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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Rwanda travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: May 6, 2024 10:24 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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Rwanda Travel Advisory

• Eastern Africa
• Rwanda Travel Advice

We advise caution when travelling to Rwanda

Local situation: 3.0 / 5.

We advise caution when travelling to Rwanda. We detected travel advisories from 4 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 3.4 / 5

Rwanda shares a land border with 4 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including Rwanda), the Advisory Index is 3.4 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Burundi (4), Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.7), Uganda with 3.5 and Tanzania with 3 (of 5).

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Rwanda

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Rwanda. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Rwanda.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Rwanda

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Rwanda.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Rwanda from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.0 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: Canada

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/rwanda

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Rwanda due to crime (level 2 of 4).

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/rwanda

This is a regional information covering specific areas of Rwanda.

Issued by: New Zealand government

Info: If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Info: Avoid non-essential travel to Rwanda's borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi due to the unpredictable security situation, and the risk of banditry and cross-border incursions by armed groups (level 3 of 4).

Advisory issued by: United States

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 ...

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/rwanda-travel-advisory.html

Advisory issued by: Finland

Iaktta normal försiktighet -

Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/RW

Individual rating changes for Rwanda

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Rwanda. Most recent events first.

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for Rwanda changed from 3.0 to 3.5 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for Rwanda to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from March 23rd 2020

The total rating for Rwanda changed from 2.8 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government increased their existing warning for Rwanda to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for Rwanda changed from 2.2 to 2.8 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for Rwanda to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Rwanda to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from March 16th 2020

The total rating for Rwanda changed from 1.8 to 2.2 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for Rwanda with a rating of 4.0.

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for Rwanda changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government issued a new warning for Rwanda with a rating of 1.0.

The Canadian government issued a new warning for Rwanda with a rating of 3.0.

The New Zealand government issued a new warning for Rwanda with a rating of 2.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for Rwanda with a rating of 1.0.

The Finnish government issued a new warning for Rwanda with a rating of 2.0.

About Rwanda

Rwanda with its capital Kigali is a country in Africa (Eastern Africa), slightly smaller than Maryland (26,338 km²). The country is located Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The climate can be described as temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible. The landscape is mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east. With a population of about 10.19 million citizens.

Rwandan flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Rwanda is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel
• overgrazing
• soil erosion
• soil exhaustion
• widespread poaching

Natural hazzards

• periodic droughts
• the volcanic Virunga Mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Visoke (3,711 m), located on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the country's only historically active volcano

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Rwanda. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• agricultural products
• plastic goods
• small-scale beverages

Agriculture products

• insecticide made from chrysanthemums

Rwandan Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Rwanda.

Export products

Import products

• construction material
• petroleum products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for rwanda.

Rwanda is currently rated at 3,0 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 4 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to Rwanda.

Is it safe to travel Rwanda in 2024?

Visiting the country Rwanda is usually fine. The score is at 3,0 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.

How many travel advisories do you know for Rwanda?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 4 individual sources for Rwanda.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Rwanda?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Rwanda. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Rwanda.

What is the size of Rwanda?

Rwanda has a size of 26,338 km² or 10,169 mi² which is slightly smaller than Maryland.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Rwanda and bordering countries.

If you want to embed Rwanda travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Rwanda safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Rwanda?
• Are there security warnings for Rwanda?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

Update April 12, 2024

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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 .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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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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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Rwanda guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Rwanda. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Rwanda

Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. If you have a serious accident or illness, you may need to be evacuated by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Rwanda where some staff speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Rwanda .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

Related content

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Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Rwanda. 

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Rwanda (PDF 702.68 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Be aware that 112 emergency calls may not be answered.

Advice levels

Exercise normal safety precaution s in Rwanda overall. 

Exercise normal safety precaution s in Rwanda overall.

Reconsider your need to travel within 10 kilometres of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the town of Gisenyi.

Reconsider your need to travel within 10 kilometres of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the towns of Gisenyi due to:

• the unsafe security situation
• the ongoing risk of cross-border attacks by armed militias

Exercise a high degree of caution within 10 kilometres of the border with Burundi.

Exercise a high degree of caution within 10 kilometres of the border with Burundi due to:

• the unsafe security environment
• the high risk of conflict between government forces and rebels
• the risk of cross-border violence

See  Safety

• The rainy seasons are from February to May and September to December. Flooding and mudslides can make roads unusable. Be prepared to alter your travel plans.
• The security situation within 10km of Rwanda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is volatile. Don't cross the border (see Full Advice/Travel section ).
• The land border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since 11 January. The border will remain closed until further notice.
• There's a risk of rebel attack in the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) and Nyungwe Forest. Only visit these parks as part of an organised tour group.
• Grenade attacks and other incidents have occurred in the past, including in Kigali. Targets may include genocide memorials, markets and transport hubs.
• Petty crime is quite rare, but theft from hotel rooms, homes and vehicles can occur. Keep valuables out of sight. When driving, lock your windows and doors.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Medical facilities are very limited. If you're ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation to Kenya. Check your travel insurance covers this.
• Malaria occurs across the country, including in Kigali. Consider taking anti-malaria medication. Other insect-borne diseases also occur. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• HIV/AIDS occurs. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include meningitis, meningococcal disease, tuberculosis and rabies. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include long prison sentences and heavy fines.
• Same-sex relations are legal. However, LGBTI travellers may be harassed by the public and police. Avoid public displays of affection.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph government buildings.
• Plastic bags are banned. Officials may fine you for having them.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Australians can get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate of Rwanda for the latest details.
• The land border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since 11 January 2024. The border will remain closed until further notice. We advise you exercise a high degree of caution within 10 kilometres of the border with Burundi.
• The security situation within 10km of Rwanda's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is unstable, and conflict can occur with little notice. There have been cross-border incursions in recent years, and the situation in eastern DRC has become more volatile in 2024 (see the  DRC   travel advice ) .
• Don't cross the border. Reconsider your need to travel within 10 kilometres of the border with the DRC, including the town of Gisenyi.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Rwanda.
• The Office of the Canadian High Commission to Rwanda in Kigali provides limited consular help to Australians in Rwanda. The Office doesn't issue passports.
• Full consular help is available from  the  Australian High Commission in Kenya .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension, violence and crime.

Grenade attacks and other violence have occurred in the past, including in Kigali. People have been killed and injured in these attacks.

Targets for attacks have included:

• genocide memorial sites
• taxi and bus stops

To protect yourself from attacks:

• be alert to any security threats, especially around common targets
• monitor the media and other sources for possible threats
• follow the advice of local authorities

To protect yourself against other crime, avoid walking or travelling after dark. Stay alert during daylight hours.

Demonstrations and protests

Avoid protests, rallies and demonstrations. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Border areas

We advise reconsider your need to travel within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as:

• the security situation can change at any time in this region
• there's an ongoing risk of cross-border attacks by armed militias from the Kivu provinces in the DRC

Don't cross the border into the DRC. We advise do not travel to the DRC. If, despite our advice, you travel to the DRC, review the travel advice for the  DRC .

The land border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since 11 January 2024. The border will remain closed until further notice. We advise exercise a high degree of caution within 10km of the border with Burundi as:

• the security environment can change rapidly
• there's a risk of conflict between government forces and rebels in Burundi
• there's a chance of cross-border violence by armed groups, including bandits

Monitor local media and other sources for news that may affect your safety.

Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest

If you're planning to visit the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), book with a reputable travel agent. Only visit the park as part of an organised tour group.

You need permission from the Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) before visiting the park or Nyungwe Forest. 

The ORTPN may provide a military escort because of the risk of rebel attack.

Petty crime targeting foreigners doesn't happen often. Crimes include:

• bag snatching
• pickpocketing

Theft from hotel rooms and vehicles also occurs.

When driving, keep your valuables out of sight. Close the windows and lock the doors.

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:   

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Severe weather.

Rwanda experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• floods and mudslides
• earthquakes  and  volcanoes

If there's a natural disaster:

• always carry your passport in a waterproof bag
• keep in touch with family and friends
• check the media and other local sources for information

Flooding and mudslides

The rainy seasons are from:

• February to May
• September to December

Flooding  and mudslides occur throughout Rwanda at these times.

Heavy rain may affect infrastructure and disrupt essential services. This can restrict travel if roads close.

Earthquakes and volcanoes

North-western Rwanda is in an active  earthquake  zone. Earthquakes and volcanoes are a threat.

Ask your host or hotel about what to do if there's an earthquake.

After an earthquake:

• expect aftershocks
• prepare for travel delays and to change your plans
• ask your travel agent and tour operators to confirm travel services and accommodation bookings
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

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

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

Physical and mental health

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

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

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

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Rwanda. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

Health risks

The Rwandan Ministry of Health has established measures for travellers arriving from areas of the DRC that are affected by Ebola virus disease. 

If you are arriving in Rwanda from an Ebola affected area, you're required to undergo thermal scanner screening. 

If you're transiting through DRC, the Rwandan Ministry of Health can impose a 21-day quarantine period before you travel. 

More information:   

• Rwandan Ministry of Health 

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria  occurs widely throughout the country, including in Kigali.

Other insect-borne diseases also occur, such as dengue , chikungunya , African tick-bite fever .

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

Protect yourself from  HIV/AIDS  infection if engaging in activities that expose you to risk.

If you're a victim of violent crime, including  rape , get medical help as soon as possible.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• meningitis /  meningococcal disease
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Don't swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to waterborne diseases, such as  bilharzia (schistosomiasis) .

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are very limited throughout the country.

If you're in an accident or get sick, you may need to be evacuated by air ambulance to Nairobi, Kenya. You may need to travel further if your condition is serious. Medical evacuation can be very expensive

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Follow local laws in Rwanda's parks and tourism sites. 

To visit parks:

• you must purchase a park permit from  Rwanda’s Office of Tourism and National Parks
• you must be accompanied by an official guide. Rwanda Tour and Travel Association (RTTA) tour companies are available through Member List | RTTA
• only use established trails 

Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe. They include long prison sentences and heavy fines.

• Carrying or using drugs

The public or police may harass  LGBTQIA+ travellers  for same-sex sexual activity, or public displays of affection.

Plastic bags are banned. Authorities may confiscate them when you arrive at the airport and in public places. They may also fine you.

It's illegal to take photos of government buildings.

A permit issued by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority is required to fly a drone recreationally or commercially in Rwanda. 

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
• Drones  (Visit Rwanda)

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws apply overseas. If you commit these offences, you may be prosecuted in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Rwanda recognises dual nationality.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Tourist visa

Citizens of Commonwealth countries receive free 30-day tourist visas on arrival.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the High Commission of Rwanda in Singapore or the Consulate General of the Republic of Rwanda in Australia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Working or Volunteering in Rwanda

You need a valid permit to work or volunteer in Rwanda. The permit is available through the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. 

More information: 

• Permits  (Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration)

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination.

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever.

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever  

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Australian emergency passports are only accepted with pre-approval from the  Rwandan immigration department .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier: 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

Access to money

Rwanda is a cash-based society but presently electronic payments and online banking should be used wherever possible.

Only large hotels accept credit cards. Find out which credit cards your hotel accepts before you travel.

You can only cash traveller's cheques at commercial banks.

Not many ATMs accept international cards.

Most shops and businesses won't accept or change US dollars dated before 2006.

Local travel

Road travel.

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Rwanda than in Australia.

To drive in Rwanda you'll require both your Australian driver's licence and an International Driver's Permit.

Main roads between Kigali and other major towns are generally good.

You'll likely need a 4WD to use unsealed secondary roads, particularly during the rainy season.

Avoid driving at night. 

Police roadblocks are common throughout the country. They may stop you. Police may search your vehicle and luggage.

Road safety risks include:

• poorly lit roads
• poorly maintained vehicles
• speeding drivers
• roaming animals
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Traffic in Rwanda can be chaotic and unpredictable. Riding on motorcycles is risky for travellers. Always wear a helmet and sensible clothing. Never ride or drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you plan to ride a motorcycle:

• check your travel insurance policy covers motorcycle rides
• use a well-known hire company with a good reputation
• always wear a helmet.

More Information

• Road safety

Use only licensed taxis with an orange-stripe.

Confirm the fare before you leave.

Avoid minivans (shared taxis) and motorbikes, especially at night. They're risky due to reckless driving, poor maintenance and petty crime.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Rwanda's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Rwandan airports have extensive airports security checks. You should allow sufficient time to get through security.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Rwanda. The Office of the Canadian High Commission to Rwanda in Kigali provides limited consular help to Australians in Rwanda. The Office doesn't issue passports.

Canadian High Commission to Rwanda

59, KN16 Ave, Kiyovu, Kigali, Rwanda Postal Address: P.O. Box 1177, Kigali, Rwanda Telephone:  (+250) 252 554 800 Fax: (+250) 252 554 810 Email:  [email protected]

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8am – 12pm

Full consular help is available from the Australian High Commission in Kenya.

Australian High Commission, Kenya 

Limuru Road, Rosslyn Nairobi, Kenya  PO Box 3008 - 00621 Phone: +254 20 4277 100 Website:  https://kenya.highcommission.gov.au/ Email:  [email protected] Facebook:  Australian High Commission, Kenya   X:  @AusHCKenya

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Rwanda?

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

Getty Images

Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping , international relations

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International Edition

U.S. reissues Level 2 travel warning for Germany. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip

• Updated: May. 04, 2024, 10:10 a.m. |
• Published: May. 04, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for Germany due to fears of terrorism. AP

• Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for Germany due to fears of terrorism.

The State Department issued the advisory on Wednesday, ranking the travel advisory on a scale of two out of four. This means that those traveling to an area must “exercise increased caution.”

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” the State Department noted.

The agency added that terrorists could target tourism and transportation hubs, as well as shopping destinations, hotels, clubs, restaurants, local government facilities and major events.

The State Department noted on its website that for those who do decide to travel to Germany, travelers should pay attention to their surroundings , follow the instructions of local authorities, be aware of the latest breaking news in the area and adjust your plans, if necessary. The organization also urges travelers to Germany to create a contingency plan for emergency situations as well as sign up for the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier for the State Department to locate you in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Department of State has issued several travel warnings this year with those most recently centered around the Caribbean.

One was a Level 4 “do not travel” warning against traveling to the country of Haiti due to kidnappings and gang violence.

Another warning from the State Department cautioned travelers to “reconsider travel” to the country of Jamaica after 65 people were murdered in one month.

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Home Office to detain asylum seekers across UK in shock Rwanda operation

Exclusive: Operation comes weeks earlier than expected and is thought to have been timed to coincide with local elections

The Home Office will launch a major operation to detain asylum seekers across the UK on Monday, weeks earlier than expected, in preparation for their deportation to Rwanda, the Guardian can reveal.

Officials plan to hold asylum seekers who turn up for routine meetings at immigration service offices or bail appointments and will also pick people up nationwide in a surprise two-week exercise.

Lawyers and campaigners said the detentions risked provoking protracted legal battles, community protests and clashes with police – with officers in Scotland put on high alert.

Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “The government is determined to recklessly pursue its inhumane Rwanda plan despite the cost, chaos and human misery it will unleash. We know it is likely to cause a catastrophic system meltdown.”

Detainees will be immediately transferred to detention centres, which have already been prepared for the operation, and held until they are put on planes to Rwanda. Some will be put on the first flight due to take off this summer.

The Home Office said ratification of the prime minister’s Safety of Rwanda Act meant “the government is entering the final phase of operationalising this landmark policy to tackle illegal migration and stop the boats”.

It added: “At some stage inevitably this will include detaining people in preparation for the first flight, which is set to take off to Rwanda in 10 to 12 weeks. It would be inappropriate to comment further on operational activity.”

The start of the Home Office’s detention operation, which had not been anticipated for weeks, coincides with Thursday’s local council elections in England where the Tories face losing up to half the seats they currently hold.

Rishi Sunak said on Sunday that cracking down on illegal migration was central to the Tory campaign.

Police in Scotland have been put on alert because of the high risk of street protests and attempts by pro-refugee campaigners to stop detentions. Officers will not take part in the detentions but will take charge of crowd control and public order. A Police Scotland spokesperson referred the Guardian to the Home Office.

Local communities in Scotland have twice prevented deportations by staging mass protests, on Kenmure Street in Glasgow in May 2021, and in Nicolson Square, Edinburgh, in June 2022. On both occasions, hundreds of people surrounded immigration enforcement vehicles to prevent asylum seekers being removed.

During an interview in which he mentioned Rwanda and illegal migration 13 times, the prime minister said on Sunday that he was focused on “stopping the boats”, as well as his pledges on the economy. He told Sky News’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips of his “determination to get that Rwanda scheme going”.

However, the latest official data, released on Sunday, showed the number of people arriving by small boats in the first four months of 2024 was the highest ever for that period, at 7,167 people, compared with 5,745 for the same period last year. The previous record for those four months was 6,691.

Speaking on Monday before the Lords and Commons sat through the night to pass the safety of Rwanda (asylum and immigration) bill, Sunak said: “To detain people while we prepare to remove them, we’ve increased detention spaces to 2,200.

“To quickly process claims, we’ve got 200 trained, dedicated caseworkers ready and waiting. To deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively, the judiciary have made available 25 courtrooms and identified 150 judges who could provide over 5,000 sitting days.”

Aamer Anwar, a Glasgow-based human rights lawyer who was directly involved in the Kenmure Street protests, said Police Scotland and the Scottish government had to be certain they believed this was lawful.

He revealed he had been inundated with calls from activists after the Guardian first reported the Home Office move on Sunday morning. “People are extremely angry and upset, and ready to mobilise,” Anwar said, adding it would be “extremely dangerous” for Police Scotland to put itself in the middle of a deportation protest if people felt they were acting to protect deportation operations.

“I suspect in the coming days we will see an explosion of the spirit of Kenmure Street across the UK, opposing a policy that will lead to misery, self-harm and death, driving so many more into the arms of people smugglers,” Anwar said. “The fundamental question for the Scottish government as well as Police Scotland is whether they are willing to engage in this barbaric abuse of power against a desperate people.”

Solomon said the detention and removal operations were likely to persuade other asylum seekers already in the UK to disappear, for fear of being deported.

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“Even if a few thousand people are removed to Rwanda this year, there will be tens of thousands of refugees who have fled from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan and Syria, stranded in permanent limbo in the UK, likely to fall out of contact with services and face the risk of exploitation and abuse.

“This could be avoided if the government opted instead to operate a fair, effective and humane asylum system.”

The Labour MP Kim Johnson, who sits on the home affairs committee, said: “Rishi Sunak and his government are determined to prove this scheme will work, when everyone apart from the Tories know it is an abject failure. Detaining desperate people who have been languishing in a state of uncertainty for far too long, and using them for political point-scoring, is amoral. It sums up this government, and that’s why we need a general election ASAP, to get rid once and for all.

“This government is determined to kick the most vulnerable communities on the way out of the door in a desperate attempt to rebuild its credibility with the electorate.”

The Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson, Alistair Carmichael, said the “cruel political gimmick” was “the sound of the bottom of the barrel being scraped”.

He added: “This is a grubby attempt by the Conservatives to distract from their appalling record a few days out from the local elections. The Rwanda scheme is immoral, unworkable and expensive for taxpayers.”

Sonya Sceats, the chief executive of Freedom from Torture, a charity that supports torture survivors, said the detentions and deportations would add to the trauma refugees had already experienced.

“News of this crackdown is sure to trigger mental health collapse in many men, women and children in the care of our therapists.

“Compassionate people up and down the country will be sickened by this performative cruelty designed to generate headlines and stoke fear among people fleeing torture and persecution. This is not who we are as a country.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We have been absolutely clear in our opposition to the Rwanda bill since it was introduced. The UK should be upholding the 1951 UN refugee convention and supporting people in need of protection, not undermining international protection.

“The UK government should focus on improving the UK asylum system, so that people are treated fairly and with dignity and respect throughout the process. UK government asylum policy and legislation has a significant impact on people living in our communities as well as on local authorities who play a critical role in supporting asylum seekers and refugees.”

• Immigration and asylum
• Conservatives
• Home Office
• Rishi Sunak

More on this story

Detained asylum seekers given Home Office booklet saying Rwanda is ‘generally safe’

London protesters block transfer of asylum seekers to Bibby Stockholm

‘Compassion for the most vulnerable’: bishop thanks protesters who blocked asylum coaches

Father of girl who died in Channel says family feared being deported to Iraq

Lone children at risk of deportation to Rwanda after being classified as adults, says charity

UK ministers acknowledge detention of asylum seekers to be sent to Rwanda

UK will not accept return of asylum seekers from Ireland, Rishi Sunak says

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Rwandan opposition leader voices doubts Kigali will stick to UK asylum deal

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Rwanda: Officers raid homes of first people to be deported

The detentions come following the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Act, which declared the central African nation a safe country for failed asylum seekers to be sent to.

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Wednesday 1 May 2024 23:31, UK

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Officers have raided the homes of the first people to be deported to Rwanda.

It comes following the recent passing of the Safety of Rwanda Act , which declared the central African nation safe following concerns raised by the Supreme Court last year.

A video released by the Home Office showed officers entering homes and bringing out people detained in handcuffs, before putting them in the back of secure vans.

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According to the government, "operational teams within the Home Office have been working at pace to safely and swiftly detain individuals in scope for relocation to Rwanda, with more activity due to be carried out in the coming weeks".

The latest step in its plan came after a failed asylum seeker voluntarily chose to go to Kigali once their application to stay in the UK failed.

The Rwanda plan has been a major policy for the Conservative government since April 2022, but has faced repeated legal challenges .

More on Rwanda

UK considered using Iraq to process asylum seekers in Rwanda-type deal, leaked documents show

'It's so bad, like prison': Detained asylum seeker due to be sent to Rwanda speaks out

Failed asylum seeker volunteering to go to Rwanda shows it is a safe country, says Badenoch

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It is understood that women are among those detained.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: "Our Rwanda partnership is a pioneering response to the global challenge of illegal migration, and we have worked tirelessly to introduce new, robust legislation to deliver it.

"Our dedicated enforcement teams are working at pace to swiftly detain those who have no right to be here so we can get flights off the ground.

"This is a complex piece of work, but we remain absolutely committed to operationalising the policy, to stop the boats and break the business model of people smuggling gangs."

The government has previously said it has 2,200 "detention spaces", alongside 200 new caseworkers and 500 "highly trained escorts" ready.

It added that planes have been booked, with flights set to take off in nine to 11 weeks' time.

But the government is facing a fresh legal challenge from the FDA trade union representing senior civil servants, who say following the law - which allows ministers to ignore rulings from the European Court of Human Rights - could see them breaching the Civil Service Code.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, told Sky News the scheme was equivalent to flogging a dead horse.

He told political editor Beth Rigby: "I don't believe in the scheme. I don't think it will work.

"I know we have to stop the boats.

"I want to get going with our plan - stop the boats on day one, which requires us to stop the gangs that are running this vile trade or to work with law enforcement across the borders to make sure that people are not getting the boats in the first place.

"And that's why I've already had discussions in The Hague about how quickly we can share data and intelligence to do that.

"So I'm absolutely determined to tackle this problem because the government has lost control of the borders.

"What I'm not going to do is flog a dead horse."

The Rwanda plan was introduced in a bid to deter people from crossing the Channel in small boats and entering the UK illegally.

Since the passage of the latest legislation, tensions have grown between the UK and Ireland after people entered the Republic to escape facing deportation.

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But the government in Westminster says it will not take people back until a reciprocal agreement is put in place to allow returns to France for people who cross the Channel.

The latest figures show that 7,567 people have crossed the Channel since the start of 2024 - 27% higher than this time last year, and 13% higher than the equivalent period in 2022.

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Biden speaks to Netanyahu amid cease-fire talks and evacuation of Rafah

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday morning as a potential ground assault in Rafah looms and as negotiations over a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel moved closer to an agreement

A little while after their call, Hamas announced that it had accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal. Israel has not yet commented on the plan.

A White House readout of the call said Biden updated Netanyahu "on efforts to secure a hostage deal" including through talks happening Monday in the Qatari capital, Doha.

"The Prime Minister agreed to ensure the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for humanitarian assistance for those in need. The President reiterated his clear position on Rafah," the White House said.

The two leaders discussed Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, which takes place Monday, the readout said.

Biden and Netanyahu “discussed the shared commitment of Israel and the United States to remember the six million Jews who were systematically targeted and murdered in the Holocaust, one of the darkest chapters in human history, and to forcefully act against antisemitism and all forms of hate-fueled violence,” the readout said.

Before the call, a National Security Council spokesperson said it would touch on possible military action in Rafah.

“We can’t speak for IDF operations," the spokesperson said. "We have made our views clear on a major ground invasion of Rafah to the Israeli government, and the President will speak with the Prime Minister today. We continue to believe that a hostage deal is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages, and avoid an invasion of Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering. Those talks are ongoing now.”

The call came as cease-fire talks over the weekend appeared not to have yielded any breakthroughs. CIA Director William Burns was expected to travel to Israel on Monday for additional negotiations after participating in discussions Sunday in Doha, a source with knowledge of the matter told NBC News.

Burns traveled to Doha for an emergency meeting with Qatar’s prime minister to explore avenues to see if the talks could be brought back on track after negotiations stalled in Cairo. The Israeli prime minister’s office blamed Hamas for "not moving a millimeter from its extreme demands that no government in Israel can accept."

Pressure has been mounting for a long-term cease-fire as Israel has made moves that signal a ground assault in Rafah could be imminent. Overnight, flyers were dropped on eastern Rafah calling on people thereto move to humanitarian areas, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF estimated Sunday that 100,000 people from that area were told to evacuate.

Biden and his administration have warned Israel against launching a military offensive in Rafah. Last week, the White House halted a large shipment of offensive weapons to Israel, as the IDF is ramping up that possible ground invasion, according to two senior administration officials familiar with the decision.

The shipment included 2,000-pound bombs and other ammunition that would likely be used in Rafah, the officials said. Israel already has a large arsenal so while this shipment is not likely to stop an offensive, it could have been very helpful to them in one.  

While the officials said this does not indicate a larger change in policy about providing weapons to Israel, it has been very rare for the U.S. to withhold weapons and equipment from Israel because of concerns over how they can be used. 

The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Axios was first to report the shipment being halted.

A statement from a group representing families of the hostages held in Gaza urged Netanyahu to ignore any political pressure from far-right members of his government not to make a deal with Hamas.

“Today, on the eve of Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day, we want to remind you, as you have promised every year — ‘Never Again.’ You must disregard all political pressure," said a statement from the Hostage Families Forum headquarters.

"This is the time to lead, show courage, and bring about the return of all 132 being held by the terrorist monsters of Hamas — the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for burial," it said. "Mr. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, history will not forgive you if you miss this opportunity, as the return of the hostages is a necessary condition for national healing, redemption, and revival.”

Rebecca Shabad is a politics reporter for NBC News based in Washington.

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