Rwanda

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

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.

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

If you intend to cross the border into Burundi, review the travel advice for Burundi.

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
• robbery

Theft from hotel rooms and vehicles also occurs.

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

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.

More information:

• Terrorism

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
• 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

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.

Confirm:

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

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.

More information:

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

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 

More information:

• Medication

Ebola

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.

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.

Other health risks

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

• meningitis
• meningococcal disease
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• COVID-19

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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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.

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.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

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

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. 

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI 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:

• 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)

Border measures

You no longer need a COVID-19 test to enter Rwanda. Additional COVID-19 testing is no longer in place on arrival at or departing Kigali International Airport.

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

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.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Validity

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:  

• LGBTI 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 restrictions

Measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 are being strictly enforced.

Face masks are no longer mandatory in Rwanda but people are encouraged to wear a face mask in public indoors/closed spaces.

Some meeting venues and national parks require a negative COVID-19 test. 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 for all visits to see primates in Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks).

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

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. The US Embassy doesn't let its staff drive outside of Kigali city limits after dark.

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

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.

Air travel

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.

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.

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.

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

Office of the 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: kgali-cs@international.gc.ca

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

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
Twitter: @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