Rwanda

Violence and crime

Grenade attacks and other violence have occurred from time to time since 2009, including in Kigali. People have been killed and injured in these attacks.

One person died and 8 were injured in a grenade attack in Rusizi district in June 2017.

Common targets for attacks include:

• genocide memorial sites
• markets
• taxi and bus stops

People have died in attacks around the Genocide Commemorations, which begin on 7 April.

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

Travelling within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is dangerous because:

• 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. If you're travelling near border areas, review the travel advice for the DRC.

Within 10km of the border with Burundi:

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

Don't cross the border into Burundi. If you're near border areas, review the travel advice for Burundi.

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

Volcanoes National Park

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, homes and vehicles also occurs.

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

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

*This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

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 1000s 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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

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

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rwanda. Authorities will quarantine and treat affected people in government hospitals and isolation facilities. Monitor the media for latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

Current government guidelines require everyone to wear a face mask in public.

More information:

• Rwanda Ministry of Health  
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Smartraveller)

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

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.

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.

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

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

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

*The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

Tourist visa

Get a 30-day tourist visa when you arrive. You'll have to pay a fee.

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

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 (PDF 74KB)

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.

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.

Road travel

You're 6 times 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

COVID-19

Measures are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 and are being strictly enforced. Movements are prohibited from 9pm to 5am except with Government permission. Non-essential movement is restricted and face masks must be worn in public at all times. Some services have resumed under strict conditions including public and private businesses and markets. Hotels and restaurants are operating but will close by 7pm. All borders remain closed except to cargo, Rwandan citizens and legal residents.

Authorities have closed schools until further notice as well as universities and places of worship across the country. Large gatherings including sporting events have been banned. 

If you're in Rwanda, monitor the media for latest developments, follow the instructions of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well. If you need urgent consular assistance call +61 2 6261 3305.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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. You can get consular help 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
Fax: +254 20 4277 139
Website: kenya.embassy.gov.au/nair/home.html
Email: australia.hc.kenya@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in East Africa
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