Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the parts of Rusizi District which are within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport.
\n\nRisks associated with the proximity of potential fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect people on the Rwandan side of the border. International borders are often not well marked in remote areas, and you could unknowingly cross into DRC. You may see a presence of military personnel on both sides of the border.
\n\nSee Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information. Keep up to date with developments through local media.
\n\nThe border crossings between Rwanda and DRC could close at short notice.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Rwanda’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Rwanda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Rwandan High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Rwanda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page for entry stamps.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Rwanda as a visitor. As a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you can get a free 30-day visa on arrival.
\n\nRwanda’s immigration department has information on visa requirements.
\n\nYou can also apply for a visa from the Rwandan High Commission in London.
\n\nYou must get a UK Police Certificate before you travel if you’re applying for a resident, business or missionary multiple-entry visa. It usually takes at least 10 working days to process.
\n\nLand border crossing opening hours between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at Gisenyi-Goma and Cyangugu-Bukavu vary. The conflict in DRC could further affect border crossings (see Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice). The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of the Rusizi District.
\n\nYou may experience immigration difficulties if you do not have residency status and regularly cross between the two countries.
\n\nIn response to the current Ebola outbreak in DRC, the Government of Rwanda has introduced health-screening measures at Kigali International Airport and border restrictions with DRC. These measures may be subject to short notice change. Check the latest advice of local authorities and tour operators ahead of travel.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Rwanda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou must declare drones when you arrive. They may be confiscated or held until you leave the country.
\n\nTo enter Rwanda, if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Rwanda guide.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Rwanda.
\n\nThere 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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nCrime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging (violent theft) in Kigali.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk:
\n\nSome off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well lit or signposted. You could be arrested and detained if you enter these areas. Take extra care when walking around less populated zones, particularly at night.
\n\nThere has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
\n\nEven small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Rwanda have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nIt is illegal to photograph some government buildings. If you use a drone to take photographs of a prohibited area without a permit, you risk being imprisoned or receiving a severe fine.
\n\nConsensual same-sex sexual acts are not illegal in Rwanda, but can be frowned upon by locals.
\n\nRwanda’s laws do not discriminate against sexual orientation, and its constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThere is a ban on plastic bags in Rwanda for environmental reasons. If you have plastic bags when you arrive in the country, they will be confiscated.
\n\nVapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Rwanda. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. If you are found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes you will have them confiscated and could be fined.
\n\nThe week following Genocide Memorial Day on 7 April is an official week of mourning.
\n\nThe last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, a national day of community service. Most normal services close from 7am to 11am. Kigali also has a car-free morning from 7am to 10am on the first and third Sunday of the month to promote exercise and reduce car emissions. Other cities in the country may also hold car-free mornings. You should check with the local authorities as these might happen at different times.
\n\nIf you plan to travel close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo border on a gorilla or chimpanzee trek, check travel advice for Rusizi District and the DRC border region. If you plan on crossing the border into DRC, check the travel advice for DRC. Short-notice border closures could impact any travel plans in the region. Plan your journey in advance and discuss your itinerary with your tour operator. Keep up to date with developments through your tour operator and check the local media.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Rwanda, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nAfter one year of driving, you must have a Rwandan licence. You should:
\n\nRoads from Kigali to all major towns are in good condition but can be damaged by landslides during the rainy season. After dark, many roads outside of larger urban centres are unlit and driving standards are poor.
\n\nShared taxis (mini vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport, but are very vulnerable to accidents.
\n\nLevels of building health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the UK. Buildings and construction sites have collapsed, causing deaths and serious injuries.
\n\nFire safety standards vary and fires in residential and public places are a continuing risk. Poor wiring and sub-standard electrical cables have caused building fires. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season runs from February to May and from September to December. April is the height of the rainy season. Heavy storms can cause disruption and damage, including landslides and floods. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere is a risk of earthquakes in Rwanda. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. The US Geological Survey has a real-time earthquake map that captures information following significant seismic activity. If there is an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the authorities.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nSee advice for the Rwanda-DRC border on the Warnings and insurance page.
\n\nBurundi closed the border to Rwanda in January 2024. There might be some tension near the border, as both sides have accused the other of cross-border raids targeting local inhabitants.
\n\nBorder crossings Uganda have temporarily closed at short notice in recent years. Be aware of the impact that short-notice border closures could have on any travel plans in the region.
\n\nIf you’re travelling near the DRC or Burundi borders, be aware of the risk of cross-border attacks and government security operations given the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
\n\nIn recent years, armed incursions have occurred into south-west Rwanda:
\n\nBefore you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Rwanda including mpox.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Rwanda. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nOn 15 May the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nDue to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
\n\nOn 20 December 2024, the Government of Rwanda announced the end of the outbreak of Marburg virus disease that began on 27 September 2024. The outbreak was linked to contact with fruit bats in a mine near Kigali.
\n\nThe last confirmed case of Marburg virus disease was reported on 30 October 2024. There remains a risk of re-emergence of the disease linked to viral persistence in body fluids of recovered patients and the potential animal reservoir in the country, so if visiting or working in caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, you should wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing (including face masks).
\n\nCheck the latest situation with local authorities before travelling. You can find more information on Marburg virus disease from the WHO, and TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nOnly limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. If you have a serious accident or illness, you may need to be evacuated by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Rwanda where some staff speak English.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Rwanda.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 112
\n\nPolice: 112
\n\nFire: 111
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Rwanda on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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