23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice 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.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 112.
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.
Do not travel to Rwanda.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel within 10km of the border with Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu.
Do not travel within 10km of the border with:
Do your research and check that your insurer will cover you. If you do travel, take extra safety precautions.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Grenade attacks and other violence have occurred from time to time, including in Kigali. People have been killed and injured in these attacks.
The most recent grenade attack was on 7 May 2020 in Kimironko in Kigali, which killed one person in a hair salon
Common targets for attacks include:
People have died in attacks around the Genocide Commemorations, which begin on 7 April.
To protect yourself from attacks:
To protect yourself against other crime, avoid walking or travelling after dark. Stay alert during daylight hours.
Avoid protests, rallies and demonstrations. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
More information:
Travelling within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is dangerous because:
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:
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.
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:
Theft from hotel rooms, homes and vehicles also occurs.
When driving, keep your valuables out of sight. Close the windows and lock the doors.
Rwanda experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
If there's a natural disaster:
The rainy seasons are from:
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.
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:
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Rwanda. Authorities will quarantine and treat affected people in government treatment 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.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
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:
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.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
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:
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.
Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe. They include long prison sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
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:
Some Australian criminal laws apply overseas. If you commit these offences, you may be prosecuted in Australia.
More information:
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 for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
More information:
Kigali International Airport is open. Land borders are closed except to returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents.
If you travel to Rwanda despite our advice, all arrivals must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure. COVID-19 tests are not mandatory for accompanying children under five years.
Refer to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s website for the most up to date guidance for travellers. You must complete a passenger locator form and upload a COVID-19 test certificate before heading to the airport.
You'll be screened upon arrival and required to take a second COVID-19 (PCR) test for a payment of $US60. Additional fees apply for specific airport logistics. If you don't use the payment methods provided on the passenger locator form you may be required to pay again at arrival and claim a refund for any previous payment.
After testing, you'll be required to wait 24 hours for the results in a designated transit hotel. After receiving a negative result, you can leave the hotel but will be required to self-quarantine for seven days. At the end of this period, you'll be invited via SMS to a designated testing site for a final test that will be performed free of charge.
Arriving business travellers who plan to be in Rwanda for a short stay (less than seven days) and international tourists scheduled to visit national parks will not be required to undergo seven-day quarantine. However, they are still subject to departure tests and the Rwandan Government strongly advises travellers to limit their interactions with local communities. Proof of itinerary will be verified on arrival by authorities.
Departing Rwanda
If you're departing Rwanda you must test negative for COVID-19 by undertaking a COVID-19 (PCR) test within 72 hours of your departure. You're also advised to check test validity requirements at your transit and destination countries. COVID-19 tests are not mandatory for accompanying children under five years.
The government encourages you to book and pay for your tests through the online platform available at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre website. You're required to wait 48 hours for the results of your COVID-19 test from the time of sample collection.
Measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 are being strictly enforced. The government is regularly reviewing these measures, and you should consult the Prime Minister of Rwanda’s office website for the most recent updates. A curfew is in place across the country from 9pm to 4am, except in the Southern province districts of Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe where movement is prohibited between 7pm to 4am.
Face masks must be worn in public at all times. There are a number of restrictions on the operation of businesses, public places and social gatherings.
If staying in Rwanda:
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.
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:
Australian emergency passports are only accepted with pre-approval from the Rwandan immigration department.
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.
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:
More information:
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.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
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.
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.
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: Australian High Commission, Kenya
Twitter: @AusHCKenya
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.