VoyaggoraTravel Live
Government advisories for Rwanda
US State Department
US L3 · Reconsider travelReconsider Travel
Reconsider travel in Rwanda due to crime , unrest and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Rwanda due to the Health situation. Health The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jun 4, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · regionalAdvises against all but essential travel to parts
Latest change: New information about vapes and e-cigarette bans in Rwanda and updated information about border measures introduced by the Rwandan Government in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security'…
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Sep 4, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongings: Crime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging (violent theft) in Kigali. To reduce your personal risk: take care when walking at night arrange transport in advance lock car doors when driving do not leave valuables in parked cars avoid carrying large…
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Sep 4, 2026
LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says
- LGBT+ travellers: Consensual same-sex sexual acts are not illegal in Rwanda, but can be frowned upon by locals. Rwanda’s laws do not discriminate against sexual orientation, and its constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Sep 4, 2026
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Rwanda
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to Rwanda take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
- Cholera (children): Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
CDC health page for Rwanda · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
Government of Canada
CA 1 · Normal precautionsTake normal security precautions (some regions differ)
Latest change: Health – editorial change
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Sep 9, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · no travel warningNo travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · yellowYellow: be alert, safety risks (regions differ, up to orange)
De kleurcode van het reisadvies is oranje voor het grensgebied met de DRC. Reis alleen hierheen als het noodzakelijk is. Het is niet veilig er op vakantie te gaan. Lees meer onder Regionale risico’s. Voor de rest van Rwanda geldt kleurcode geel. U kunt erheen reizen. Maar let op: er zijn bijzondere veiligheidsrisico’s.
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Sep 15, 2026
New Zealand SafeTravel
NZ · level 1Exercise normal safety and security precautions
Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 22 May 2026
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L3 · Avoid all travelHighest level: Avoid all travel
Level 3 in 1 area, level 2 in 1 area, level 1 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
ルワンダの危険情報【一部地域の危険レベル引き上げ】
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated Feb 3, 2025
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Where in Rwanda the UK advises against travel
Rusizi District
FCDO 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.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice, areas where it advises against travel (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Sep 4, 2026
Entry requirements for Rwanda
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: You 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.
- Passport: To 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.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This 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.
The 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.
Passport validity requirements
To 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.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You 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.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Visa requirements
You 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.
Rwanda’s immigration department has information on visa requirements.
Applying for a visa
You can also apply for a visa from the Rwandan High Commission in London.
You 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.
Travel between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Land 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.
You may experience immigration difficulties if you do not have residency status and regularly cross between the two countries.
Border measures
In 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.
Customs rules
There 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.
You must declare drones when you arrive. They may be confiscated or held until you leave the country.
Vaccine requirements
To 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.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Rwanda guide.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Sep 4, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: required - a 30 day visa can be obtained upon arrival or in advance via the Irembo platform
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Rwanda.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: required - a 30 day visa can be obtained upon arrival or in advance via the Irembo platform
Work permit: required
Business visa: required, valid for 90 days and may be extended once. You may obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival. Visa extension requests can be made via the Irembo platform.
Useful links
- Irembo platform for visa applications – Government of Rwanda
- Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
East African Tourist Visa
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) allows for multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It is valid for 90 days and cannot be extended. You may obtain this visa:
- online
- upon arrival
- at the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate
If you get the EATV visa prior to your departure, your first entry point must be the country that issued the visa.
EATV application – Government of Rwanda.
Border closures
The border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since January 11, 2024. The border will remain closed until further notice.
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Sep 9, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Rwanda).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Essentials for travelers
Emergency 112 Ambulance 912 Fire 111
- Plugs: type C, E, G
- Power: 230 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the right
- Tap water: not recommended
- Calling code: +250
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: high. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
U Rwanda Kinyarwanda · Rwanda French
Essential phrases in French
| Hello | Bonjour | |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | Merci | |
| Help! | Au secours ! | |
| Where is the hospital? | Où est l'hôpital ? | |
| I need the police | J'ai besoin de la police | |
| I need a doctor | J'ai besoin d'un médecin | |
| How much is it? | C'est combien ? | |
| Where is the toilet? | Où sont les toilettes ? |
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
More live hazards and notices
- Latest official air temperature readings: Rubengera 21.6 °C (08:00 UTC), Nyagatare 21.9 °C (08:00 UTC), Kazo 23.1 °C (08:00 UTC). Source: Meteo Rwanda through WMO WIS2 (core data, free and unrestricted under the WMO data policy). Checked .
- Globe at Night campaign running 2026-11-01 to 2026-11-10: look for Cygnus, Grus, Pegasus. Join in: globeatnight.org.
- Tourism board, recent posts (Rwanda Development Board):
- Huye Investment Forum Highlights Strategic Opportunities to Accelerate Investment and Economic Growth
- Rwanda and Pakistan Advance Trade and Investment Cooperation at Investment Forum in Kigali
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 1475 RWF · 1 euro ≈ 1656 RWF
Central-bank reference rate for Oct 18, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Voyaggora destination guides
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Rwanda?
- Is it safe to travel to Rwanda right now?
- It depends on where you go. As of Oct 18, 08:24 UTC. The US State Department rates Rwanda Level 3 of 4, "Reconsider travel". Canada says "Take normal security precautions", with regional advisories. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Rwanda. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Which parts of Rwanda do governments warn about?
- Governments warn about parts of Rwanda rather than the whole country. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Rwanda. Canada lists regional advisories. The US State Department page lists area-specific levels. Open each official page for the exact areas and routes.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Rwanda right now?
- As of Oct 18, 08:24 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Rwanda: more live hazards and notices. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
Get alerts
Prefer a feed reader or the weekly email? Alerts feed (Atom/RSS) · Weekly Brief by email
Know before you go
Get the biggest travel alerts and where to go next in our free Weekly Brief.
Get the Weekly BriefWe do not have a live airport, road or transit feed for Rwanda. We show the official government notices above with their dates rather than guessing.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.