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Rwanda
Country Specific Information
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May 19, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Rwanda is a landlocked developing country in central Africa which has made considerable progress in rebuilding its infrastructure
and establishing security since the 1994 civil war and genocide in which at least 800,000 people were killed. Economic activity
and tourism are on the rise in Rwanda. Hotels and guesthouses are adequate in Kigali, the capital, and in major towns, but
are limited in remote areas. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Rwanda for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required. Visas are not required for American citizens entering
Rwanda for less than 90 days. U.S. citizens planning on working in Rwanda should apply for a work permit at the Directorate
of Immigration as soon as possible after arrival in Rwanda. Detailed entry information may be obtained from Rwanda’s Directorate
of Immigration at: http://www.migration.gov.rw/ or from the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC 20009, telephone 202-232-2882,
fax 202-232-4544, web site http://www.rwandaembassy.org. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Rwandan Embassy or Consulate.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: There are currently no travel restrictions in place within Rwanda, but travelers should use caution when traveling near
or crossing the border into Burundi, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda.
In March 2005, the Congo-based Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), comprising ex-Rwandese Armed Forces,
Interahamwe, and other extremists, announced it would end its armed struggle against the Government of Rwanda, but thousands
of combatants are estimated to remain in eastern Congo. The combatants currently are not well-organized or funded, nor do
they pose a serious threat to Rwandan security. However, in early March 2007, in Gisenyi Province (near the Volcanoes National
Park in northwestern Rwanda) they launched a mortar round and rocket into Rwandan territory. There were no casualties, and
it appears to have been an isolated incident. While visitors may travel freely to Volcanoes National Park, they are not permitted
to visit the park without permission from Rwanda's Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). ORTPN stipulates that the
park can only be used for gorilla tours and nature walks. Since December 2006, all restrictions have been lifted in the Nyungwe
Forest near the Burundian border in southwestern Rwanda. In the past, the FDLR infiltrated Rwanda from Burundi through the
Nyungwe Forest, but the last reported incident in the park was in November 2003. However, FDLR rebel factions are known to
operate in northeastern DRC, Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda, including near the popular tourist area of Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest National Park. For information on travel to those and other countries, and for the latest security information, American
citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
From time to time, travel by U.S. Embassy personnel may be restricted based on changing security conditions. Visitors are
encouraged to contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office or Consular Section for the latest security information,
including developments in eastern Congo, Uganda and Burundi. (See Registration/Embassy Location section below.)
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Pick-pocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from cars and hotel rooms. Although violent crimes such as carjacking, robbery, and home invasion occur in Kigali, they are rarely committed against foreigners. Americans are advised to remain alert, exercise caution, and follow appropriate personal security measures. Although many parts of Kigali are safe at night, walking alone after dark is not recommended since foreigners, including Americans, have occasionally been the targets of robbery.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime. The U.S. Embassy provides some information on its web site about criminal justice in Rwanda at http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/criminal_justice_in_rwanda.html.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical and dental facilities are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. Travelers should bring
their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. In Kigali, Americans may go to King Faisal Hospital, a
private facility that offers limited services and dental facilities. There is also a missionary dental clinic and a few private
dentists. American-operated charitable hospitals with some surgical facilities can be found in Kibagora, in southwestern Rwanda,
in Ruhengeri, near the gorilla trekking area, and in Rwinkavu, near the entrance to Akagera National Park. The U.S. Embassy
maintains on its website a current list of healthcare providers and facilities in Rwanda at http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html; this list is also included in the Consular Section’s welcome packets for American citizens. There are periodic outbreaks
of meningitis in Rwanda. Yellow fever can cause serious medical problems, but the vaccine, required for entry, is very effective
in preventing the disease. Malaria is endemic to Rwanda. All visitors are strongly encouraged to take prophylactic medications
to prevent malaria. These should be initiated prior to entry into the endemic area. Because of possible counterfeit of antimalarial
medications, these should be obtained from a reliable pharmaceutical source. Multiple outbreaks of ebola have been reported
in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in the past year, but none within Rwanda.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Rwanda is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Due to safety concerns, the use of motorbikes or van taxis for transportation is not recommended. Regulated orange-striped
(along the base of the vehicle) sedan auto taxis are safer, but be sure to agree on a fare before beginning the trip. Public
transportation can be dangerous due to overloading, inadequate maintenance, and careless drivers.
While the main roads in Rwanda are in relatively good condition, during the rainy season many side roads are passable only
with four-wheel drive vehicles. Nighttime driving, particularly outside major cities, is hazardous and is discouraged. Often,
roadways are not marked and lack streetlights and shoulders. Many sections have deteriorated surfaces. Due to possible language
barriers and lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult. Travelers may be stopped at police roadblocks throughout
the country, where their vehicles and luggage may be searched. Service stations are available along main roads.
In Rwanda, as in the U.S., traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road. Cars already in a traffic circle have the right
of way. Until 2004, cars entering traffic circles had the right-of-way. Drivers should exercise caution at traffic circles,
since some drivers might forget this change. Excessive speed, careless driving, and the lack of basic safety equipment on
many vehicles are hazards on Rwanda's roads. Many vehicles are not well maintained, and headlights are either extremely dim
or not used. Drivers also tend to speed and pass other cars with little discretion. Some streets in Kigali have sidewalks
or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic; others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk along the roadway. With the
limited street lighting, drivers often have difficulty seeing pedestrians. Drivers frequently have unexpected encounters with
cyclists, pedestrians and livestock.
Third-party insurance is required and will cover any damages from involvement in an accident resulting in injuries, if one
is found not to have been at fault. The driver’s license of individuals determined to have caused an accident may be confiscated
for three months. Causing a fatal accident could result in three to six months' imprisonment. Drunk drivers are jailed for
24 hours and fined Rwandan Francs 20,000 (approximately $35). In the city of Kigali, contact the following numbers for police
assistance in the event of an accident: Kigali Center, 08311112; Nyamirambo, 08311113; Kacyiru, 08311114; Kicukiro, 08311115;
Remera, 08311116. Ambulance assistance is very limited. Wear seat belts and drive with care and patience at all times. In
case of an emergency, American citizens can contact the Embassy duty officer at 0830-0345.
For specific information concerning Rwandan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please
contact the Rwandan Office of Tourism and National Parks, B.P. 905, Kigali, Rwanda, telephone 250-76514, fax 250-76512.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible
for road safety at http://www.gov.rw/.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Rwanda, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
In recent months, Rwandair, which charters aircraft to fly its routes, has had difficulties maintaining its schedule, resulting in delayed and cancelled flights which have left passengers stranded for extended periods.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Telephone communication to and from Rwanda is generally reliable. Cellular telephones and Internet connections are available
in Kigali and large towns.
Non-biodegradable plastic bags have been banned in Rwanda, and travelers carrying them upon arrival at the Kayibanda International
airport may have them confiscated and have to pay approximately $4 for a reusable cloth replacement.
International ATMs are not available in Rwanda. The Rwandan franc is freely exchangeable for hard currencies in banks and
the Bureaux de Change. Several Kigali banks can handle wire transfers from U.S. banks, including Western Union. Credit cards
are accepted at only a few hotels in Kigali and only to settle hotel bills. Hotels currently accepting credit cards for payment
include the Kigali Serena (formerly Intercontinental) Hotel, the Hotel des Mille Collines, the Novotel Umubano, Stipp Hotel
and the Kivu Sun Hotel. Note that there may be an added fee for using a credit card. Travelers should expect to handle most
expenses, including air tickets, in cash. Traveler's checks can be cashed only at commercial banks. Because some travelers
have had difficulty using U.S. currency printed before the year 2000, the Embassy recommends traveling with newer U.S. currency
notes.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Rwandan laws, even unknowingly,
may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Rwanda are severe,
and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using
or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information
on Criminal Penalties.
The U.S. Embassy provides some information on its website about criminal justice in Rwanda.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction. Both foreigners and Rwandans taking Rwandan children to live outside Rwanda, e.g., after adoption, must obtain an exit permission letter from the Ministry of Family and Gender located within the Primature complex at P.O. Box 969, Kigali, Rwanda; Tel: 011-250-587-128; Fax: 011-250-587-127.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Rwanda are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Rwanda. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; tel. (250) 596-400,; fax: (250) 596-591. The Consular Section’s email address is consularkigali@state.gov. The Embassy's web site is http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/. American Citizen Services hours are Tuesdays from 9:00 -17:00 and Fridays from 9:00 - 12:00 except on U.S. and Rwandan holidays.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Rwanda dated October 4, 2007, to update sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Information for Victims of Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, Criminal Penalties, Children’s Issues, and Registration/Embassy Location.
