Rwanda

Border areas

There's active fighting near the Rwandan border in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including shelling and reports of gunfire in Gisenyi.

Do not travel to the Rubavu district, including the town of Gisenyi, due to the volatile security situation. If you're in the Rubavu district, you should leave by commercial means if it is safe to do so.

Reconsider your need to travel within 10 km of the rest of Rwanda’s border with DRC, including parts of Rusizi district, as there are risks due to nearby conflict.

If you're in the area, monitor local media for updates, follow the advice of local authorities, arrange effective personal safety measures and ensure your travel documents are up to date.

Don't cross the border into the DRC. We advise do not travel to the DRC. For more information, see our travel advice for the DRC.

The land border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since 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.

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
• markets
• 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

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 generally happen but may include:

• bag snatching
• pickpocketing
• robbery

Theft from hotel rooms and vehicles also occurs.

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

Kidnapping

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.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places

Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Drink spiking 

Methanol poisoning

Severe weather

Rwanda experiences natural disasters and extreme 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
• follow the advice of local authorities

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

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria occurs widely throughout the country, including in Kigali.

Other insect-borne diseases also occur, including:

• 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.

HIV/AIDS

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.

Ebola Virus Disease

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

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

If you're transiting from the DRC, the Rwandan Ministry of Health may impose a 21-day quarantine period on your arrival. 

More information:  

• Rwandan Ministry of Health 

Other health risks

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

• typhoid
• meningitis/meningococcal disease
• mpox
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• measles
• hepatitis

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
• avoid physical contact with anyone who has mpox

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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Rwanda for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Tourism

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 

Drugs

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

Airports in Rwanda use technology and security systems to detect illegal items, including drugs, in the baggage of transiting passengers.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

The public or police may harass LGBTQIA+ travellers for same-sex relationships 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. 

More information:

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

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

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Rwanda recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

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)

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Rwanda if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever 

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier: 

Access to money

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

Rwanda is a cash-based society, but electronic payments and online banking are increasingly available.

Not all hotels/restaurants accept credit cards, especially outside of Kigali. Find out which credit cards your hotel/restaurant accepts before you travel.

You can only cash travellers’ cheques at commercial banks.

Not all ATMs accept international cards.

Road travel

To drive in Rwanda, you'll require both your Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) and an International Driver's Permit.

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.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Traffic in Rwanda can be chaotic and unpredictable. Riding on motorcycles is risky for travellers.

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
• never ride or drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

More Information

• Road safety

Taxis

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.

While local ride-sharing apps are available in Kigali, the business is still relatively new and as such should be treated with caution. No internationally recognised services are currently available.

Air travel

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.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Be aware that 112 emergency calls may not be answered.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Rwanda. The Canadian High Commission in Kigali provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Rwanda. The High Commission doesn't issue passports or provide notarial services.

Canadian High Commission to Rwanda

59, KN16 Ave, Kiyovu, Kigali, Rwanda
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1177, Kigali, Rwanda

Telephone: (+250) 252 554 800
Email: kgali@international.gc.ca

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: australia.hc.kenya@dfat.gov.au
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