requirements for travel to rwanda

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory March 29, 2024

Rwanda - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to add area of Level 3.

Exercise normal precautions in Rwanda. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• The Rwanda-Burundi border due to armed violence.

Reconsider Travel to:

• The Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Rwanda.

If you decide to travel to Rwanda:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Rwanda.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Rwanda- Burundi  Border—Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution The Nyungwe Forest National Park abuts the border with Burundi. Borders may not be clearly marked. It is required to obtain permits from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda are tense and there have been cross-border incursions and armed violence.

Rwanda- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)  Border – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Armed groups operate in DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces and Virunga Park which is adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The area has experienced escalating levels of armed conflict which could spill across poorly marked borders. Permits are required from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Yes. Yellow fever vaccination if entering from a country where yellow fever is endemic and/or where there is an active outbreak of yellow fever.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Kigali 30 KG 7 Avenue Kigali, Rwanda 

Telephone : +250-252-596-400-7000 (Monday through Thursday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)  Emergency After-Hours Telephone : +250-252-596-400, and dial 1  Fax : +250-252-596-591  Emails :

• American Citizen Services: [email protected]
• Immigrant Visas: [email protected]
• Non-Immigrant Visas: [email protected]

To receive Alerts and other information from the Embassy during your stay in Rwanda, please sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) online at step.state.gov.  

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s  Fact Sheet on Rwanda  for information on U.S.-Rwanda relations. 

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Requirements for Entry: 

• U.S. passports must be valid for six months after the date of entry into Rwanda.  
• Obtain a 30-day tourist visa at the port of entry for $50 (single entry) or $70 (multiple entry). Credit cards are generally accepted at the Kigali International Airport but are not accepted at some land borders. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers arrive at the Kigali International Airport travel with sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for the visa in case credit card transactions are not possible at the time of your arrival. Additional information about this process can be found on the Rwandan Immigration website . 
• Obtain 30-day, 90-day, or 10-year tourist visa through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. Additional information about this process can be found on the Rwandan Embassy’s website .  
• Immunizations : World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination if entering from the countries listed on the Rwandan Immigration website .

For information regarding the application process for a residency permit or work permit in Rwanda, please visit the Rwandan Immigration website .  

Contact the  Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration   in Kigali within 15 days of arrival to extend your visa, or apply online through the IREMBO site.  

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Rwanda; however, the U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens enter the country on their U.S. passport. 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Rwanda. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs information  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The U.S. Embassy advises all travelers to review the following information:

• Rwanda- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  border, including parts of Volcanoes National Park: Tensions between Rwanda and DRC have been elevated since early 2022 with Rwanda and DRC accusing each other of supporting armed groups that pose security threats to the other.  Multiple armed groups opposed to the Rwandan government operate in eastern DRC and have launched occasional incursions into Rwandan territory. Shells struck Rwandan territory in this area several times in 2022. Congolese armed forces and UN peacekeepers continue to conduct combat operations against rebels, militia, and ISIS-aligned groups in DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces, which abut Rwanda.  Violence, rape, kidnapping, killing, pillaging, armed robbery, and roadside criminality occur in these areas and often target civilians.
• Rwanda- Burundi  border, including parts of Nyungwe National Park: Relations between Burundi and Rwanda are currently cordial but in previous years there have been incidents of cross-border incursions, armed clashes and attacks on civilian buses. 
• Rwanda- Uganda border: Relations between Rwanda and Uganda are currently cordial but in previous years there have been elevated tensions in some areas along their shared land border.

Precautions : 

• Avoid demonstrations and remain vigilant while traveling, especially outside of cities. Even peaceful gatherings can become violent.
• Exercise extreme caution in border areas as the border may not be clearly marked. 
• Monitor local news and Embassy  Alerts .
• Obtain permits before entering Rwanda’s national parks. 

Crime: Most reported incidents involve petty theft and residential and hotel room robberies. Burglars may break and enter, or domestic staff and residential security guards may permit them entry. 

• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. 
• Do not display cash and valuables.
• Maintain caution in areas frequented by foreigners.  
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed. 
• Always carry a photocopy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents in a secure location. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information. 

Victims of Crime:  If you are in immediate danger, your first call should be to the Rwandan police through the emergency hotline number 112.   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should also contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the Rwanda National Police at 078-831-1124 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 250-252-596-400. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written request 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in case of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. 

Additional Resources : 

• Kigali City emergency hotline number is 112. Be aware that victims are often directed to the nearest police station to register a complaint in person. 
• The hotline number for traffic accidents is 113.  
• The hotline number to report abuse or attempted bribery by a police officer is 116. 
• See the complete list of police brigade numbers on  Embassy Kigali’s website . 
• Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) 112
• King Faisal Hospital +250 788-309-003 

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Additionally, ambulance services are limited and unreliable. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties :  You are subject to local laws while in Rwanda. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.  

The police may detain you if you are not carrying an acceptable form of identification. Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs (including marijuana) result in long prison sentences and heavy fines. 

Furthermore, some offenses are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website. 

Arrest Notification :  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information. 

Local Attorneys :  You can find a list of local attorneys on the U.S. Embassy’s  website .  

Genocide speech :  Laws about appropriate speech regarding the 1994 genocide in Rwanda are strictly enforced. Promoting ideas based on “ethnic, regional, racial, religious, language, or other divisive characteristics” is prohibited.  Public incitement of “genocide ideology” or “divisionism,” including genocide denial, discrimination, and sectarianism, is punishable by five to seven years in prison and fines of 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs. Please refer to the Rwandan Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement’s website for additional information regarding this topic.

Human Rights Observers, Journalists, NGO workers, and Students :  Rwandan authorities may subject you to more scrutiny at immigration upon arrival if you meet or plan to meet with individuals or organizations who are critical of the government. 

Photography :  Photographing military sites, government buildings, airports, and public monuments is strictly prohibited. 

Currency :  The Rwandan franc (RWF) is the official currency, though U.S. dollars may also be used. Most vendors and banks will only accept U.S. bills printed after 2009, and exchange bureaus and hotels may refuse bills smaller than $100. 

Plastic shopping and grocery bags  are banned and may be confiscated upon arrival. 

Natural disasters :

• Rwanda is in a seismically active region, which includes Mount Nyiragongo volcano in Virunga National Park. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency: Earthquakes  and at  Ready.gov .   
• During rainy season from February to May and September to December, Rwanda may experience heavy rains that lead to flooding and landslides. You can monitor weather warnings on the  Rwanda Meteorology Agency website .  

Akagera National Park and Wildlife Areas :  Heed all instructions given by guides and trackers. Approaching wild animals, even in a vehicle, can result in injury or death. 

Drones/Photography :  A permit is required to fly a drone recreationally or commercially in Rwanda. Please visit the Rwandan Government’s Tourism website for additional information. Photographing military sites, government buildings, airports, and public monuments is prohibited. Travelers entering Rwanda with drones, must declare the drone upon arrival, will be subject to additional scrutiny, and will be asked to present their permit.

Faith-Based Travelers :  See the following web pages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers :  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Rwanda. However, LGBTQI+ individuals may face societal discrimination and abuse, including harassment by neighbors and police. 

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section six of our  Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities :  Rwandan law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities,  and the government generally enforces these provisions. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Access to transportation, lodging, and public buildings is limited, though newly constructed buildings in Kigali have improved facilities, including elevators.  Sidewalks are not common outside of Kigali and do not include curb-cuts. 

Students :  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips . 

Women Travelers :  Domestic violence is common. Although many incidents are not reported or prosecuted, government officials encourage its reporting. Call the Rwanda National Police hotline at 112. See our tips for  Women Travelers . 

Please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Rwanda.

For emergency services in Rwanda, dial 112 for police, 113 for traffic accidents, or 116 to report abuse by a police officer.

Ambulance services are:

• not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills. U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Healthcare providers require payment in U.S. dollars/Rwandan francs before services are performed. 

Medical Insurance :  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority  to ensure the medication is legal in Rwanda. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, be the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. 

Air Quality : Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the CDC. While the CDC does not generally recommend the  yellow fever  vaccination for travel to Rwanda, the U.S. Embassy recommends travelers bring proof of yellow fever vaccination. The Rwandan government retains the right to turn travelers without the immunization away.

The following diseases are prevalent in  Rwanda : 

• African Tick-Bite Fever
• Chikungunya
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Leptospirosis
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Schistosomiasis
• Yellow Fever

Use CDC-recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays. 

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Rwanda. The CDC recommends travelers avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Further Health Information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) 

Health Facilities in General:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Kigali and other major cities but health care, especially in rural areas, may be below U.S. standards. 
• Some public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• While English is widely spoken in Rwanda, in certain areas in the country medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. 
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions. 

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, be the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.  
• Please review Rwandan rules on medication on the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority website.

Water Quality

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 
• Locally available fruit and vegetables may be contaminated with disease-causing organisms. In addition, these items may also have been treated with pesticides. It is important that all fruits and vegetables be adequately cleaned and prepared before consumption.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety :  Main roads between Kigali and other major towns are generally in good condition. Many secondary and unpaved roads are accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles but lack shoulders and become impassible during the rainy season, February to May and September to December, when flooding and mudslides occur. U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from driving outside of cities after dark. Street lighting is limited, and it is difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists, and roaming animals. Additional risks include: 

• poor vehicle maintenance 
• headlights that are extremely dim or not used 
• excessive speeding 
• absence of professional roadside assistance. 

Traffic Laws :  An international driving permit and third-party insurance are required. For specific information concerning Rwandan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, visit the website of the Rwanda Development Board .

Cell phone use while driving is illegal unless it is fitted with a hands-free device. After-market tinted window treatments are prohibited on all vehicles. 

Accidents :  Call the police and remain inside the vehicle until they arrive. If a hostile mob forms or you feel your safety is in danger, leave the scene and proceed directly to the nearest police station to report the incident. Do not stop at the scene of an accident or at intersections where people have gathered, as mobs can develop quickly. 

Drivers are responsible for damages if involved in an accident resulting in injuries, even if the driver is not at fault. 

Causing a fatal accident could result in up to eight years imprisonment. 

Drunk drivers are jailed for at least 24 hours and fined up to $400. 

Police roadblocks are common throughout the country. Travelers may be stopped, and vehicles and luggage searched. 

Public Transportation :  Use only official Kigali city buses and licensed taxis, which are orange striped. Confirm the fare before departure. U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to use motorcycle-taxis or mini-bus taxis. They are unsafe due to overloading, reckless driving, inadequate maintenance, and the risk of petty crime. Reputable car services are available for hire. Travel agencies and local hotels may be able to arrange private transport on your behalf. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Rwanda’s national tourist office and  national authority  responsible for road safety. 

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Rwanda’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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Rwanda Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Rwanda

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Rwanda entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Rwanda from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Rwanda.

Can I travel to Rwanda if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Rwanda without restrictions.

Can I travel to Rwanda without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Rwanda without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Rwanda?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Rwanda.

Can I travel to Rwanda without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Rwanda?

Mask usage in Rwanda is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Rwanda?

Restaurants in Rwanda are open. Bars in Rwanda are .

• Meet in Rwanda
• Gorilla Gram
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Rwanda Reopens

Rwanda Reopens for Tourism

Travel to rwanda to experience the best mother nature has to offer..

• Covid-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to boarding the flight to Rwanda. However, regular Covid-19 testing is encouraged.
• The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure.
• Land borders are open. People may be subject to random Covid-19 testing by the Ministry of Health upon entry and are encouraged to be vaccinated before crossing the border.
• Currently, international visitors arriving by flight can visit Rwanda. These visitors can enter Rwanda on the condition of fulfilling the health and safety requirements outlined in these FAQs and this info r mation note
• Together with the private sector, Visit Rwanda is offering attractive packages for visitors, Rwandans and foreign residents. Visa on arrival remains available for all visitors to the country.
• Cancellation policies have been updated to accommodate travellers impacted during this time and can be accessed Read also about the new incentives for tourism and travel stakeholders here
• Frequently asked questions with more details on visiting Rwanda can be accessed here .
• For more information about Rwanda™s response and daily updates on COVID-19, please visit the Rwanda Biomedical Centre™s website here .
• National Parks
• Tourists to Rwanda™s national parks are now required to complete a guest registration and indemnity form in advance of their visit and submit the form electronically to the park.

Please find the forms to print and sign below:

Volcanoes National Park (submit to: [email protected])

Nyungwe National Park (submit to: [email protected])

Akagera National Park Registration & Indemnity forms (submit both to: [email protected] or provide on arrival)

Special Offers

• Gorilla permits are now available at USD 200 for Rwandans & East African Citizens; USD 500 for Africans, Foreign residents and African Foreign residents and USD 1,500 for international tourists.
• View a range of special offers from Rwandan tour and travel operators here .

Visit Rwanda Soon

For those who have postponed their trip or are planning to visit Rwanda in the near future, we can’t wait to see you soon.

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Republic of Rwanda

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Government of Rwanda Response to COVID-19

Call our toll free number 114, if you believe to have had close contact with a confirmed case or contact with someone currently being evaluated for covid-19, immediately notify us or your nearest health facility, new measures to mitigate covid-19: faqs, general preventive measures.

• The Kigali International Airport is open effictive August 1st 2020 . All travelers arriving in Rwanda must be tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure, complete the passenger locator form, and upload the COVID-19 test certificate. Read more Covid-19 travel guidelines here 
• Land borders will remain closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents.
• Public and private businesses will continue with essential staff while other employees continue working from home.
• Hotels shall continue operations and are encouraged to participate in domestic tourism promotion and offer conference services. All services offered must be in adherence with health guidelines.
• Movement within Rusizi district will continue but movements between Rusizi and other districts (except for good and cargo) remain prohibited.
• Non-contact outdoor sports is permitted however gyms shall remain closed.
• Motos are permitted to carry passengers except in zones under lockdown. Strict hygiene must be observed and masks worn at all times.
• Civil marriage ceremonies will continue but should not exceed 15 persons. Religious marriage ceremonies should not exceed 30 people.
• Religious ceremonies for burial shall continue with no more than 30 persons. Funeral gatherings should not exceed 30 persons.

1.  Why should I wear a mask out in public spaces?

The Ministry of Health directs that everyone wear a face mask when in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a mask prevents the spread of droplets especially when coughing and sneezing.

2. Where are masks being sold?

Masks are only sold in pharmacies, supermarkets and other authorised selling points.

3. What health precautions should be taken in the workplace and businesses that have reopened?

Keep one metre physical distance between people at all times, wear a mask in the presence of others, wash hands often and thoroughly or using hand sanitisers, and open windows to keep shared areas well ventilated.  

4. What will nationwide mass screening and testing for COVID-19 consist of?

More than a thousand samples collected from different hospitals and entry points across the country are tested for COVID-19 every day. This will continue on a large scale. In some public places, people will also be screened for COVID-19 symptoms including high temperature and other questions collected by a health professional.

For more details on new health measures please visit: www.rbc.gov.rw

Can I travel to/from Rwanda? 

Yes. The Kigali International Airport is open effictive August 1st 2020 . All travelers arriving in Rwanda must be tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure, complete the passenger locator form, and upload the COVID-19 test certificate. Read more Covid-19 travel guidelines here 

Will I be able to use public transport to go to work?

Yes. Public transport will be operational, with strict hygiene measures such as mandatory masks, handwashing, as well as appropriate physical distancing between passengers.

How will passengers know where to sit in buses?

Service providers are required to clearly indicate with the use of signs, permitted passenger seats on  buses. All passengers should adhere to the new rules. 

Will I be able to use moto taxis?  

Yes. Motos are permitted to carry passengers except in Rusizi and Rubavu Districts . 

Can I visit my relatives in another province/city?

Yes. Public and private transport between provinces shall resume except movements to and from Rusizi District .

I work during night shifts. Can I drive to work?

Movements are prohibited from 9pm to 5am except with permission.

For more transport guidelines, please visit www.rura.rw

BUSINESS & TRADE

1. Are markets open?

Markets will open for essential vendors not exceeding 50% of registered traders.

2. How will the 50% registered traders directive work?

Traders will be rotated according to their internal market arrangements to ensure continued business activity for all traders. The management of markets with support from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, local government entities and other concerned institutions will establish mechanisms to ensure compliance with the 50% threshold.

3. Will hair salons open?

Yes. Hair salons will open but will have to apply strict hygiene measures, including appropriate physical distancing.

4. Will bars, gyms, nightclubs or other recreational facilities open?

No. All bars, gyms and other recreational facilities will remain closed.

5. Can I use cash for payments?

Electronic payments, mobile money and online banking services should be used in order to reduce physical interactions.

6.  Can I deliver goods to my clients in a different city?

Yes. Transport of goods is permitted across the country.

For more business & trade guidelines, please visit www.minicom.gov.rw

HOSPITALITY

1. Which tourism activities are allowed to resume? 

Domestic tourism and international tourism for visitors travelling with charter flights (individuals and groups). RDB will share detailed guidelines. 

2. Are hotels allowed to operate?

Hotels shall continue operations and are encouraged to participate in domestic tourism promotion and offer conference services. All services offered must be in adherence with health guidelines.  

3. What precautions must be taken in hospitality facilities?

Employers must provide staff with masks, which they are to wear at all times while on duty and in public places. Clients not wearing masks must not be admitted into the premises.

4. Will I be able to watch live band performances at a hotel?

No. Live bands, karaoke, and all other entertainment activities within hotels, bars and restaurants will remain closed. Night clubs and activities such as sauna, massage, swimming pool, gym, pool games, within hospitality establishments, will also remain closed.

For more hospitality guidelines, please visit www.rdb.rw  

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1. Can weddings take place?

Civil marriage ceremonies will resume but should not exceed 15 persons. Other related ceremonies including church services and receptions are not permited. 

2. Will places of worship open?

    No. All places of worship will remain closed.

3. Will families in need continue to receive food support?

    Yes. The Ministry of Local Government and local government entities will continue to provide assistance to families in need.

4. Can I visit friends and family at home?

Unnecessary movements are strongly discouraged. However people can visit their loved ones while maintaining strict hygiene measures so as not to contaminate each other, especially those at higher risk.

5. Can I exercise outdoors?

Movement out of homes is permitted, including individual exercise (walking or jogging) before 9pm. However, it is not permitted to exercise or gather in groups.

6. Which local government services can I request ?

Many local government services are now available online through www.irembo.gov.rw and can thus be accessed at any time. For any specific request, please contact your nearest local authority.

For more Local Government guidelines, please visit www.minaloc.gov.rw

1. What happens when students go back to school in September?

Students in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools will restart the academic year in September 2020. 

2. What happens to university students in September?

University students will not be required to repeat the year given that most of them were about to complete their academic year. 

3. Will first term school fees be refunded?

   There will be no refund of first term school fees.

4. When will National Exams take place?

The exact dates for national exams will be communicated later.

5. How can students continue to learn while schools are closed?

Students can access select e-learning platforms at no cost. Radio and TV will continue to broadcast lessons on a schedule shared regularly by MINEDUC and on radio. In addition, a USSD-based quiz on different subjects is available on *134#. All students should actively follow these alternative platforms until schools reopen.

6. Does the September reopening date also apply to international schools?

Yes. All schools will remain closed until September 2020, however international schools may continue with their programs through distance learning where applicable.

7. How will university students stranded at campuses go back to their homes in different provinces?

MINEDUC is working with partner institutions to organise the safe return of university students to their homes.

8. What facilities have been put in place to support teachers?

Teachers who are members of Umwalimu SACCO can get new loan facilities or restructure existing loans according to the terms and conditions set by the cooperative.

9. Will private schools receive support?

In line with the Government’s economic recovery plan, private schools will be considered as businesses. This means they can apply for appropriate relief packages. Private schools are encouraged to use the facility to ensure they respond to the basic needs of their teachers.

For more education guidelines please visit www.mineduc.gov.rw

1. Where can I pay using mobile money or other forms of digital payment?

All traders are required to accept digital payments as an alternative to physical cash payments.

2. Why should I add withdrawal charges when using Mobile Money, yet all charges have been removed?

All charges related to sending and receiving money via digital payment channels have been removed. Any cases related to charging transaction fees for electronic transactions should be reported through 3988.

3. How can I increase productivity of my entire staff while some are at work and others working from home?

Make use of available Remote collaboration tools for communication, file sharing etc.

Avoid in-person meetings by using video conferencing tools.

4. How can I obtain a digital signature?

Application, registration and issuance of digital signatures for organizations and individuals can be done through www.govca.rw

For more guidelines please visit   https://minict.gov.rw/policies-publications/guidelines/

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Rwanda travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: April 10, 2024 08:12 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, rwanda - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Rwanda.

Border with the Democratic Republic of Congo - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the rebel groups in DRC near the border with Rwanda.

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Border with the Democratic Republic of Congo 

The volatile situation in the eastern part of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could lead to possible incursions into western Rwanda by DRC armed rebel groups.

Petty crime 

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs.

Theft is frequent in:

• hotel rooms
• crowded areas, such as markets

During your trip to Rwanda:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents, are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables
• keep your vehicle doors and windows locked at all times

Violent crime

Although rare, violent crime has occurred, namely:

• burglary, especially in Kigali
• armed robberies

Tourists are usually not targeted, however you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

During your trip:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• don’t venture out alone or travel outside major cities after dark
• avoid isolated areas
• if you're being robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance

Road safety 

Road conditions.

The road system is generally good and well maintained in Kigali and on main roads throughout the country. Outside of these areas, most roads are not paved, and driving can be dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting
• lack of traffic signs
• stray livestock
• poorly maintained vehicles

Driving habits

Drivers do not always respect traffic laws and sometimes drive at excessive speeds. However, speed cameras, present on all main roads, have reduced speeding frequency.

If you choose to drive in Rwanda:

• always drive defensively
• familiarize yourself with your itinerary before you leave
• avoid travelling after dark
• ask about insurance coverage options for roadside assistance when you rent a vehicle

Roadblocks are common throughout the country.

You may be asked for identification and your vehicle and luggage may be searched.

• Make sure your travel documents are up to date
• Do not go through a checkpoint without stopping, even if it appears unattended
• Follow the instructions of police officers

Cybersecurity

Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion occur in Rwanda.

Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit card information.

• Avoid online shopping on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be especially cautious if you decide to meet someone you met online
• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering attractive business opportunities
• Don't click on suspicious links that ask for your banking information

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur, however a demonstration permit is required.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly.

When visiting a national park:

• you must purchase a park permit from Rwanda’s Office of Tourism and National Parks
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• only use established trails

Rwanda’s Office of Tourism and National Parks

Water shortages

Water shortages may occur throughout the country during the long dry season from June to September.

• Plan accordingly
• Keep a supply of water on hand

Public transportation

Shared buses, motorbike taxis and minibuses are the most common forms of public transportation and can be dangerous due to reckless driving. 

• Only use licensed public bus and auto taxi companies
• Confirm the fare with the driver before departing
• Don’t use public transportation at night

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Rwandan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Rwanda.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required - a 30 day visa can be obtained upon arrival or in advance via the Irembo platform  Work permit: required Business visa: required, valid for 90 days and may be extended once. You may obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival. Visa extension requests can be made via the Irembo platform.  

• Irembo platform for visa applications – Government of Rwanda
• Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration  

East African Tourist Visa

The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) allows for multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It is valid for 90 days and cannot be extended. You may obtain this visa:

• upon arrival
• at the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate

If you get the EATV visa prior to your departure, your first entry point must be the country that issued the visa.

EATV application – Government of Rwanda. 

Border closures

The border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since January 11, 2024. The border will remain closed until further notice.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is low potential for yellow fever exposure in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination may be recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Public medical facilities in Kigali are adequate for routine procedures. Access to health care is limited outside of Kigali.

Private facilities are often better equipped but are more expensive.

Serious medical problems may require air evacuation to a neighboring country.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Prescription medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Rwanda.

If you take prescription medications, make sure they’re legal before travelling to Rwanda.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can face heavy fines and imprisonment.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Non-biodegradable bags

Non-biodegradable bags are prohibited in Rwanda. If you arrive with such bags at the airport in Kigali, they will be confiscated.

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• military sites
• government buildings
• border crossing areas

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Rwanda.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Rwanda, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Rwanda.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Rwanda by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Rwanda to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions
• seek permission from locals before photographing them

The recreational and commercial flying of drones is strictly regulated. You must seek the permission from Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority prior to operating a drone. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

Drones – Visit Rwanda

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Third-party insurance is required to cover damages if you are involved in an accident resulting in injuries even if you are not found to be at fault. If you are suspected of causing an accident, your driver’s licence can be confiscated during the investigation. If the accident results in death, you may be subject to a jail sentence.

The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (RWF).

Rwanda is a cash-based economy. Electronic payments and online banking are becoming more available. Credit cards are usually accepted at:

• most hotels and lodges
• most businesses, restaurants and shops in Kigali

ATMs are available in large cities. Some ATMs may not accept foreign bank cards, but you can make withdrawals at the bank counter, using your passport as identification. Expect to handle other expenses in cash.

Most shops will not accept or exchange U.S. dollars printed before 2006.

Earthquakes

Rwanda is located in an active seismic zone.  However, earthquakes are not common.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

There are several active and dormant volcanoes in and around Rwanda.

The Nyiragongo volcano, located near Goma DRC, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It may pose a threat in northwestern areas in Rwanda near the DRC border.    

Past eruptions forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people, caused significant damage to infrastructure, and resulted in many casualties.  

If you are travelling near an active volcano:

• exercise caution
• take official warnings seriously and respect exclusion zones
• monitor local media to stay up to date on latest developments and volcanic activity levels
• follow the advice of local authorities

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from February to May and from September to December.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Local services

Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 112
• medical assistance: 912
• gender- based violence: 3512

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Rwanda, in Kigali, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Travel requirements by destination

The information below is dynamic and may change anytime on short notice. Therefore, we recommend that you check this page regularly while planning your trip.

• Central Africa
• East Africa
• Middle East
• Southern Africa
• West Africa

Destinations in Asia

Flight number/ routing.

• WB9500/KGL-CAN

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• A certificate of a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid & lgM anti-body tests taken within 48hrs before boarding. The test should be done at medical institutions designated or recognized by Chinese embassies abroad.
• All passengers must apply to the Chinese Embassy for Health Declaration Code with the “HDC” Mark for foreigners & “HS” Mark for Chinese.
• For more details on how you can apply, please visit: https://bit.ly/3eLyKS4
• WB500/KGL-BOM
• WB501/BOM-KGL
• All travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their Country.
• Any passenger having symptoms of COVId-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol
• De-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing.
• Thermal screening should be done in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry.
• The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocol (as above).
• All travellers should self-monitor their health post arrival also shall report to their nearest health facility or call the National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in case they have any symptoms suggestive.

Destinations in Central Africa

• WB212 KGL – DLA – BGF
• WB213 BGF – DLA – KGL
• WB214 KGL – BGF – BZV
• WB215 BZV – BGF – KGL
• A certificate of a negative PCR Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure time is required for arriving passengers.

Operating: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat

• WB210 KGL – BZV – DLA
• WB211 DLA – BZV – KGL
• WB214 KGL – BGF – BZV
• WB215 BZV- BGF – KGL
• Arriving passengers are required to present a certificate of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test performed less than 72hours before departure time. Upon arrival, they will have to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
• A second Covid-19 PCR test will be conducted for all arriving passengers at a cost of 40,000 FCFA and results will be shared electronically. 
• Passengers are required to register & pay the cost of RT-PCR test via dedicated platform: www.voyage-congo.com before departure. 
• WB210/KGL–BZV–DLA
• WB211/DLA–BZV–KGL
• WB212/ KGL – DLA – BGF
• WB213/ BGF – DLA – KGL
• WB218/KGL-DLA-COO
• WB219/COO-DLA-KGL
• A proof of a Covid-19 PCR negative test from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours before arrival is mandatory for passengers who are not fully vaccinated.

Operating: Mon, Wed

• WB266/KGL-GOM
• WB267/GOM-KGL

Effective date: 15 October 2021

• A proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72hrs before boarding is required.
• If the Covid-19 test taken is a RT-PCR test, a second RT-PCR test will be performed upon arrival and the results will be provided within 24 hours. During this time the passenger must remain in  quarantine at home.
• If the Covid-19 test taken is not a RT-PCR test, two tests will be performed. The 1st result will be provided within 24 hours and the second test will be performed within 72 hours of arrival.
• Non-residents are required to have insurance valid for the duration of their stay which covers among other things the cost of treatment on Congolese territory if they test positive for COVID-19.
• All passengers will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival at a cost of USD45. Arriving passengers are required to register on www.inrbcovid.com before departure & receive a QR code to present at the testing center.
• WB260/KGL-FIH
• WB261/FIH-KGL
• WB262/KGL – FIH
• WB263/FIH – KGL
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72hrs before boarding is required.
• If the Covid-19 test taken is an RT-PCR test, a second RT-PCR test will be performed upon arrival and the results will be provided within 24 hours. During this time the passenger must remain in  quarantine at home.

Operating: Mon, Wed, Fri

• WB216/KGL-LBV-COO
• WB217/COO-LBV-KGL
•  Covid-19 PCR certificate test is no longer mandatory for all passengers arriving or departing Gabon.
• Arriving passengers are no longer subject to a Covid test on arrival, or self-quarantine in a designated hotel.
• WB264/KGL – FBM
• WB265 FBM – KGL

Effective date: 29 September 2021

Destinations in East Africa

• WB482/KGL-BJM
• WB483/BJM-KGL
• All nationalities can now obtain visas arrival on arrival in Burundi without any prior application. The cost of a visa is 90USD.
• COVID-19 testing is no longer a requirement before boarding the flight to Bujumbura. However, a PCR COVID-19 screening test is still required on arrival.
• A COVID test is no longer a requirement for those departing Bujumbura, however, it is mandatory for travelers whose final destination requires a COVID-19 certificate.
• All passengers will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival at a cost of USD100 for foreigners and USD30 for nationals (Refugees and students are exempt from Covid-19 testing fees).  For citizens of EAC member countries, the cost of the test COVID-19 screening on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport is USD50.
• WB442/KGL-DAR-JRO-KGL
• WB446/KGL – DAR
• WB447/DAR – KGL

Fully vaccinated1 will be exempted from both RT PCR and Rapid Antigen Test requirements. Travelers will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate with a QR code for verification upon arrival. The only accepted vaccines are those which have been approved by Tanzania and the World Health Organization. Not fully vaccinated, unvaccinated and those not eligible for vaccination due to their country policies will be required to present a negative COVID-19 RT- PCR or NAATs certificate with QR code obtained within 72 hours before departure. Not fully vaccinated, unvaccinated and those not eligible for vaccination due to their country policies and have no negative COVID-19 RT- PCR certificate will be tested for COVID 19 upon arrival using a Rapid Antigen Test at their own cost of TZS 23,000 (10 USD) for Tanzania Mainland except children aged 12 years and below and aircraft crew. Positive cases will be further confirmed by RT- PCR for 50 USD. Positive cases will be handled according to Bilateral and Joint Border agreements for ground crossings.

• Travelers in transit by air transport are exempted from both vaccination and COVID-19 testing requirements unless stated otherwise by the conveyance to be used or the countries of their final destinations.
• All departing travelers are advised to seek information before departure from their travel agents regarding COVID-19 requirements of their country of destination or conveyance to be used.
• WB422 KGL – EBB
• WB423 EBB – KGL
• WB434 KGL – EBB
• WB435 EBB – KGL
• All inbound and outbound travelers will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, except for travelers aged 5 years and below.
• The requirement for a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of pre-boarding for all incoming travelers is suspended with immediate effect for those who are fully vaccinated
• The requirement for a negative PCR test done within 72 hours for all outbound travelers is suspended with immediate effect for those who are fully vaccinated, except where it is a requirement of the destination country or the carrier airline.
• Travelers with partial or no vaccination will be required to present a negative PC test done within 72 hours of travel.
• Travelers below 5 years are not required to present a negative PCR test upon arrival or departure.
• WB601/KGL-KME
• WB602/KME-KGL
• Covid-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to boarding the flight to Rwanda. However, regular Covid-19 testing is encouraged.
• The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure.
• An additional COVID test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.
• Certain meeting venues and national parks require COVID tests. Testing is available at health facilities and other designated sites for 5,000 RWF (or US$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 USS30).
• Face masks are no longer mandatory in Rwanda, but their use is encouraged in public indoor settings
• In addition, the public is urged to get frequently tested while continuing to observe preventive measures including social distancing and hand hygiene.
• Test results will be shared by SMS or email, and via the online portal accessible at  www.rbc.gov.rw . In case of difficulty obtaining results, contact the BC Medical Team on 114 or  [email protected] .
• A COVID test is no longer a requirement to depart Rwanda by air. However, COVID testing (atown cost) is available for all travelers whose final destination requires one at health centres and other designated sites.
• All Rwandan travellers aged 12 years and above must show proof of full vaccination before departing Rwanda by air. Fully vaccinated for people aged 18 years and above means having two doses and a booster when eligible (administered 3 months after second dose.)
• Passengers transiting through Kigali are no longer required to present a certificate of PCR, or Antigen COVID-19 test, however, they must be required to abide by the particular travel health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.

FLIGHT NO/ ROUTING

• WB452/402/KGL-NBO
• WB453/403/NBO-KGL
• WB464/KGL-NBO-EBB-KGL
• Travelers who are fully vaccinated shall be exempted from the requirement of a PCR test.
• All eligible unvaccinated travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya, must have a negative COVID-19 PC test result conducted not more than 72 hours before departure, regardless of the route of entry. Those below the age of five (5) years are exempted from this testing requirement.
• Unvaccinated travelers arriving at any point of entry shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to an entry PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate. Travelers below the age of five (5) years are exempted from this testing requirement.
• All travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya will be required to fill out the passenger locator form on the ‘Jitenge’ platform: http://bit.ly/covid19moh
• Persons traveling out of the country will be required to abide by the particular travel. health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.

Destinations in Europe

• WB700/KGL-BRU
• WB701/BRU-KGL
• A  valid vaccination certificate , i.e. being fully vaccinated for at least 14 days,
• or a  recovery certificate ,
• or a  negative Covid-19 test certificate . Only a PCR test (less than 72h) or an antigen test (less than 24h) are accepted.
• This is not applicable for transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket to a non-Schengen country unless the country of their final destination requires otherwise.
• Children younger than 12 years are exempt from the above regulations.
• Non-essential travel is allowed with a valid vaccination certificate, i.e. being fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before departure
• Non-essential travel remains prohibited for not (fully) vaccinated passengers.
• Essential travel is allowed, subject to certain conditions. More info on  info-coronavirus.be
• Children younger than 12 years are exempt from the above regulations – if accompanied by an adult.
• WB710/KGL-LHR     NON-STOP TUE, THU, SAT, SUN
• WB711/LHR-KGL    NON-STOP MON, WED, FRI, SUN

Essential information to enter the United Kingdom

• From 4 am, on 18 March 2022, no one entering the UK will need to take tests or complete a passenger locator form.
• For information on Covid medical requirements for entry into Rwanda, please click on the link for East Africa, then Kigali.

Destinations in Middle East

• WB300/KGL-DOH
• WB301/DOH-KGL

Effective Date : 1st December 2021

• Passengers must sign an Undertaking and Acknowledgement Form​ before arriving in Qatar. The form is available on the Ministry of Public Health website, pre-registration platform website ( www.ehteraz.gov.qa​ ), and airline online booking form. Citizens and residents who are immunized or fully vaccinated inside the State of Qatar arriving from one of the Green List countries are exempt from this requirement.
• Passengers whose final destination is Qatar must take a PCR test result at a medical center accredited by the health authorities in the country of departure. The test result must be negative and must be done 48 hours before arrival in Qatar.
• Qatari National or Residents of Qatar are not required to show proof of PCR COVID-19.
• Arriving passengers must download the Ehteraz mobile application and activate it on their mobile phones using a local or international SIM card.
• All transit passengers via Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha are not required to present a negative PCR test.
• For more details visit https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx
• WB304/KGL-DXB
• WB305/DXB-KGL
• WB302/KGL – DXB
• WB303DXB – KGL
• Present a valid vaccination certificate(s) that reflects the completion of doses of vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), provided with QR code System; or
• Present a VALID Negative Covid-19 Test certificate that should be based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS-COV-2 viral RNA, that is issued within the valid time frame, namely, (48) hours from the time of collecting the sample and from an approved health service provider, which uses QR code System; or
• Present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from Coronavirus SARS Cov-19 within a period of one (1) month (the date of recovery and the date of arrival) provided with QR code System, and
• Undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai, if requested, and self-quarantine until a negative test result is released to the passenger. In the event the passenger is tested positive, then such passenger shall follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.
• Travel insurance for inbound passengers to Dubai is mandatory.
• Note – the certificates referred to in this directive shall be Printed in English or Arabic language and provided with a QR Code.
• For Transit Passenger(s), the rules/conditions governing entry at the final destination of the transit passenger(s) shall be applicable. 

Destinations in South Africa

• WB110/KGL-HRE-CPT
• WB111/CPT-HRE-KGL
• Proof of vaccination against COV-19 and COV-19 test certificates are no longer required for international arrivals at all ports of entry
• WB110/KGL-HRE
• WB111/HRE-KGL
• WB102/KGL-LUN-JNB
• WB103/JNB-LUN-KGL

Operating: Wed, Fri, Sun

• WB102/KGL-LUN
• WB103/LUN-KGL

Effective date: 23 Dec 2021

• Fully vaccinated travelers do not require any form of negative COVID test results but shall be required to provide proof of full vaccination status.
• International travelers who are not fully vaccinated MUST show proof of a COVID- 19 PC test for a sample collected within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin.
• Re-testing at own cost will be applied for travelers who do not meet the above
• In case of a positive result, self-quarantine at the owner’s cost will be mandatory; following local Zambian protocols.
• Children below the age of 12 years are exempt from these measures.

Travelers from Zambia must ensure that they observe the guidelines of the countries they wish to visit.

In addition to the above information, the following will also apply;

• All arriving passengers will have their temperature checked
• All travelers should hand over their health declaration forms to the Port Health

Destinations in West Africa

• WB220/KGL-ABV-ACC-KGL
• COVID-19 Travel Testing: Pre-departure and Post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests are no longer required for all passengers irrespective of vaccination status. PCR tests required for all passengers who are partially/not fully vaccinated have been suspended.
• Health Declaration form: Permission to travel/ QR code is no longer required. A simplified Health Questionnaire form (non-COVID-19 specific) shall be completed by all passengers traveling to Nigeria preferably pre-departure on the Nigerian International Travel Portal (NITP). Passengers who fail to fill the health questionnaire on the NITP pre-departure will be required to fill the health questionnaire either onboard the aircraft before landing or at the Airport terminal building upon arrival.
• All International passengers including those from the ECOWAS region must complete a Port Health Declaration Form at https://www.ghs-hdf.org/ before embarkation on a flight to Ghana.
• All persons arriving in Ghana (citizens, residents, and visitors) who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from any form of testing done either prior to boarding from the originating country or on arrival in Ghana except passengers originating their journey from China.
• Passengers originating from China will be required to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result performed within 48 hours before departure from the originating country. In addition, such passengers will be required to undergo mandatory covid-19 testing on arrival at the Kotoka international airport at no cost
• All other passengers, originating their journey from elsewhere other than China (i.e., Ghanaian citizens, permanent residents of Ghana, or non-Ghanaians), who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to present a valid negative covid-19 PCR test result within 48 hours prior to departure from the originating country. In addition, such passengers will be required to undergo mandatory covid-19 testing on arrival at Kotoka international airport at no cost
• In addition to the above, passengers may be randomly selected and offered tests on arrival
• Non-Ghanaians Travelling to Kotoka International Airport with fake or forged vaccination certificates shall be quarantined and returned to the point of embarkation AT THEIR OWN COST.
• Airlines that bring passengers to Kotoka international airport who are not fully vaccinated or passengers originating their journey from china without a valid negative covid-19 PCR test performed within 48 hours prior to the departure would be surcharged $3500.
• Passengers transiting and transferring through KIA will be required to fully adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements at the destination countries.
• Children less than 18 years of age are exempt from mandatory vaccination, pre-departure PCR testing and testing on arrival in Ghana
• Airline crew are exempted from the pre-departure and arrival COVID-19 testing and should follow the Airline policy for testing.
• Passengers who arrive under emergency circumstances such as diverted flights will not be required to undergo testing if they do not leave the airport or remain in isolation in their hotel.
• Traveling with pets into Ghana is allowed in line with the guidelines of the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture.
• Passengers departing Accra will be required to adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements for the destination countries.
• Departing passengers will undergo temperature screening at the entrance of Terminal 3 departures
• Wearing of a nose mask is recommended in all Airport Terminals and ancillary buildings

Operating: Mon, Fri

• Arriving passengers in Benin will no longer be required to present a COVID-19 test certificate.
• Outbound travelers from Benin must comply with the requirements of the country of destination.
• WB202/KGL-LOS
• WB203/LOS-KGL

Entry, testing and quarantine regulations

To make sure your trip is as comfortable as possible, we have prepared RwandAir Travel Briefing for you. It serves as your guide, with everything you need to know at a glance.

• Flying from

Frequently Asked Questions

01. what documents are required for travel with rwandair.

For all travelers, a valid passport and the necessary visas or entry permits for your destination are essential. Additionally, some countries might require proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within a specified timeframe before departure.

02. How do I stay updated on the latest requirements?

To ensure you have the latest information, please regularly check the official RwandAir website and the official websites of your destination country's government or relevant authorities. You can also reach out to our customer service team for assistance.

03. Are COVID-19 tests mandatory before departure?

Yes, many destinations now require a negative COVID-19 test before travel. The type of test, timeframe, and specific regulations vary by country. It is crucial to stay informed and adhere to these requirements.

04. Can RwandAir help with COVID-19 testing?

RwandAir has partnered with various medical facilities to facilitate COVID-19 testing for our passengers. Please visit our website or contact our customer service team for information on testing options available to you.

05. What health and safety measures are in place during the journey?

RwandAir is committed to ensuring the safety of our passengers and staff. We have implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, provide sanitization materials, and follow recommended health guidelines throughout the journey.

06. What happens if my flight is affected by changing travel restrictions?

Travel restrictions are subject to change. In the event of flight cancellations or rescheduling due to these restrictions, RwandAir will do its best to provide alternative options or refunds. Please refer to our flight disruption policies for more details.

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Rwanda Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Rwanda.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Rwanda.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Rwanda. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Rwanda.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Rwanda take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Rwanda.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Rwanda. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Rwanda, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Rwanda. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Generally not recommended for travel to Rwanda.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Mosquito bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Rwanda, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Rwanda. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Rwanda include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Rwanda. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Rwanda’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Rwanda. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Rwanda may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Rwanda, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Rwanda for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

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• LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Entering Rwanda

Starting a business, hiring in rwanda, paying taxes.

All people wishing to enter Rwanda must possess a valid passport or other internationally recognized travel documents, which, in principle, contains a visa corresponding to his/her purpose of entry into Rwanda obtained in advance from the nearest Rwandan embassy abroad.

Visa is required by all visitors to Rwanda excluding nationals of the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong, Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.

At the point of entry, a 15 days temporary permit is granted. Persons living far from Rwandan Embassies or diplomatic mission can apply for entry facility at www.migration.gov.rw.

Visa information 1. Visitors (Tourist) Visa For whom: All persons visiting Rwanda whether for business or leisure

Validity and Duration: Valid for 90 days Renewable once with justification. Multiple entries Issued within two days of submitting all required documents

Cost: RWF 25,000 (equivalent to USD 42)

Requirements:

Passport valid for at least six months One Clear Coloured photo Receipt of payment of RWF 25,000 Application letter to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration Completed application form 2. Working visa For whom: All persons undertaking employment in the Republic

Validity and Duration: Valid for 1 year Renewable. Multiple entries Issued within two days of submitting all required documents

RWF 50,000 (equivalent to USD 83) for category A permit – workers earning a gross salary of at least RWF 500,000 (USD 830) RWF 10,000 (equivalent to USD 17) for category B permit – workers earning a gross salary of at less than RWF 500,000 (USD 830) Requirements:

Valid passport One Clear Coloured photo Receipt of payment of RWF 50,000 for Category A workers and RWF 10,000 for Category B Workers Application letter to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration Completed application form Employment contract signed by both the employer and employee Notarized copy of academic certificates Police clearance in English or French Signed CV of applicant A copy of INGO certificate for NGO employees A copy of accreditation card for journalists 3. Business visa For whom: All persons undertaking commercial pursuits in the Republic

Cost: RWF 50,000 (equivalent to USD 83)

Valid passport One Clear Coloured photo Receipt of payment of RWF 50,000 for Category A workers and RWF 10,000 for Category B Workers Application letter to the Director General of Immigration and Emigration Completed application form Police clearance in English or French Signed CV of applicant A copy of business trading license A copy of annual tax certificate A memorandum of understanding for companies or associations

This process involves simultaneously obtaining the certificate of incorporation (business registration), Tax Identification Number (tax registration) and the Social Security registration for employee pension submission.

Below, you can see how you can start, add or cease business activities in Rwanda

Registration Registering a local company Cost: Free Requirements:

opy of ID/Passport Complete two copies of Memorandum of Association Art 14 (downloaded on our website here) Registering a branch of foreign company in Rwanda Cost: Free

Power of attorney to present the company in Rwanda.(Notarised) A duly authenticated copy of the memorandum Articles of Association. (Notarised) Certificate of Registration/Incorporation issued by the registration authority in the country of incorporation. (Notarised) Notarised resolution from the authorized agency authorizing to open a branch. Passport copies of the shareholders/directors. List of directors residing in Rwanda (atleast One ) 2nd Amendments Opening a local branch Requirements:

Notarised Resolution to open branch Complete the application form Payment of 5,000 rwf at RDB Additional activities for individual businesses Requirements:

Completed application forms provided for changing of particulars Original registration certificate Payments slip (Receipt) 2,000 Rwf Additional activities for companies Requirements:

One (1) notarized minutes of the Board meeting authorizing the filing of additional activities. Original Registration certificate. Payment of 7,000 rwf at RDB Cessation of trading activities Cost: Cessation fee RWF 5,000

Letter addressed to the Registrar General, stamped by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). A copy to RRA Tax clearance certificate from RRA Original Registration certificate Minutes of Association notarized Payment Slip

The labor law no. 22/2002 of 09/07/2002 regulates employment and labor issues in Rwanda. The law provides for the protection of employees, general conditions of employment, trade unions and employer organizations as well as health, safety and environment. Rwanda prides itself in having a flexible labor policy with a multi lingual work force. Labor is affordable and productivity has been steadily growing. With recruitment agencies available to facilitate the recruitment process, accessing quality human resource has been made simpler

At the RDB headquarters, an investor could register for taxes, pay their taxes and apply for tax exemptions. Our partnership with the Rwanda Revenue Authority means that our services to you are more comprehensive and delivered more efficiently.

Please see below for a summary of key tax rates:

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• Visa types Tourist Visa Transit Visa Multi - Single Entry
• Status of my visa
• Choose a visa Angola Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Australia Azerbaijan Bahrain Benin Brazil Cambodia Canada Colombia Cuba Djibouti Dominican Republic Egypt Ethiopia Europe Georgia Guinea India Ivory Coast Kenya Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Madagascar Mexico Montserrat Myanmar Nepal New Zealand Oman Papua New Guinea Puerto Rico Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Tanzania Thailand Turkey Uganda United Arab Emirates United States Vietnam Zambia Zimbabwe

Rwanda entry requirements: The Rwanda travel requirements

Rwanda has incredible biodiversity and stunning views. The rolling hills, volcanoes and gorillas will offer you an unimaginable natural experience. If you're planning on traveling to this magnificent land and you're not sure what documents you need, this article will tell you everything you need to know. Continue reading to know all Rwanda entry requirements.

Rwanda entry requirements

Passport .

All travelers must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a blank page.

Visas 

One of the most important Rwanda entry requirements is to have a visa to enter Rwanda . The visa can be applied for online and visagov.com can help you with your application. The tourist Rwanda visa is valid for 30 days. 

If you are a member of the Commonwealth or African Union you can get a thirty-day visa for free on arrival at the airport. 

If you're planning a trip around East Africa, there is a visa which includes Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda which is valid for 3 months. 

Travel insurance

Health insurance in Rwanda is compulsory to enter the country . Make sure you book some insurance as it covers a lot of unexpected events that could occur while you are traveling. 

Currency 

The currency in Rwanda is Rwandan Franc (RWf) but USD are also accepted in many places. The exchange rate is 0.95 USD. Although the use of credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted, most places will only take cash. In Kigali and bigger cities you can find ATMs, so make sure you get cash when you are in bigger cities. 

Vaccines, health and Covid-19 restrictions  

Malaria and Dengue are risks if you travel to Rwanda. You can ask your doctor about malaria prophylaxis before your trip. When it comes to health, one of Rwanda entry requirements is to  be vaccinated against yellow fever , so make sure you have your vaccine certificates up to date. 

Luz Prada My name is Luz, of Greek origin, and meaning laurel. Maybe that's why I love Greek mythology. My passion is music, 30 years of piano and singing guarantee it. Traveling is my other passion. I love being imbued with sounds from different parts of the planet. I work traveling from my computer, which, although not the same, makes me enjoy it too. Sometimes I compose songs, sometimes I compose stories ...

Rwanda Entry Requirements

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• Entry Requirements

Rwanda Entry Requirements specify all the rules that a traveler wishing to visit Rwanda must meet to enter the country hassle-free. These requirements include, i.a., the list of necessary documents that must be arranged prior to the planned trip.

All travelers to Rwanda must be holders of valid passports that will not expire for at last 6 months from the date of their intended arrival in Rwanda.

Another equally important document required of most international travelers is a valid visa. According to the Rwandan visa policy , different types of visas may be applicable depending on the traveler's nationality, travel purpose as well as the planned duration of stay in the country.

Citizens of the majority of countries worldwide are eligible for Rwanda e-Visa. The electronic visa for Rwanda saves plenty of time since no embassy visits are required.

Rwanda also offers the Visa on Arrival facility. Travelers from particular countries can obtain a visa at the border. This visa option, however, means waiting in long lines, and actually, no one can be sure whether the visa will be granted or not. Whenever an applicant can apply for a visa for Rwanda before the trip, it is recommended not to leave visa formalities to the last moment.

Additionally, nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a Rwandan visa directly at an embassy. It applies to applications for a tourist visa as well as other types of visas.

All foreigners who consider working and/or living in Rwanda must contact the nearest Rwandan diplomatic mission and apply for a long-term visa there. Moreover, after their arrival, they must apply for a residence permit and/or work permit in Rwanda.

Rwanda introduced some Covid-19 restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic. Nevertheless, most of them have already been lifted. Travelers no longer need to present a coronavirus test to enter Rwanda. Post-arrival tests are not performed either.

Please remember to check the most up-to-date entry requirements before going on a trip to Rwanda.

Who can enter Rwanda?

Rwandan authorities allow entry to all international travelers regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status.

Documents check-list for entering Rwanda

• valid passport
• Rwandan visa
• travel insurance

Testing, vaccination, and quarantine requirements

Testing requirements.

Pre-departure and post-arrival Covid-19 testing requirements are no longer in place. Travelers departing Rwanda previously also had to perform rapid antigen tests to exit the country. Now, having a Covid-19 test is no longer an exit requirement.

In some places, visitors still, however, need to submit a coronavirus test, e.g., to access most national parks. Tests can be taken at designated places. The cost of RAT is 5$ (5000 RWF), while for a PCR test, one must pay 50$ (50000 RWF).

Vaccination Requirements

Having a Covid-19 vaccination certificate is not mandatory to enter Rwanda. However, Rwandan citizens and residents must be fully vaccinated to access public spaces, e.g., public transport. Tourists visiting Rwanda are exempt from vaccination requirements.

To be considered fully vaccinated, one must have received two-dose Covid-19 vaccination and a booster dose (administered after 3 months from receiving the second vaccine dose).

Quarantine Requirements

Should a traveler be tested positive for Covid-19 during their stay in Rwanda, a 10-day self-isolation is mandatory. They will need to bear all quarantine and treatment costs.

Traveling from Rwanda

A Covid-19 test is no longer necessary to depart Rwanda by air. Nevertheless, all travelers whose final destinations require providing a valid test can obtain it at health centers and other test-designated sites at their own cost.

All Rwandan citizens or residents who are 12 years and older and are departing their country must provide a full vaccination certificate to board the flight.

Traveling to Rwanda

The Rwandan Government has lifted most travel restrictions implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Travelers do not need to prove their vaccination status or provide a negative test to enter Rwanda. There is no need to complete the health declaration before travel either.

All coronavirus restrictions are, however, subject to rapid change. All travelers to Rwanda should monitor all changes and travel advice to ensure smooth entry to the country.

One should also make sure that all travel documents are ready for the upcoming trip, including passport, visa, and medical insurance.

Entry Rules for Children

Since travelers to Rwanda no longer need to meet Covid-19 regulations, children are also exempt from providing vaccination certificates or negative test results to enter Rwanda.

Transit through Rwanda

Transiting passengers no longer need to complete the Passenger Locator Form before departure. They do not need to provide a negative Covid-19 test to board the flight. There are no post-arrival tests at Kigali International Airport for passengers in transit either.

If you are not leaving the airport transit zone, no transit visa is necessary. However, if you wish to leave the transit area while awaiting your connecting flight, you will need to have an appropriate entry permit obtained upon arrival in Rwanda. Contact your airlines for further information on transit visa formalities.

Rwanda visa requirements

Electronic visa.

In 2018, the Government of Rwanda implemented the electronic visa system to allow nationals of certain countries to apply for a visa entirely online. There are four different e-Visa types that eligible applicants can choose between. All four visa types can be used for tourism and business purposes.

e-Visa application means no embassy visits and no long hours spent in waiting lines. The entire application can be completed within minutes from the comfort of the applicant's home. The approved e-Visa is delivered directly to the email address.

Currently, there are over 160 different nationalities eligible for Rwanda e-Visa.

Embassy or Consular Visa

Nationals of over 40 different countries must apply for any type of visa for Rwanda, including a short tourist visa, at one of the Rwandan diplomatic missions.

Application for an embassy or consular visa requires booking an appointment much in advance of the planned trip since it may take up to several weeks to handle all the visa formalities.

List of countries whose citizens must apply for Rwandan embassy or consular visa:

• Aland Islands
• American Samoa
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Cayman Islands
• Christmas Island
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Isle of Man
• New Caledonia
• Norfolk Island
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Pitcairn Islands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Helena
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Sint Maarten
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Wallis and Futuna

Additionally, all foreigners who plan to visit Rwanda for longer, work there, or perform any other activities not covered by an electronic visa or VoA are also required to obtain a relevant visa or permit at the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate.

Visa-exemption

Citizens of the following countries are allowed to enter Rwanda visa-free for different time durations:

UP TO 6 MONTHS

• South Sudan

UP TO 90 DAYS

• Central African Republic
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Sierra Leone

Moreover, holders of diplomatic or service category passports of the following countries are also exempt from the requirement to hold a valid visa for Rwanda:

• United Arab Emirates

In addition, Chinese nationals who hold passports endorsed 'for public affairs' are permitted to visit Rwanda visa-free for a stay of up to 90 days.

Visa On Arrival

The VoA is a type of visa that is issued at certain international airports and land border crossing points. There are more than 30 different nationalities that currently can be granted a visa upon arrival in Rwanda.

Apart from a tourism visa, they can also apply for business and conference visas issued on arrival.

Visitors eligible for the Rwandan VoA should know that it may be necessary to spend long hours standing in line for visa approval.

All those who can benefit from an online visa application are highly recommended to do so instead of leaving their visa formalities until the last moment.

Complete list of countries eligible for Rwanda VoA goes as follows:

• Brunei Darussalam
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Sao Tome and Principe

Passenger Locator Form

Following other countries' governments, the Rwandan authorities also introduced the Passenger Locator Form. Since June 2022, it is, however, no longer needed to complete the Rwandan PLF to enter the country.

Travel Insurance

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

Choose an appropriate international insurance policy that covers air medical transport since patients requiring more complicated treatment must be transported to Kenya or South Africa. Make also sure to take out the insurance with Covid-19 coverage.

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Evisa Express is affiliated with the Canada law firm VisaPlace which provides legal services on immigration matters. Only licensed immigration professionals can provide advice, explanation, opinion, or recommendation about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies. The entity managing the website www.evisa.express is the company INTERNATIONAL VISA SERVICE limited liability limited partnership (LLC LLP), with its registered office in Katowice, ul. Graniczna 29, 40-017 Katowice, Poland, EU. NIP: 9542766476, REGON: 364718356. It is registered with the Katowice-Wschód District Court in Katowice, 8th Commercial Division, under the number KRS 0000623079.

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Rwanda Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Rwanda

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• Rwanda Conference eVisa
• Rwanda East Africa Visa
• Rwanda Entry e-Visa

Embarking on an adventure to Rwanda? Whether you're drawn to the vibrant city of Kigali, the ancient rainforests, or the majestic mountain gorillas, you'll likely need a visa. Discover the requirements, which visa suits your journey, and how to effortlessly apply with us.

What’s a Rwanda Conference eVisa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Rwanda Conference eVisa for?

Professionals and academics attending conferences, seminars, workshops, or meetings in Rwanda.

Who isn’t eligible for the Rwanda Conference eVisa?

Individuals not attending designated events or those seeking to engage in employment or tourism activities within Rwanda. Check your eligibility with our Visa Checker Tool .

What’s the purpose of the Rwanda Conference eVisa? The Rwanda Conference eVisa is designed to facilitate the entry of international attendees into Rwanda for:

• Conference attendance: Participate in professional gatherings, academic seminars, or industry-specific workshops. Not for employment or leisure travel in Rwanda.

How long can you stay with the Rwanda Conference eVisa?

This eVisa is usually valid for the event, typically up to 30 days Per Entry , allowing for a Single Entry into the country.

Learn more about the Rwanda Conference eVisa

Apply now for your Rwanda Conference eVisa

What’s a Rwanda East Africa Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Rwanda East Africa Visa for?

Travelers seeking to explore Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with a single visa.

Who isn’t eligible for the Rwanda East Africa Visa?

Visitors not planning to travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda or those looking for employment within these countries.

What’s the purpose of the Rwanda East Africa Visa? The Rwanda East Africa Visa is intended for tourists wishing for:

• Multi-country tourism: Experience Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda's diverse cultures, wildlife, and landscapes without needing multiple visas.

How long can you stay with the Rwanda East Africa Visa? This visa allows multiple entries between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda for up to 90 days Per Entry .

Learn more about the Rwanda East Africa Visa

Apply now for your Rwanda East Africa Visa

What’s a Rwanda Entry e-Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Rwanda Entry e-Visa for? Tourists, business visitors, or those visiting family in Rwanda for short stays.

Who isn’t eligible for the Rwanda Entry e-Visa? Individuals seeking long-term stays, employment, or study opportunities in Rwanda.

What’s the purpose of the Rwanda Entry e-Visa? The Rwanda Entry e-Visa enables:

Tourism: Exploring Rwanda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Short business visits: Conducting brief business meetings or negotiations.

Family visits: Reconnecting with family members residing in Rwanda.

How long can you stay with the Rwanda Entry e-Visa? Generally issued for stays of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extensions. Single entry is standard.

Learn more about the Rwanda Entry e-Visa

Apply now for your Rwanda Entry e-Visa

What are the Rwandan long-term visa options?

Rwanda provides various long-term visa options for different needs, including work, study, family reunion, and residency. Here are some of the main long-term visas available:

Work Visa: For individuals who have secured long-term employment in Rwanda, sponsorship from the employer is often required.

Student Visa: Issued to foreign nationals pursuing long-term studies at Rwandan educational institutions.

Family Reunion Visa: Designed for family members of Rwandan citizens or residents wishing to live together in Rwanda.

Investor Visa: For foreign nationals investing a significant amount in Rwandan businesses or projects.

Long-Term Tourist Visa: Available for those wishing to stay in Rwanda for extended tourism purposes, often up to six months.

Special Pass: Granted for specific purposes such as research, internships, or volunteer work for a duration longer than what standard visas allow but shorter than residency permits.

Residence Permits: Offered to those seeking residency in Rwanda, available in categories like investors, retirees, or those joining family members.

While we do not provide these specific visas, you can find detailed information on Rwanda's long-term visa options, application procedures, and more on the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration website .

Staying healthy in Rwanda: Here’s what you need to know

Planning a visit to Rwanda? It's crucial to be informed about health guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here's essential health information for travelers.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

Stay informed about Rwanda's COVID-19 requirements, including possible quarantine, testing, or vaccine documentation. Your airline can provide the latest updates.

Vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever are required to enter Rwanda. Check for detailed information with health authorities or the Rwanda Biomedical Centre.

Depending on your itinerary, consider vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis. Visit the CDC's Travelers' Health page for Rwanda for recommendations.

Medical facilities

Rwanda's capital, Kigali, and other major towns have quality healthcare facilities, though more limited than in Western countries.

In rural areas, healthcare services can be sparse, and traveling to a city for medical care might be necessary.

Healthcare in Rwanda is not free for travelers, and medical services often require payment upfront. Ensure you have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical expenses in Rwanda.

Pharmacies are available in cities but may have a limited supply of medications. It’s advisable to bring the necessary prescription medications with you.

Health insurance

Securing health insurance before traveling to any destination, including Rwanda, is highly recommended.

While Rwanda has significantly improved healthcare, medical care can still be costly for travelers without insurance. Opt for a travel insurance policy with substantial medical coverage.

Before departure, verify that your insurance provides adequate coverage for your needs in Rwanda. Other considerations include:

Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption coverage.

Medical expenses and evacuation benefits.

Baggage loss or damage coverage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Rwanda

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to Rwanda:

Malaria: Rwanda is a malaria-endemic country. Taking preventive measures such as using antimalarial medication, applying insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets is crucial.

Water Safety: Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid tap water to prevent waterborne illnesses. Also, be cautious with ice cubes and raw fruits and vegetables that may not have been washed with safe water.

Altitude in Kigali: Kigali and other parts of Rwanda are located at a high altitude, be cautious especially when traveling from a lower elevation, as it can result in altitude sickness, so take time to acclimate.

Cultural sensitivity: Rwanda has a complex history, especially regarding the 1994 genocide. Be respectful when discussing sensitive topics and seek to understand the country’s journey towards reconciliation and rebuilding.

Plastic bags: Rwanda has a ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags. Avoid bringing them into the country, as they can be confiscated at customs.

Conservation efforts: Rwanda is renowned for its conservation efforts, particularly for mountain gorillas; stick to the guidelines provided at national parks to minimize your environmental and wildlife impact.

Medication for personal use

To smoothly bring personal medications into Rwanda, follow these guidelines:

Declare all medications: Inform customs about any medication you bring into the country.

Original packaging: Keep medicines in original containers and carry them in your hand luggage where possible.

Prescription or doctor's letter: Carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor, ideally translated into English or French.

Check for restrictions: Confirm that your medications are legal in Rwanda by contacting the Rwandan embassy before traveling.

Quantity aligned with itinerary: Only bring a quantity of medication that matches the length of your stay to avoid any issues at customs.

Need embassy support?

Need a visa extension or consular help? Your home country's embassy in Rwanda is your go-to place for support.

Check our easy Embassies Finder to find your nearest embassy.

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.migration.gov.rw/