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Rwanda has officially reopened for tourism as of June 17, 2020 and is allowing tourists from all countries to visit.
Rwanda, a gorgeous country located in east-central Africa, has seen an increase in international tourism over the past few years, up to about 15% of the country’s total GDP. Local government has expressed how important tourism is to the nation and their need to resume international travel, all while keeping citizens safe.
Rwanda Reopening Tourist Guidelines
Even though Rwanda is open to all nations, there are some important requirements and things to know before you book your trip.
Can all countries visit Rwanda?
Yes. Rwanda is one of the most relaxed countries in the world in terms of reopening, allowing tourists from all nations. They also clarify that there are no restrictions based on either nationality OR country of departure.
Photo Cred: VisitRwanda.com
Does Rwanda Have Mandatory Testing?
Yes. Testing is required before arrival and again upon arrival. In order to gain entry into Rwanda as a tourist, you must take a PCR test in your own country within 120 hours of departure and have the negative results as proof. The negative test must be uploaded to the online Passenger Locator Form before your departure and a copy of the results brought with you to show customs upon entry into Rwanda.
At the airport upon arrival, travelers will be tested again with the results available in around 12-24 hours. The test is $50 USD and arrivals will wait in a designated hotel for results.
Rwanda does mention that if it’s impossible to get tested in your home country before your flight, they do have an option to be tested on arrival. There would be one test at the airport, plus another 48 hours after arrival, both at the cost of the traveler.
Do I have to quarantine upon arriving into Rwanda?
No. Any traveler who has their negative-PCR test in hand, and is showing no symptoms, will not have to quarantine upon arrival into Rwanda.
However, a ‘quarantine' of sorts will be required for all travelers for 12-24 hours in a designated hotel while they await their results from the PCR test they took upon arrival at the airport.
Photo Cred: VisitRwanda.com
Testing before visiting tourist attractions
A unique regulation for tourists in Rwanda is this: All tourists must be tested before visiting any tourist attraction or embarking on any tour/trek. (Yes, even if you brought in your negative-PCR test.) If you will be touring outside your hotel, visiting any attractions, or going on any tours, you will be tested again upon arrival at the airport and will await results in your hotel for around 8 hours. The cost of this second test will be included in tour prices.
To Summarize:
- All countries can visit
- All countries must fill out a pre-arrival form
- All countries must bring a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding
- Another test will be done upon arrival
- No quarantine for arrivals
- Re-Testing may be done before going on in-country tours or treks
Photo Cred: VisitRwanda.com
What’s Open in Rwanda?
Hotels, restaurants, shops, tour operators and many other businesses have all reopened in Rwanda.
Popular parks such as Volcanos National Park, Nyungwe Natinal Park and Akagera National Park have all reopened to international tourists, but some protocols need to be followed. Click on the name of each park to see the visitor guidelines.
The tourism board of Rwanda has also been putting together special offers for incoming tourists.
RDB is pleased to announce the re-opening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for charter flights, effective 17 June 2020.
— Rwanda Development Board (@RDBrwanda) June 17, 2020
More: https://t.co/qmMFS34Ddi#VisitRwanda #TemberaURwanda🇷🇼 pic.twitter.com/nCsFP5Oces
Important Update August 26:
On August 26, the Government of Rwanda announced updated COVID-19 prevention measures, after a surge in cases.
- Movements are prohibited from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
- Limits on mass gatherings continue.
- Bars inside of hotels and restaurants remain closed. Hotels and restaurants are permitted to operate.
- Land borders remain closed, except for cargo and returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents.
- The Kigali International Airport remains open with a limited flight schedule.
- Public transport between Kigali and other districts is prohibited. Private transport between Kigali and other districts (except for Rusizi District) will continue.
Have Flights Resumed to Rwanda?
Flights are just starting to resume to Rwanda, with more expected to resume as demand climbs. RwandAir usually flies directly into Kigali from: Brussels, Dubai, Tel Aviv, and were hoping to launch a direct flight from NYC before the pandemic hit. These flights have not yet resumed, but are expected to soon.
Photo Cred: VisitRwanda.com
Cool tip about Rwanda:
Tourists love the temperate tropical highland climate that you wouldn’t expect to see so close to the equator. Since Rwanda is so high in elevation, the daily high averages around 26°c and the low around 16°c, all year round. This makes a perfect environment for trekking and other outdoor adventure activities, of which Rwanda has plenty.
Read More: Want to see what other countries are open? Read our complete list of countries now reopen for tourism
Sources: VisitRwanda / RDB.rw /
Disclaimer: Rwanda’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
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Originally published June 24, 2020 with updates
Peter
Saturday 21st of November 2020
Can one from a nearby country like Uganda also visit without traveling by air
Daveon Davenport
Thursday 24th of September 2020
Does Airbnb count as designated hotel? It is not actually a hotel but rather a 6 bedroom house near the airport.
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 25th of September 2020
Sorry, I dont have that information
Mark
Tuesday 1st of September 2020
Hello, is your info accurate? You stated that there is no quarantine required upon arrival, but the website of the US embassy in Rwanda says that travelers are required to quarantine for 24 hours upon arrival in designated hotels? It also says that the pre departure test must be done within 120 hours prior to departure, not 72 hours as stated above. So which info is accurate? Trying to find up the most up to date info about Rwanda requirements. Thanks for your blog you are so helpful.
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 2nd of September 2020
Hi Mark, We did a slight update. - The hours are now 120 hours instead of 72 - We had it listed as you have to wait 8hours for the test results on arrival, which they have raised to 24.
ekta garg
Wednesday 24th of June 2020
Nice!