple entry visas on entry to Rwanda you will need to get police clearance before you travel.

You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. You can apply for this visa on the e-visa website.

There are no exemptions to Rwanda’s entry requirements.

Passport validity

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Rwanda. You will need one blank page on your passport for entry stamps.

COVID-19

All Rwanda travellers aged 12 years and above must show proof of full vaccination before departing Rwanda by air.

A COVID-19 test is no longer a requirement to depart Rwanda by air. However, COVID-19 testing (at own cost) is available for all travellers whose final destination requires one, at health centres and other designated sites. Travellers are advised to check with airlines about the COVID-19 requirements of the final destination and/or transit countries and plan for their RT-PCR test accordingly.

The government of Rwanda continues to encourage the use of voluntary COVID-19 testing facilities.

Yellow fever

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Rwanda. Some airlines may want to see a certificate when you leave.

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It’s prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. Carry your vaccination card with you.

Malaria is common throughout the year.

To protect yourself from disease:

Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof.
Use insect repellent.
Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing.
Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

To protect yourself from other illnesses:

Drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

Consume foods or drinks from sources that are hygienic to avoid cases of food poisoning or cholera.

Avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
Don’t swim in fresh water.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

All Travellers

The government of Rwanda has published updated guidance for passengers arriving in and departing from Rwanda.

Rwanda no longer requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test before arrival into Rwanda. Completing a Passenger Locator Form is also no longer required.

Certain meeting venues and national parks still require COVID-19 tests. Testing is available at health facilities and other designated sites for 5,000 RWF (or UD$5) for rapid antigen tests, and 50,000 RWF (or US$50) for PCR tests (required to access Virunga National Park). Rwandan citizens pay a subsidized cost for PCR tests of 30,000 RWF (or US$30).

The government is regularly reviewing these measures. Refer to Rwanda’s national health implementation agency for regularly updated official information on COVID-19 measures.

You should monitor the website of the office of the Prime Minister of Rwanda and the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister for further updates.

You will need a visa to enter or travel through Rwanda as a visitor.

If you are transiting through Rwanda, the Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure. An additional COVID-19 test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport for transiting/connecting travellers.

There are no exemptions to Rwanda’s entry requirements.

You do not need to present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Rwanda. However incoming travellers eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations (aged 12 years and above) are encouraged to be fully vaccinated before their travel.

Be prepared for your plans to Change.

No travel is risk free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your Travel Company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda before returning to your home country, the local authorities will expect the vast majority of people to self-isolate at home for 14 days or until you test negative for COVID-19. If you are visiting and staying in a hotel, you may be asked to self-isolate in your room, or to relocate to another hotel or another floor in your current hotel.

If you test positive, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) will follow up and offer further tests until you test negative. You will be expected to self-isolate after testing positive and the RBC will conduct checks to ensure self-isolation compliance.

The RBC will monitor your symptoms and if they are serious, you may be moved to a treatment centre.

Further information about what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda and how you can keep in contact with the health system can be found on theRwanda Biomedical Centre website.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

Can access money
Understand what your insurance will cover
Can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned.

Travel in Rwanda

Movements nationwide are no longer prohibited.

The office of the Prime Minister publishes communiqués setting out details of measures in response to COVID-19, on their website, normally every two weeks, and on the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister.

All tourists are required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to visiting Rwanda’s national parks, apart from Akagera National Park, at their own cost. Tests can be booked by appointment via reservations@rdb.rw or tel: +250 (0) 788313800. Tourists visiting Akagera National Park and other tourist destinations are required to take a rapid antigen test, which are available at numerous walk-in clinics in Kigali for RWF 5,000. Tourists without a negative test result will not be admitted to the national parks.

Accommodation

Accommodation is open and available for bookings.

Public Places and Services

The government of Rwanda is taking measures to respond to COVID-19. Citizens and residents of Rwanda must be fully vaccinated in order to access public places. People attending any event must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours prior to meeting. Wearing face masks is no longer mandatory (but people are encouraged to wear masks indoors). More details about the latest measures have been published on the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s office publishes communiqués setting out details of measures in response to COVID-19, including movement restrictions, on their website, normally every two weeks.

Healthcare

If you tests positive for COVID-19 and wish to be repatriated for treatment outside of Rwanda, you will be expected to cover the costs.

If you are running low on medication or require emergency medical treatment, you should contact your doctor or medical practitioner. They should be able to discuss your situation over the phone and advise on the best course of action. Some hospitals and pharmacies are able to deliver medication to you. All major pharmacies in Kigali and surrounding towns are able to read and understand prescriptions issued by your doctor. Prescriptions issued from your country are accepted but you should be aware that pharmacies in Rwanda do not always stock the same range of medication found in pharmacies in your country. You are therefore advised to travel with adequate stocks of your medication for the duration of your stay in Rwanda.

COVID-19 remains a risk in Rwanda. Monitor the media for latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities. For information on Rwanda’s COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to Rwanda Biomedical Centre website and their COVID-19 Vaccination Portal. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally.

Malaria occurs across the country, including in Kigali. Consider taking anti-malaria medication. Other insect-borne diseases also occur. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.

HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you’re taking part in high-risk activities.

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include meningitis, meningococcal disease, tuberculosis and rabies. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.

Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Consider your physical and mental health/well-being before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

If you’re not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away.

Further information

If you need urgent consular assistance, you can contact your nearest high commission or consulate.

Money

The Rwandan Franc is the dominant currency and you should expect to pay for transport and in smaller shops using cash.

There are ATMs in Kigali, but not all of them accept foreign cards. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger bars, restaurants and in many supermarkets.

We do not recommend going to ATMs after dark and suggest travellers attend those which are guarded by security guards.

Local Travel - National Parks

The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which neighbors Rwanda remains unstable, and conflict can flare up with little notice. There have been incidents of violent clashes on the DRC-Rwanda border in recent years, and armed incursions into the southwest of Rwanda. Tourist’s sites have not been affected and the Rwandan government has assured residents and visitors that the area remains secure.

Demonstrations may take place in the city of Goma, eastern DRC, against international interests. You ought to remain alert for demonstrations and look to leave any affected areas.

If you plan to visit areas close to the DRC or Burundi borders, such as popular tourist destinations including Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, you should be alert to the risks and exercise caution.

All travellers should keep up-to-date with developments on the current situation, including via your tour operator and the local media.

The land border crossings between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu are open although the hours of operation may vary. If you’re crossing regularly between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo you may encounter immigration difficulties if you have not regularized your residency status.

The situation in Burundi remains unstable. Tensions along the Rwanda/Burundi border remain heightened, with allegations from both sides of cross-border raids targeting local inhabitants.

In July 2016, Burundi banned public transport vehicles from crossing the border with Rwanda. The border remains closed currently.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is open in the Volcanoes National Park

If you plan to travel close to the border with the DRC you should remain aware of the risks, exercise caution, and keep up-to-date with developments on the current situation, including via your tour operator and the local media.

Grenade Attacks

Grenade attacks have occurred sporadically over the last five years. Genocide memorial sites, markets, bus stops, and taxis have been targets in Kigali and Ruhengeri (Musanze). While such attacks have reduced in frequency, further indiscriminate attacks cannot be ruled out, including in places frequented by foreigners. You should remain vigilant.

Is there Crime in Rwanda?

Rwanda’s crime rate is so much lower than other African countries. However, like any other tourist destination, there is petty crime in Rwanda like pickpockets which often work in crowded places such as markets and public transportation hubs and extremely rare cases of mugging and bag snatching. That said, we encourage you to observe the following;

Levels of crime remain relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag snatching and mugging in Kigali. You should take sensible precautions. Take care when walking at night. Pre-arrange transport. Lock car doors when driving, don’t leave valuables in cars when parked and don’t leave cars unsupervised in the town centre.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables including expensive jewellery or watches. Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of ID at all times. If you need a bit of cash for excursions, keep your money in small hidden pouch, in a purse held at your front body or your front pocket.

Some off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well-lit or signposted. You should take extra care when walking around less populated zones, particularly at night time.

Road Travel

You can drive using an International Driving Permit for up to one year, after which you should apply for a Rwandan license. To apply for a local driving license, you need to write a letter of application to the Commissioner Traffic and Road Safety attaching your existing license and a copy of your visa or Foreign Resident ID card, and pay a fee.

Roads from Kigali to all major towns are good. There can be landslides during the annual rains in late spring and autumn. Avoid road travel after dark as roads are unlit and driving standards are poor.

Shared taxis (mini-vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport within towns and around the country. However, they are also the most vulnerable to accidents.

Public transport may be affected by COVID-19 prevention measures.

Air Travel

Before using internal or regional flights that are not with major international carriers, you should check the airline’s accreditation and see whether the airline operates in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) safety standards.

Health and Safety

Levels of health and safety in Rwanda may be lower than in your country. There have been incidences of buildings and construction sites collapsing, causing deaths and serious injuries. Fire safety standards are also variable, with incidences of fire in residential and public places a continuing risk.

There have been a number of building fires apparently caused by poor wiring and substandard electrical cables. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.

Terrorist attacks in Rwanda can’t be ruled out. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

Photography of some government buildings is prohibited.

Plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons. Visible plastic bags will be confiscated on arrival at the airport.

The week following Genocide Memorial Day on 7 April is designated an official week of mourning.

The last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, which is a national day of community service, during which most normal services close down from 7am to 11am. The first and third Sunday of the month, the city of Kigali has a car free morning from 7am to 10am to promote and exercise healthy living and to reduce car emissions. Other districts in the country have followed suit in the two consecutive Sundays.

Local festivals may be affected by COVID-19 prevention measures.

LGBT Community

Homosexual activity is not illegal in Rwanda but remains frowned on by many. Although public displays of homosexuality like holding hands and kissing in public places is unpopular, Rwanda still remains a friendly country that welcomes everybody. Love and intimacy is a very private thing in Rwandan culture and public displays of affections are frowned upon for diverse relationships.

Illegal Trade

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a license. If you’re caught buying or trafficking these goods, you’re liable to be prosecuted and receive a prison sentence or a fine. Penalties for drug trafficking are severe.

If you are taking photographs of people, ask their permission first.

You may be stopped and asked for ID documents by officials. Carry a copy of the personal details page of your passport (the page with your photograph) with you at all times.

Medical Treatment

According to Rwandan law, any person on Rwandan territory must have health insurance.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. In the event of serious accident or illness evacuation by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa maybe required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Earthquakes

There are occasional earthquakes. You can find a real-time earthquake map and further information about earthquakes in Rwanda on the website of the US Geological Survey. In the event of an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

On 22 May 2021, Mount Nyiragongo volcano in DRC, close to the city of Goma, and near the border with Rwanda and the Rwandan city of Gisenyi, erupted. Subsequent seismic activity was felt in Rwanda.