Rwanda travel guide
About Rwanda
Dubbed 'The Land of a Thousand Hills', Rwanda's lush green landscape, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits it, is indeed the country's star attraction. This small, landlocked nation in East Africa has been pulling in an increasing number of in-the-know international tourists over the last decade.
But back in 1994, few would have thought that the country could bounce back from the horrifying Rwanda genocide, where an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were tragically slaughtered by Hutu extremists (an ethnic group indigenous to the region). It was one of the darkest days in modern African history.
But rebound it has. Today, Rwanda is known for its progressive policies just as much as its regretful history. The country is a role model in gender equality (Rwanda's government has had the highest percentage of female members throughout the 21st century) and conservation (notably enforcing a country-wide ban on plastic bags in 2008).
Similarly, the country is a pioneer in ecotourism, with the creation of cycle lanes, wetland regions and sustainable wildlife tours, the standout of which is to see a troop of mountain gorillas in the thick forests of Volcanoes National Park on the country's northern border. In fact, Volcanoes National Park was where Dian Fossey, the world's leading authority on mountain gorillas, spent many years studying the endangered species. In 1983, she published the highly acclaimed Gorillas in the Mist, which was later made into a film.
It's not all about gorillas, though. Nyungwe National Park, in the south of the country, is one of the largest remaining rainforests in Africa and is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, while Akagera National Park, in eastern Rwanda, offers up opportunities to spot rhinos, lions and hippos. And although Rwanda is landlocked, Lake Kivu covers a large portion of its western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offering sandy beaches and warm waters for visitors to soak up the coastal vibe.
It's also worth spending a few days in the capital, Kigali. Established in 1907, Kigali has grown exponentially after becoming Rwanda's capital in 1962. The city is colourful and vibrant, with lively markets and bustling restaurants abound. It is also clean and safe. To many visitors, Kigali offers cosmopolitan fun that complements Rwanda's rural attractions.
Indeed, the past of Rwanda may be bleak, but the future certainly looks bright for Rwanda.
Key facts
26,338 sq km (10,169 sq miles).
12.3 million (2018)
499 per sq km (2018)
Kigali
Republic.
President Paul Kagame since 2000.
Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente since 2017.
Travel Advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Rwanda’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Rwanda is generally safe and crime levels are relatively low, but street crime does occur. There have been reports of burglary, theft and mugging in Kigali in recent months. You should take precautions with valuables and remain vigilant. See Crime
The security situation near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi remains unstable, and there has previously been armed attacks in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks and neighbouring areas. If you’re travelling near the DRC or Burundi borders, you should be aware of the risk of attacks and Government of Rwanda security operations. Exercise caution and keep up to date with developments on the current situation, including via your tour operator, the local media and this travel advice. See Local travel
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Terrorist attacks in Rwanda can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Rwanda on the TravelHealthPro website.
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Rwanda continues to encourage the use of voluntary COVID-19 testing facilities.
International travel
Kigali Airport is open. Commercial flights to and from Rwanda are running as normal.
Check with your travel company / airline, and the website of the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister for the latest information.
The Government of Rwanda has published updated guidance for passengers arriving in and departing from Rwanda.
All Rwandan travellers aged 12 years and above must show proof of full vaccination before departing Rwanda by air.
A COVID-19 test is no longer a requirement to depart Rwanda by air. However, COVID-19 testing (at own cost) is available for all travellers whose final destination requires one, at health centres and other designated sites. Travellers are advised to check with airlines about the COVID-19 requirements of the final destination and/or transit countries and plan for their RT-PCR test accordingly.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Rwanda.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda before returning to the UK, the local authorities will expect the vast majority of people to self-isolate at home for 14 days or until you test negative for COVID-19. If you are visiting and staying in a hotel, you may be asked to self-isolate in your room, or to relocate to another hotel or another floor in your current hotel.
If you test positive, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) will follow up and offer further tests until you test negative. You will be expected to self-isolate after testing positive and the RBC will conduct checks to ensure self-isolation compliance.
The RBC will monitor your symptoms and if they are serious, you may be moved to a treatment centre.
Further information about what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda and how you can keep in contact with the health system can be found on the RBC website.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Rwanda
Movements nationwide are no longer prohibited.
The Office of the Prime Minister publishes communiques setting out details of measures in response to COVID-19, on their website, normally every two weeks, and on the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister.
All tourists are required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to visiting Rwanda’s national parks, apart from Akagera National Park, at their own cost. Tests can be booked by appointment via reservations@rdb.rwor, tel: +250 (0)788313800. Tourists visiting Akagera National Park and other tourist destinations are required to take a rapid antigen test, which are available at numerous walk-in clinics in Kigali for RWF 5,000. Tourists without a negative test result will not be admitted to the national parks.
Accommodation
Accommodation is open and available for bookings.
Public places and services
The Government of Rwanda is taking measures to respond to COVID-19. Citizens and residents of Rwanda must be fully vaccinated in order to access public places. People attending any event must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours prior to meeting. Wearing face masks is no longer mandatory (but people are encouraged to wear masks indoors). More details about the latest measures have been published on the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s office publishes communiques setting out details of measures in response to COVID-19, including movement restrictions, on their website, normally every two weeks.
Healthcare
For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.
View Health for further details on healthcare in Rwanda.
See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance
Further information
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.
Local travel
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which neighbours Rwanda remains unstable, and conflict can flare up with little notice. There have been incidents of violent clashes on the DRC-Rwanda border in recent years, and armed incursions into the southwest of Rwanda. On 10 June 2022 artillery fire from within DRC hit Rwandan territory close to the border in Kinigi sector of Musanze district in the North West. This follows a similar incident in May. Tourists sites have not been affected and the Rwandan government have assured residents and visitors that the area remains secure, but given instability in DRC further such incidents cannot be ruled out.
If you plan to visit areas close to the DRC or Burundi borders, such as popular tourist destinations including Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, you should be alert to the risks and exercise caution.
On 18 June, two people were killed and six were injured when suspected militants opened fire on a public passenger bus on Nyamagabe-Rusizi road, in Nyungwe Forest, Nyamgabe District.
All travellers should keep up to date with developments on the current situation, including via your tour operator, the local media and this travel advice.
The land border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu are open although the hours of operation may vary. If you’re crossing regularly between Rwanda and the DRC you may encounter immigration difficulties if you have not regularised your residency status.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is open in the Volcanoes National Park.
If you plan to travel close to the border with the DRC you should remain aware of the risks, exercise caution, and keep up to date with developments on the current situation, including via your tour operator, the local media and this travel advice.
Crime
Levels of crime remain relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag snatching and mugging in Kigali.
You should take sensible precautions. Take care when walking at night. Pre-arrange transport. Lock car doors when driving, don’t leave valuables in cars when parked and don’t leave cars unsupervised in the town centre. Don’t carry large amounts of money or other valuables.
Some off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well-lit or signposted. You should take extra care when walking around less populated zones, particularly at night time.
Road travel
You can drive using a UK driving licence or an International Driving Permit for up to one year, after which you should apply for a Rwandan licence. To apply for a local driving licence, you need to write a letter of application to the Commissioner Traffic and Road Safety attaching your existing licence and a copy of your visa or Foreign Resident ID card, and pay a fee.
Roads from Kigali to all major towns are good. There can be landslides during the annual rains in late spring and autumn. Avoid road travel after dark as roads are unlit and driving standards are poor.
Shared taxis (mini-vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport within towns and around the country. However, they are also the most vulnerable to accidents.
Public transport may be affected by COVID-19 prevention measures. See Coronavirus
Air travel
Before using internal or regional flights that are not with major international carriers, you should check the airline’s accreditation and see whether the airline operates in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) safety standards.
Health and safety
Levels of health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the UK. There have been incidences of buildings and construction sites collapsing, causing deaths and serious injuries. Fire safety standards are also variable, with incidences of fire in residential and public places a continuing risk.
There have been a number of building fires apparently caused by poor wiring and substandard electrical cables. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.
Terrorist attacks in Rwanda can’t be ruled out.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
Photography of some government buildings is prohibited.
Plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons. Visible plastic bags will be confiscated on arrival at the airport.
The week following Genocide Memorial Day on 7 April is designated an official week of mourning.
The last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, which is a national day of community service, during which most normal services close down from 7am to 11am. The first and third Sunday of the month, the city of Kigali has a car free morning from 7am to 10am to promote exercise healthy living and to reduce car emissions. Other districts in the country have followed suit in the two consecutive Sundays.
Local festivals may be affected by COVID-19 prevention measures. See Coronavirus
LGBT issues
Homosexuality is not illegal in Rwanda but remains frowned on by many. LGBT individuals can experience discrimination and abuse, including from local authorities. There are no specific anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBT individuals. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
This page has information on travelling to Rwanda.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Rwanda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Rwanda’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
All travellers
The Government of Rwanda has published updated guidance for passengers arriving in and departing from Rwanda.
Rwanda no longer requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test before arrival into Rwanda. completing a Passenger Locator Form is also no longer required.
You should monitor the website of the office of the Prime Minister of Rwanda and the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister for further updates.
You will need a visa to enter or travel through Rwanda as a visitor.
See Visas section below for more information on how to obtain a visa.
If you’re fully vaccinated
Entry requirements for Rwanda are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
See All travellers section
Proof of vaccination status
You do not need to present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Rwanda. However incoming travellers eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations (aged 12 years and above) are encouraged to be fully vaccinated before their travel.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
Entry requirements for Rwanda are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
See All travellers section
If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year
Entry requirements for Rwanda are the same for all travellers, regardless if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year.
See All travellers section
Children and young people
Incoming travellers eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations (aged 12 years and above) are encouraged to be fully vaccinated before their travel.
COVID-19 tests are not mandatory for entry for accompanied children under 5 years.
If you’re transiting through Rwanda
The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure. An additional COVID-19 test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport for transiting/connecting travellers.
Exemptions
There are no exemptions to Rwanda’s entry requirements.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Rwanda. You’ll need one blank page on your passport for entry stamps.
Visas
You need a visa to enter Rwanda. Thirty-day tourist visas are free and available on arrival for citizens of member states of the Commonwealth (including the UK), as well as for those of the African Union and the Francophonie.
You can also choose to get a visa in advance at any Rwandan diplomatic mission or online. Further information about visa requirements is available from the Rwandan High Commission.
If you’re planning to apply for resident/business or missionary multiple entry visas on entry to Rwanda you will need to get UK police clearance before you travel. You can find details of how to do this on the ACRO Criminal Records Office website. This usually takes a minimum of 10 working days to process.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Rwanda on the TravelHealthPro website
See the healthcare information in the Coronavirus section for information on what to do if you think you have coronavirus while in Rwanda.
Medical treatment
According to Rwandan law, any person on Rwandan territory must have health insurance.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. In the event of serious accident or illness evacuation by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Ebola
Visitors should be aware that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) 13th Ebola outbreak was declared over on 16 December 2021. The outbreak began on 8 October 2021 in Beni, North Kivu province in eastern DRC. There have been no new cases since 30 October. North Kivu province borders Uganda and Rwanda. Further information and updates on Ebola can be found on the WHO website and the Public Health England (PHE) website. Public Health England has guidance for humanitarian or healthcare workers travelling to countries at risk of Ebola.
Other health risks
There is a high risk of malaria in all areas of Rwanda, including Kigali.
Earthquakes
There are occasional earthquakes. You can find a real-time earthquake map and further information about earthquakes in Rwanda on the website of the US Geological Survey. In the event of an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
On 22 May 2021, Mount Nyiragongo volcano in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), close to the city of Goma, and near the border with Rwanda and the Rwandan city of Gisenyi, erupted. Subsequent seismic activity was felt in Rwanda.
Rainy season
The rainy season in much of Rwanda runs from February to May and from September to December. April being the height of the rainy season. Heavy storms can cause disruption and damage including landslides and floods. You should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
The Rwandan Franc is the dominant currency and you should expect to pay for transport and in smaller shops using cash.
There are ATMs in Kigali, but not all of them accept foreign cards. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in larger bars, restaurants and in many supermarkets.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
